Private Tour
Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This private tours includes the Forbidden city with the optional sights.
If you select only the Forbidden city tour then the tour contains 4 hours
If you select it with others you it has optional sights that will continue to go.
your professional English speaking tour guide will meet you at the designated hotel in downtown area or set meeting point and walk to visit the biggest city center square in the world - Tiananmen Square then walk to the largest Imperial Palace to understand the emperors in the Ming & Qing Dynasty. You also can learn more Chinese history from your guide.
Highlights:
- Visit the biggest square in the world: Tiananmen square;
- Efficient way to visit the Forbidden City beating the crowd;
- See the valuable exhibits and visit less-know halls of the palace;
-Optional other important highlights in Beijing such as Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace
If you only choose the Forbidden City Ticket service there is just Ticket Service. No Tour NO Pick-Up
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is smart casual
Please note: Forbidden City is closed every Monday, except the Chinese public holidays
Chinese citizens need to book the tour one week in advance
Tian'anmen square might be closed due to the political activities without announcement and if this is the case we will replace with Jinshan Park but there is no refund due to it is free anyway
Not recommended clients have walking problems for entering the Square
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tiananmen Square
Depart at your own hotel or meet at the specific area called the Lash Tea house at Qianmen Branch near the Tian'anmen Square and walk to the Tian’anmen Square (after all the security check) with our certificated Tour Guide. You are going to see the ancient Qianmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s heroes and the Great Hall of the people from outside and your tour guide will share with you the history and stories behind all the mentioned architectures.
The Palace Museum
We’ll spend 2 hours wandering around this amazing example of Imperial architecture and learning about the history of the palace. There is another option: Booking entrance ticket with us. Please bring your valid passport to visit and go to the spot on your own. Forbidden City was the imperial palace from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. For around 500 years , it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government The tour route : Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The northern section, or the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. You can take the central route or East Route or West Route depending your own interests or even visiting the Treasure house on the East route. After the tour, taking the public transportation back to your hotel on your own.
What‘s Included
Reserve entry to the Tian'anmen Square
Private guide service fee (4 hours)
Entrance ticket to the Forbidden City
If you book only Forbidden City Ticket there is NO Tour Service
Urber between Forbidden city to other sights (If Forbidden city W other sights option selection)
Transportation to the Forbidden City (If the Option for T Square W Forbidden city 4 hour Tour)
Meals (lunch & dinner)
Gratuity (for good service)
Transportation (hotel drop off)
Hotel Pick-up within 4th ring road (transportation to the Tian'anmen Square probably costs $50)
Options
Forbidden City W Temple Heaven
Temple of Heaven : If you choose this option you will continue to visit the Temple of Heaven after the Forbidden city with our tour guide. Private Tour : Private Tour Duration: 6 hours: 6 hours tour including the visit to the Tian'anmen square Forbidden city and Temple of Heaven Walking with Urber or Subway : Downtown hotel to the Tian'anmen Square (Urber or Subway) Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden city (Walking) Forbidden city W Heaven Temple: The Tour includes the visit the T-Square Forbidden city and Temple of Heaven with public Transportation (Urber & Subway) Pickup included
4-HourT Square+Forbidden City
Duration: 4 hours: Contains 4 hours tour to the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden city in all languages EN, ES, FR, DE, IT Guide Walking route urber or subway : You will go from the downtown hotel to the square with the public transportation by didi at your own cost All Languages tour : We offer all the language : English, French, German, Spanish, Italian . with hotel pick up (Transportation Fee Not Included) Pickup included
Forbidden city W Hutong Food
Hutongs Food Tour : After Forbidden city you can visit the hutong and try the local hutong food cuisine and understand the food culture here Private : This is private tour with lots of walking Duration: 6 hours: 4 hours Tian'anmen Square Forbidden with 2 hours hutong food tour Hutongs food lunch/dinner : You can take either morning Forbidden city tour with hutong food for lunch or afternoon Forbidden city tour with Hutong dinne Public transportation: Downtown hotel picking up with subway or didi to get around Pickup included
Forbidden city W Great Wall
Optional sight to the Wall: Mutianyu wall with Forbidden city options with private transportations Duration: 8 hours: 8 hours tour to the Forbidden city with Great Wall in all languages Private transportation : car or mini van depending the number of the participants Pickup included
Forbidden City W Summer Palace
Duration: 6 hours: Day tour to the Forbidden city with Summer Palace with the entry tickets are included. Excluded meals. Urber or subway : Take the urber or subway to go from the downtown hotel to the sights and pick up from the downtown area are included Pickup included
Reviews
439 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful tour of the...
Alysha E,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful tour of the Forbidden City with our guide Sonia. The whole process from booking until the end of the tour was well organised and seamless. Sonia was very kind and super knowledgeable. She was a great communicator and taught us so much about Beijing and Chinese history as well as about more modern life. Even though the area itself is very busy, she helped create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It really enriched our visit of the capital and I would highly recommend.
5 Stars
helensB8410TV,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Angel, our tour guide, was fantastic—highly knowledgeable and engaging. Her English was excellent, and her deep understanding of history made the experience even more enriching. She effortlessly guided us through every checkpoint without rushing us, even taking the time to capture great group photos. Her storytelling brought Chinese culture to life and sparked a newfound interest in it.
Fantastic tour
Matthew M,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite the rain, the tour was fantastic. James was amazing as our tour guide. His English was great and did a great job showing us both the square and the Forbidden City. Highly recommend.
Great
441aryanc,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guide, organized, patient
Excellent half day tour - 5 star service from start to end
Manc 7,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our third day tour with Catherine Lu Tours and it was just as good as the first two. Very easy to book and we were kept up to date with the booking via WeChat. Our guide, Jenny, was amazing. She met us at our hotel and took us directly to the Forbidden City. Jenny knew the best route to access both the Forbidden City but also the Tiananmen Square too. Both areas can get very busy but we only had a short wait and we were through security. It was great to have a local with so much knowledge to guide us through what is a bit of a tricky entry process. Then once we were inside Jenny gave us lots of information, history and facts about the site including the history and this was of course all done in perfect English. Despite the hot weather Jenny kept us safe and comfortable with regular stops along the way. Our needs were always her priority and she took great care of us. The Forbidden City and the surrounding area is massive and you could spend days there if you really wanted too. At the end of the day our guide helped us back to the hotel, really was a 5 star service. I would thoroughly recommend Catherine Lu Tours - this was our first big trip to China and knowing you had the backup of a professional company was a big help and it made our trip. Thanks to everyone on the team!
Mai was a wonderful guide...
Miriam S,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mai was a wonderful guide who was friendly and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the tour with her and would recommend it to others!
Thanks to our outstanding...
Wolfgang G,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thanks to our outstanding tour guide, Ms Jenna, we enjoyed a fabulous time at the Forbidden City even though we had only reserved on short notice. Ms Jenna speaks English very well and has the ability to convey both the history of this outstanding palace and compelling personal stories of the generations of emperors and their families who governed China from this site since the 15th century.
Excellent!
Coastal46221093658,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Two-day trip to Beijing just completed, an overall perfect experience! Special thanks to our guide Nana. Her explanations are professional and remarkable: she easily recounts the anecdotes of the imperial court and historical culture in a clear and captivating way, allowing us to discover deeply the rich cultural heritage of Beijing. Nana is also the most gifted guide to photography we have ever met. She masters the frames and angles perfectly, worthy of a professional photographer, and knows how to capture our most beautiful moments in each landscape. We also warmly thank our very dedicated driver. Despite Beijing’s heavy traffic, it is always present in the blink of an eye whenever we need to get in the car, helpful and attentive. The organization of the trip is well thought out. Each meal offers unique local specialties, with unusual vegetables and dishes with various flavors, absolutely delicious. Good times always pass too fast. We thank the travel agency for its excellent organization, as well as guide Nana and the driver for their attentive support. They offered us a pleasant and unforgettable trip to Beijing.
Tianamin Square and Forbidden City Private Guided tour.
Andrew W,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kathy, our guide, was very knowledgeable about all the facts and history about Tianamin Square and the Forbidden City. Her English is excellent and she really added a lot of value regarding historical context and significance with all parts of the buildings and structures. I asked many questions about the tour and Beijing in general and she answered them perfectly. I am a history buff and like to understand the context and significance of the tour. I highly recommend this package to get the most out of the sights. There is a rich history of these places and I would have missed a lot of meaning without her descriptions and input. The price is very reasonable for what you receive.
Great time!!!
Mariana S,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience!!! and Catherine Lu Tours help us a lot!!! I trully recommend their services!!! What they offered, was accomplished!!!
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