Forbidden City Guided Tour
Tour Details
At the scheduled time, we'll begin this guided tour of the Forbidden City of Beijing. Then, we'll embark on a guided tour of one of the most spectacular palace complexes in China.
Accompanied by your guide, an expert in the history of Beijing and of the palace complex, you'll wander through the immense courtyards giving way to pagodas and pavilions where you'll be able to imagine the ceremonies held here by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties throughout history.
Following a brief introduction, we'll enter this fascinating site, which UNESCO considers the world's largest architectural ensemble of ancient wooden structures. First, we'll walk through the spacious courtyards that lead to the pavilions where the emperor's official ceremonies were held.
Within the walls of the Forbidden City, 24 different emperors ruled China for almost 500 years, and its importance in Chinese history is evident as you explore. Discover the incredible details of the ancient architecture and the philosophical and religious symbolism they represent, from the yellow roof tiles - the color of the emperor - to the imperial roof decorations, gilded lion temple guardians, and exquisitely carved dragons.
We'll also visit the Royal Treasury Museum, of great ornamental value, to marvel at the magnificent craftsmanship of ancient China.
Then, after between 3.5 and 4 hours immersed in the wonder of this great palace complex, we'll bring our guided tour to an end. But if you want to continue soaking up the site's history, feel free to stay within the city walls and continue your exploration!
Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City Tour
When booking, you can choose this option, which includes a visit to Tiananmen Square before following the same itinerary as described above. In this square, we'll see some of the most iconic landmarks in modern Chinese history, including the Tian'anmen Gate to the north—the very site where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. With its colossal size of 100 acres (40.5 hectares), Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world! At its heart stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering granite obelisk that pays tribute to those who gave their lives during revolutionary struggles in China.
Surrounding the square are several monumental buildings that showcase the nation's political and cultural importance, such as the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People, which houses the Chinese government. The square is also home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, where visitors can pay their respects to the former leader. Over time, Tiananmen Square has witnessed defining moments in the country's recent history, including the protests in 1989, which led to widespread global attention and the declaration of Martial Law in Beijing. There is history at every corner of this square!
Important: if you chose the option, the tour will last between 4 and 4.5 hours.
Meeting Points
Depending on your chosen option, please note the following meeting points:
- Forbidden City Tour: at the Bank of China Donganmen Branch
- Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City Tour: at the Muji Hotel Beijing
Important Info
- We need a minimum of 10 people per group to run this tour. If we don't reach that number for your selected date, we'll offer you an alternative date.
- The number of tickets to the Forbidden City is very limited. Therefore, we recommend booking this tour well in advance.
- In case of booking more than one week in advance, keeping in mind Beijing's local time, the supplier will buy the tickets online. If you book less than one week in advance, you will have to queue up with the guide to purchase the tickets. In addition, you will not have skip-the-line access.
- On the day of the activity, you will have to fill in a short form to enter the Forbidden City. The guide will accompany you in the process.
- You must provide your passport details correctly during the booking process, as tickets to the Forbidden City will be issued based on the information you provide. If there are any errors, entry will be denied.
More Information
Duration
4h - 4h 30m.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
English–speaking guide
Admission to Tiananmen Square (depending on selection)
Skip–the–line admission to the Forbidden City and the Royal Treasure Museum (when reserving a week in advance)
Skip–the–line access tickets
Headphones to listen to the guides explanations
When to book?
You can book up until 10 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 10 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Beijing Botrip Tour Holiday Company (Mubus) Corporate name: Beijing Shengda Holiday Travel Agency Co., Ltd. Registered Office: Room101B, No.2 Building,Yanyue Office Tower, Dongcheng District, Beijing. PR China, Beijing, China Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 91110106MA002L1L31 Contact information Email: 100146019@qq.com Phone: +86 139 109 412 46
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Bank of China Donganmen Branch, next to the metro exit
Where does the activity end?
Gate of Divine Prowess
