The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is a symbol of ancient China. When you stand within the grand and orderly high walls and deep courtyards, you can truly feel its former glory.
▲ The long history has left behind large-scale precious architecture and countless cultural relics, which are the main attractions for today’s visitors to the Palace Museum.
▲ Classic attraction: The Corner Tower of the Forbidden City is a multi-faceted building with a protruding rectangular layout, located in Dongcheng District of Beijing. It has three roof layers, with the upper layer being a cross-gable roof formed by the combination of two sloped roofs and a flat-roofed hall. Because there are nine main ridges on this roof, it is called the Nine-Ridge Hall.
▲ Sundials can be divided into equatorial and horizontal types based on their installation principles. The sundial using the equatorial principle is known as the equatorial sundial. The key points of its production include having a time dial, a latitude arc, and a gnomon. During operation, the time dial must be parallel to the Earth’s equatorial plane, and the gnomon must be aligned with the earth’s axis direction; the shadow cast by the gnomon on the dial is the desired time.
▲ The Treasure Gallery is located in the area of the Ningxia Palace, housing a particularly rich collection of treasures, including Buddhist items, ornaments, daily utensils, and exquisite collectibles. Among them, the red coral lion approximately fourteen centimeters tall, the east pearl necklace about one hundred thirty centimeters long, and the gold seal “Fengtian Zhibao” are particularly rare treasures.
▲ The Clock Gallery is located in the Fengxian Hall within the palace, showcasing primarily British clocks, along with clocks from France, Switzerland, and other countries. These clocks, in addition to their timekeeping function, feature people, animals, flowers, and other decorations that perform various movements, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Notable examples include the gold-plated writing clock, the gold-plated enameled gourd-top fishing clock, and the gold-plated turning flower rhino clock.
Opening Hours
04/01-08/15 Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-17:00; 08/17-10/31 Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-17:00; 11/01-03/31 Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-16:30; 01/01-08/15 Closed on Monday; 08/17-12/31 Closed on Monday; During Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, National Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival 08:30-17:00; New Year’s Day 08:30-16:30; 08/16 08:30-12:30, last entry time includes the Clock Gallery and Treasure Gallery.
Preferential Policies
Minors: Chinese citizens (including residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, as well as foreign nationals with permanent residency) under 18 years old (not including) must make an online reservation in advance and can enter for free with a guardian.
Seniors: Age 60 years (inclusive) and above receive a discount.
Students: Students aged 18 years (inclusive) and above, below undergraduate level (inclusive of undergraduate, excluding adult education and graduate studies) with a student ID or school introduction letter, receive a discount.
Persons with Disabilities: Free entry with valid disability certification.
Non-active Military Personnel, etc.: On “Army Day” (August 1), veterans, retired military personnel, martyrs’ family members, surviving family members of military personnel who died in service, active military personnel’s family members with valid documents can enter for free.
Retired Cadres: Free with retirement certificate.
Low-Income Individuals: Individuals holding a social security certificate for receiving benefits in this city can enter at half price with related valid original documents.
Women: On International Women’s Day (March 8), female visitors receive half-price tickets.
Parents accompanying children under 14: On Children’s Day (June 1), parents accompanying children aged 14 and below (including 14 years old) enjoy half-price entry, for one parent only.
Military Personnel: Active-duty military personnel can enter for free with their valid original ID and work certificate.
Fire Rescue Personnel: Free entry with their valid original ID and work certificate.
Additional Notes: Free tickets for minors (including the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery) require advance reservation.
Service Facilities
Luggage Storage: Prices are subject to on-site conditions; address: East side between Wumen and Shenwumen; luggage can be transported for free between Wumen (South Gate) and Shenwumen (North Gate).
Guided Tours: The Palace Museum provides electronic tour services. Self-service electronic devices can be found at the east and west entrances of the three great halls. Consultation phone: Visitor Service Center (Duanmen): 85007938; Taihemen Consultation Desk: 85007420.
Audio Guide Rental: Reference prices: 20 yuan for Chinese and Cantonese versions, 40 yuan for other languages; deposit of 100 yuan per unit; address: Inside Wumen and Shenwumen.
Stroller Rental: Reference price: Free; address: Visitor Service Center.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available within the scenic area near the ticket sales area, visitor center, Lanting Exhibition Room, Arsenal, South Group Houses, and Chengqian Gate, with prominent signage.
Mother-Baby Room: A childcare center is located near Longzong Gate in the Palace Museum.
Accessible Pathways: The Palace Museum has accessible pathways with clear signage; if assistance is needed, visitors can seek help from staff.
ATM Machines: Two ATM machines are located within the Palace Museum; specific locations can be found on the official website.
Dining: Restaurants are available near Longzong Gate, Jingyun Gate, Jianting, Yangxin Palace, and Shenning Palace (two in total).
Souvenir Shops: There are 20 souvenir shops within the palace grounds, located near Wuying Hall (1), Wenhua Hall (1), Jingyun Gate (2), Yangxin Palace (1), Qianqing Palace (3), Jiaoqin Hall (2), Imperial Garden (6), Qianlong Garden (1), Huangji Store (2), and Shenwumen (1).
Convenience Stores: Convenience stores are located at the entrance, exit, and along pathways within the scenic area, near Kunning Palace, Jiaotai Hall, and Shenwumen. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted.
