The Forbidden City is the imperial palace complex in the center of the Imperial City in Beijing, China. It was the residence of twenty-four Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors and was the center of political power in China from 1420 to 1924. The palace is now administered by the Palace Museum and has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Visiting tips
- Tickets must be booked in advance with your passport; closed most Mondays.
- Best season in China: April to May and September to October.
- Carry water, sun protection and clothing suitable for religious sites where relevant.
Location map
Open in Google Maps · Coordinates via Wikipedia.
Where to stay nearby
The most convenient base is Beijing. Recommended areas: Dongcheng / Wangfujing (walk to the Forbidden City); Hutongs near Houhai (courtyard hotels with character); Sanlitun (modern dining and nightlife).
Nearby landmarks

Great Wall at Mutianyu
A restored, forested stretch of the Great Wall with a cable car and toboggan.
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Terracotta Army
Thousands of life-size clay warriors guarding the first emperor's tomb.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul's Joseon-dynasty palaces, with a changing of the guard.
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The Bund
A riverfront promenade of colonial buildings facing Pudong's skyline.
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