Forbidden City Guided Group Tour with Entry Tickets|Multi‑Departs
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable imperial tour with flexible daily departure times. You can choose to add Tian'anmen Square sightseeing or explore only the Forbidden City upon booking.
This 2-3 hour excursion includes all entry tickets, letting you skip ticket procedures and focus purely on sightseeing. Led by seasoned guides with over 15 years of experience, immerse yourself in captivating royal tales and magnificent ancient architectures, and delve deep into the timeless heritage of the Forbidden City.
Feel free to wander and explore the palace at your own pace after the guided tour ends.
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.
What To Expect
Beijing
Please note that we have two 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 Hour Forbidden City Group Tour Start time: 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 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.)
Options
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
5th of Oct
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
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
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
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
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: 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
2 Hour Forbidden City
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: T-Square+Palace
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
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
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
What‘s Included
If you choose 2 Hour Forbidden City Tour, you will only visit Forbidden City
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
Meals
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,062 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Forbidden City Tour with Moko
Wendy H,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time touring Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with Moko. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. It was a great blend of history and modern insights.
Recommended Tour
Maps83892,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Lucy was very helpful and explained the history of the palace nicely. Even though the queue to Tiananmen Square was super long and the Forbidden City was very crowded, the whole experience was still wonderful.
Thanks to our Tour Guide, Mike !
H4338CEmatthewo,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike was a great and very knowledgeable tour guide with great stories to tell. Would definitely recommend
Outstanding Forbidden City Tour with Mike
Matty88000,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the Forbidden City was one of the highlights of my trip to Beijing, and Mike made the experience truly exceptional. His knowledge of Chinese history, imperial culture, and the fascinating stories behind the palace complex brought every courtyard, gate, and hall to life. Mike was professional, friendly, and spoke excellent English. He shared historical facts in a way that was both informative and engaging, making it easy to understand the significance of what we were seeing. He also managed the pace of the tour perfectly, allowing enough time for photos while ensuring we covered all the most important areas. What impressed me most was his ability to connect historical events with modern Chinese culture, providing a much deeper understanding of Beijing and China as a whole. He was also very attentive to questions and always willing to provide additional details and recommendations. The Forbidden City is an incredible place on its own, but having Mike as a guide transformed it from a beautiful monument into a rich and unforgettable journey through history. I highly recommend this tour and especially Mike to anyone visiting Beijing. An absolutely five-star experience!
Fun tour, not too long, and the guide was super skilled.
Alberto B,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike provided me with all the information (including transportation) to arrive and enjoy the tour. He answered all my questions and comments, engaged us with his explanation, and even complimented us for being an enthusiastic group. Clear explanations in English, entertaining anecdotes, and even a few jokes without trying to be likable at all costs. He made me want to return!
Get this guided tour!
europeandomaincentre,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guided tour with Anson as pur guide. I can truly recommend this, if you want to get the background story of the forbifden city
Great way to visit the Forbidden City
D9077MZguyl,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Reasonable price, saved us an hour waiting in line, and a guide who was friendly and informative.
An absolute must for any visitor - take a guide as well because the place is massive
helenandpaul13,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went here with my wife after staff at the hotel booked this for us. They even organised a taxi for us to take us to the meeting point. At the meeting area we met with our guide and then we walked to the Forbidden City. When we walked in we need to hand over our passports so the guide could get the entry passes for us. Once she returned she took us through the bag searched and passport checks into the city itself. It is enormous. We saw an Old Opera Theatre, the Jewel House which is magnificent and other areas including an area which held the concubines etc. It was very hot and there were few places to hide from the sun so in the height of the summer it will be scorching. However, the guide was wonderful and she gave us a long history of the place. The only difficulty we had was at the end because after the tour finished we could not find our way out to the exit gate. The place is enormous and so well looked after. This is not to be missed when visiting Beijing. In summary, a wonderful place.
Tiananmen Square & forbidden city
evgeniouu,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose to do the Tiananmen Square and forbidden city tour. Even though it was a hot day our tour guide Jimmy made sure to give us enough time in shaded areas, which made the whole thing very easy. It was all very informative and would 100% recommend. Thank you JIMMY!!!
Nice Tour with Miko
mariuss597,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a very good tour with Miko. Good insights, good pace. We had a small group so everyone had time to ask Miko questions.
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Operated by Discover Beijing Tours