Available languages
Mobile ticket
Ideal for history, culture, architecture, and museum enthusiasts, this tour embodies the popular saying: "70% of visiting the Forbidden City is learning its stories, 30% is seeing the palaces". Over this walking experience, you’ll pause at key spots for engaging "story time"—gaining deep insights into its rich culture—while exploring major buildings and courtyards. With small group size, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your guide. Entrance fees are included.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Your passport name and number are required at time of booking (for all participants)
Please don't forget to bring your passport, you may be refused entry without it.
0-3 Years old infant is free, children have to purchase tickets as well
Tian'anmen Square might close without advance notice due to government activity, if this happens you will skip the Square
Tour departs punctually. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Once the tour left, you are unable to join the tour, and this tour is not refundable.
Chinese citizens, including customers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, need to reserve the tickets for the Palace Museum 7 days in advance. Once the tickets for the Palace Museum are sold out, it will be impossible to participate in this itinerary. In addition, according to the regulations of the Palace Museum, Chinese citizens can only choose to reserve tickets with their ID cards. Therefore, when making a reservation, it is necessary to submit the Chinese name and ID card number, and on the day of the tour, the submitted ID document must be presented to join the tour group.
In case of peak travel seasons and when all the tickets reserved online for the scenic area are sold out, tourists are required to go to the ticket office of the scenic area by themselves under the guidance of the tour guide to handle the purchase of paper tickets on-site. Please be informed.
Since this is a small - group itinerary, your punctual arrival at the meeting point is essential for a seamless travel experience. Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum have strict regulations and procedures. If you are late, it may unfortunately prevent you from joining the tour and entering the Palace Museum. Due to the unique nature of the itinerary arrangements, in the event that lateness causes you to miss the tour, we regret that we will not be able to process a refund. We highly recommend that you communicate with your hotel in advance to accurately confirm the travel time from the hotel to the meeting point and make sufficient preparations. This way, you can embark on your journey with ease and enjoy every moment of it.
In Peak season, the security checks at Tiananmen Square are particularly stringent. If the waiting time exceeds one hour, we recommend considering a bus ride that passes by the square. Given the sweltering heat, waiting in line for an extended period increases the risk of heat - related illnesses. Additionally, spending too much time at the square could detract from your experience at the iconic Forbidden City, which is a highlight of our tour. We will only proceed with this alternative if the majority of the group is in agreement. Please keep this in mind as we plan our visit.
This tour is not recommended for travelers with physical/visual impairments or mobility restrictions due to varied terrain (underground passages, stairs) and the length of the tour. Please note that this tour covers 4 hours of walking.
This tour is not recommended for travelers with physical/visual impairments or mobility restrictions due to varied terrain (underground passages, stairs) and the length of the tour. Please note that this tour covers 4 hours of walking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Beijing
Please note that we have three different tour packages available. Please choose according to your needs, and check carefully the different meeting points and times for each option. You must bring your actual valid passport for this tour. Option 1 Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour Start time: 7:30 am & 9:30am & 11:30am Meeting point: In front of Laoshe Teahouse Option 2 2.5 Hour Forbidden City (without Tian’anmen Square) Start time: 8:00 am Meeting point: In front of Donghuamen (East Gate of the Forbidden City) Option 3 2 Hour Forbidden City Group Tour Start time: 9:00 AM, 12:30PM & 2:00 PM Meet at Meridian Gate (the main entrance of the Forbidden City)
Tiananmen Square
For Option 1: You will visit Tian'anmen Square first. Tiananmen Square is the geographical center of Beijing City. It is the largest city square in the world, occupying an area of 440,000 square meters. Followed by your expert and professional guide, a very informative introduction of the Tian'anmen square and surrounding buildings will be given to your group, as everyone moves along towards to the Forbidden City. (Note: In peak season security checks at Tiananmen Square are particularly stringent. If the waiting time exceeds 1 hour, we recommend considering a bus ride that passes by the square. Additionally, spending too much time at the square could detract from your experience at the iconic Forbidden City, which is a highlight of our tour. We will only proceed with this alternative if the majority of the group is in agreement. Please keep this in mind as we plan our visit.)
If you choose 2 Hour Forbidden City Tour, you will only visit Forbidden City
If you choose the Coal Hill Park option then entry ticket is included
Group tour includes a professional guide
Fobiddden city entrance fee
If you choose the Tian'anmen Square option entry ticket is included
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Gratuites
If you choose option: Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City, you will not visit Coal Hill Park
If you choose Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park option, you will not visit Tian'anmen Square
Meals
Duration: 3 hours TiananmenSquare&Forbidden City: Meet at Laoshe Teahouse: 7:30AM & 9:30AM &11:30AM. Tour including entry to Tian’anmen Square&the Forbidden City. Starting point: Lao She's Teahouse, China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Qian Men Xi Da Jie, 正阳市场3号楼 邮政编码: 100031
May 4th: Square+Palace: The Forbidden City is open on Mondays during public holidays, and this tour covers both Tian’anmen Square&the Forbidden City
This option including Entry Tickets to Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Please arrive before 9:50am Beijing Planning Exhibition: You can reach here by taxi: 请带我去北京城市规划馆前门东大街20号, subway line 2 at Qianmen Station, exit E2, then walking 400 meters. Starting point: Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, 20 Qian Men Dong Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100051
May 4th: Forbidden City+Coal : The Forbidden City is open on Mondays during public holidays, and this tour covers both the Forbidden City&Coal Hill Park Starting point: Donghuamen, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 景山前街4号 邮政编码: 100006
This option including entry ticket to the Forbidden city and 2.5 hour guided tour without visit the Tian'anmen Square Meeting point: Donghuamen: You can reach here by taxi 请带我去故宫东华门, by subway line 8 at Jingyu Hutong Station, exit C, then walking 700 meters Starting point: Donghuamen, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 景山前街4号 邮政编码: 100006
Tian'anmen Square+Palace: Tour Start at 7:30, 9:30 or 11:30am. Meet in front of Laoshe Teahouse, you will visit Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Starting point: Lao She's Teahouse, China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Qian Men Xi Da Jie, 正阳市场3号楼 邮政编码: 100031
Duration: 2 hours 2 Hour Forbidden City: Meet in front of Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City at 9:00am, 12:30&14:00. Visit Forbidden City Only. Tickets are included. 2‑hour Forbidden City: 2‑hour Forbidden City‑only tour with entry ticket and English‑speaking guide. Meeting point: Meridian Gate (main entrance) Starting point: Meridian Gate, 4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100006
5th of Oct: Palace+Coal Hill: 8:00am Meet at Donghuamen, You will enjoy 2.5 hour guided tour of the Forbidden City Starting point: Donghuamen, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 景山前街4号 邮政编码: 100006
Tiananmen Square+ForbiddenCity: This option including Entry Tickets to Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Please arrive before 9:50am Beijing Planning Exhibition: You can reach here by taxi: 请带我去北京城市规划馆前门东大街20号, subway line 2 at Qianmen Station, exit E2, then walking 400 meters. Starting point: Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, 20 Qian Men Dong Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100051
Forbidden City&Coal Hill Park: This option including entry ticket to the Forbidden city&Coal Hill park. Tour start at 8:00 or 13:00without Tian'anmen square Meeting point: Donghuamen: You can reach here by taxi 请带我去故宫东华门, by subway line 8 at Jingyu Hutong Station, exit C, then walking 700 meters
6th of April 10:00am: Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City 4 hours Tour - Meet at Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, tour start at 10:00am Starting point: Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, 20 Qian Men Dong Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100051
Duration: 2 hours 2‑hour Forbidden City: 2‑hour Forbidden City‑only tour with entry ticket and English‑speaking guide. Meeting point: Meridian Gate (main entrance of Starting point: Meridian Gate, 4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100006
May 4th: Square+Forbidden City: The Forbidden City is open on Mondays during public holidays, and this tour covers both Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City Starting point: Lao She's Teahouse, China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Qian Men Xi Da Jie, 正阳市场3号楼 邮政编码: 100031
2,049 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
salvadorgF3854MZ,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very good tour guide and knowledgeable





Fiona S,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our guide Vivian did a fabulous job sharing her extensive knowledge of The Forbidden City. Make sure you have your walking shoes on and be ready to hear a lot of fascinating information. There is a lot to see!



angelarS9745EY,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lucy was the best guide. She made the meet location very easy to find and the overall guide was excellent thank you!

sawanm2015,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour guide was well informed and efficient. We were late by 10 mins and he wanted for us. The main complaint is the wait time and how long it takes to get to tianamen square. There a long wait for about 90 mins in a line. It's for crowd control and security. The palace is jam packed with local tourists and tour groups. The palace itself if stunning and huge. But the overall waiting in line and a total of 4 hours is excessive. The facilities are clean and everything works smoothly. The tour guide was efficient.






689ilincas,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Today was a wonderful experience because of Miko. He was very nice and explained everything in detail. The day was a big plus because of him. A must do.
Ilinca S,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
Miko was amazing, he was very nice and he explained everything in perfect detail. Our visit wouldn’t have been the same without him. I recommend the tour 100%
Nicolas C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Just finished an incredible tour of the Forbidden City, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. What really made the experience was our guide — sharp, energetic, and genuinely funny, with a real talent for reading the group and keeping everyone engaged from start to finish. He balanced historical depth with humor perfectly, and his empathy made the whole tour feel personal rather than rehearsed. You could tell he loves what he does. The Forbidden City is breathtaking on its own, but having a guide who brings it to life makes all the difference. Highly recommended.
nikolaosp730,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing tour and Miko was an excellent guide! Highly recommended!
Saqib Q,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
The guide's English wasn't great. And her ability to convey what we saw wasn't great either. She was polite, friendly and listened - but didn't have what it took to educate and inform us.
Voyager36642971095,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Although we had to skip tienanmen square due to long queue, we could spend more time with Anson wandering around forbidden city, also visiting less crowded spots. Anson is very knowledgeable and highly recommended
Operated by Discover Beijing Tours