4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
Overview
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 4-hour 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. Alternatively, you may opt for our Forbidden City ticket-only service and explore independently at your own pace.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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: 10:00 am Meeting point: In front of Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall Option 2 Forbidden City & Coal Hill Park Group Tour (without Tian’anmen Square) Start time: 8:00 am & 13:00 pm Meeting point: In front of Donghuamen (East Gate of the Forbidden City) Option 3 Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour Start time: 7:30 am & 12:00 pm Meeting point: In front of Laoshe Teahouse
Tiananmen Square
For Option 1 & 3: 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.)
What‘s Included
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
Please note: For ticket-only bookings, visit independently (no guide, no meeting point)
Options
6th of April: Palace+Coal Hill
6th of April: Palace+Coal Hill: 8:00am/13:00 Meet at Donghuamen, Visit Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park.
Starting point:
Donghuamen, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 景山前街4号 邮政编码: 100006
6th of April 10:00am
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
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
Tian'anmen & Forbidden City
Tian'anmen & Forbidden City: Available at 7:30AM and 12:00PM, including entry to Tian’anmen Square (free)&the Forbidden City. Meet at Laoshe Teahouse.
Duration: 3 hours
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
Forbidden City&Coal Hill Park
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
May 4th: Square+Palace
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
6th of April - Square+Palace
Tian'anmen Square+Palace: 7:30/12:00 Meet at Laoshe Teahouse, 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
May 4th:Square+Forbidden City
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
Forbidden City+Coal Hill Tour
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
Starting point:
Donghuamen, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 景山前街4号 邮政编码: 100006
Tiananmen Square+ForbiddenCity
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
May 4th: Forbidden City+Coal
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
Reviews
1,968 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour on forbidden city
681patriziam,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked this tour on Booking and honestly the forbidden city was incredibly surprising. It is going to leave you speechless by its magnificent history. Our tour guide was Miko and we were lucky to have him.. he guided us to the fastest entrance and told us the magical history of the place showing us some spots very fascinating. Had a great day!
Fantastisk
chakkritk2026,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour to Forbidden city and Miko was our tour guide.He was absolutely fantastic/incredible and very knowledgeable with all the information. He had a good sense of humor and professional. Thank you so much!!
Great!
Relax15511634654,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Miko was very funny and managed to keep the group together despite the large crowds!
Do not miss out on the Forbidden City!!
Sonia A,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour of the Forbidden City was very well organised by our tour guide, Mike. His English was excellent which meant we could all interact with him so easily and he was a real humorous, witty, informative guide. There really is soooo much to see at the Forbidden City. You could easily spend 6 to 7 hours going around so this trip did feel a little rushed at times and there were some bits we didn't see but what we covered was absolutely amazing. This trip should be a definite for any Beijing visitor. You will not miss out on anything significant all main important elements are covered. Mike then gave us a bonus surprise to go on to the nearby park which was really great. Thank you Mike for such a wonderful morning!!
Great and insightful tour
Charlotte B,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Vivian was a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide. It was very impressive how she navigated through the whole forbidden city, stayed positive and did not rest herself even though we were all tired from the walking and heat. She made sure we got some rest and shade where possible. The only downside about this tour is that as the attractions are so popular, you may have to wait over an hour to get in to Tianenmen Square but this is still quicker than trying to get in by yourself as organised tours get a separate entrance). We would definitely recommend this tour.
Wonderful tour with Mike
nicoletaespoleta,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Mike was honestly the best we’ve had in our trip through China. He is very helpful and very knowledgeable, and knows how to make a relatively long tour very enjoyable! Would definitely recommend over going on your own, he truly made the experience the best we could have.
Book with Jimmy
anacristinaf273,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jimmy is a great guide! He knows a lot and his english is great. He is also very patient and welcoming. He take cares of The group and makes sure everyone is having a great time meanwhile he explains everything to the group and answers individual questions.
Amazing day at Tiananmen...
Joemari M,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Huge thanks to Mina Li for the excellent guidance and care - made our trip extra special! 🙌
Worth it!
Guido B,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, instructive and entertaining explanations from our guide Jimmy
Great experience at forbidden city
joycecF3589UH,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently visited the Forbidden City in Beijing, and having Lucia as our tour guide made the experience truly exceptional. The palace itself is विशाल and can easily feel overwhelming, but Lucia guided us through it seamlessly, making everything so much more engaging and meaningful. Her command of English is excellent—clear, easy to understand, and very comfortable to follow throughout the tour. What really stood out was her deep knowledge of history. She brought the palace to life with fascinating stories about the emperors, their lives, and the rich heritage behind each section we visited. Lucia was not just informative but also very attentive, ensuring we were comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experience. Thanks to her, what could have been just a walk through a massive historical site turned into a memorable and insightful journey. Highly recommend Lucia to anyone visiting Beijing!
From US$30.00
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Operated by Discover Beijing Tours