Private Tour
Private Beijing Walking Tour of the Forbidden City with 7 Options
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
As Beijing’s most iconic landmark, the Forbidden City is a must-visit highlight—and we offer tailored flexible packages to match your travel style: guided walking tours, all-inclusive trips with round-trip private transfers, bundles featuring authentic Hutong lunch, plus in-depth tours covering the palace’s museums, Jingshan Park and combo visits to the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace & the Great Wall.
Most importantly, all our packages include admission tickets, taking the hassle out of the Forbidden City’s strict ticketing policies and solving your ticket-buying troubles completely.
Our private walking tour lets you experience the palace’s true essence along the imperial central axis, following the emperors’ footsteps from Tiananmen Square through Meridian Gate. Your dedicated guide brings royal stories to life at every key spot, helping you skip crowds and fully immerse in the grandeur of red walls, golden roofs and timeless imperial legacy.
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
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
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 Peak season, the security checks at Tiananmen Square are particularly stringent. If the waiting time exceeds one hour, we recommend considering skip 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. Please keep this in mind as we plan our visit.
Tiananmen Square is a complimentary attraction, functioning as a tourist landmark and a political activity center. In case the square visit is unavailable due to political reasons or other unforeseen factors, no refund shall be issued for this part, given its free admission nature.
Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) need to book this tour 7 days in advance. By regulation, please submit Chinese name & ID number when reserving and present the ID on the tour day to join the group
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tiananmen Square
We offer 8 distinct options for this tour—feel free to choose based on your preferences: Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour ( Transportation fees to the attractions are at your own expense) Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer) Option 3: 6-Hour Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer) Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Self-Paid Transportation) Transportation fees are at your own expense. You will visit key attractions of the Forbidden City, as well as the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery. If you do not wish to visit the museums, you can choose to go to Jingshan Park instead where you can overlook the core buildings of Beijing’s central axis and enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—an ideal spot for photography and understanding Beijing’s urban layout.
National Museum Of China
Our first stop is Tiananmen Square. Please be aware that the Square may be temporarily closed without prior notice due to official events. In the event of such a closure, our team will promptly adjust the itinerary. We will guide you on a walk around the perimeter of the Square, providing in-depth commentary to ensure you gain comprehensive insights into this iconic landmark. Your tour guide will share relevant historical context as you view the following significant buildings from the outside: the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Flagpole.
What‘s Included
Private round trip transfer if you choose the option 2 and 3
Professional guide
Lunch or Dinner in Hutong if you choose option 3
For option 1+4: Hotel pickup included but not including the transportation fee to the attraction
Entrance fee
Transportation if you choose option 1 or 4
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Option 2: Tour with Transfer
Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer)
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included
Option 1:Tour without transfer
Option 1:Tour without transfer: Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour ( Transportation fees to the attractions are at your own expense)
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included
Option 7: Add Great Wall
Option 7: Add Great Wall: Choose this option to visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall(Badaling or Mutianyu), entrance fee included.
Pickup included
Option 4: 6 Hour In-depth Tour
Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour, Transportation fees are at your own cost
Duration: 6 hours
Pickup included
Option 6: Add Summer Palace
Option 6: Add Summer Palace: Visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Including entrance fee, English guide&transfer.
Pickup included
Option 5: Add Temple of Heaven
Option 5: Add Temple of Heaven: Private Tour to visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden city and Temple of Heaven. Including entrance fee, guide&transfer.
Pickup included
Option 8:3 UNESCO Sites+Square
Option 8:3 UNESCO Sites+Square: Option visit Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City& Summer Palace, including English guide, tickets&transfer.
Pickup included
Option 3: Tour+Meal+ transfer
Option 3: 6-Hour Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer)
Duration: 6 hours
Pickup included
Reviews
693 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Even though we were short...
Maddy H,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Even though we were short on time as we had to go catch a train. Our tour guide Peter was great and was very good with answering all of our random questions about the forbidden city and China in general. There was a mishap with the meeting location which was our fault but we ended up skipping the Tiananmen Square and went straight to the Forbidden City. We had a good 1 -1.5hrs to walk around and view all of the main attractions such as the forecourts and emperors palace. We would 100% recommend booking this tour and would do so again if we are back in Beijing.
An unforgettable Great Wall Experience with Sandy
Husein K,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day trip to the Great Wall with Sandy. We met in the hotel lobby at 7:30 am, and the drive gave us plenty of time to ask questions and get to know her. This was especially enjoyable for our children (aged 7 and 12), who loved hearing about her experiences. Sandy is very well travelled, both within China and internationally, so there was never a dull moment. Our driver, Mr. Xiao, had an excellent vehicle and made us feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the journey. Sandy had our tickets ready on arrival, ensuring everything ran smoothly. We took the chairlift up and the toboggan down, a highlight of the day! The boys were initially a little apprehensive but ended up loving it so much that they wanted to go again. Sandy’s knowledge of the Great Wall was exceptional. She shared fascinating details about each gate and watchtower, bringing the history to life. While we could have visited independently, it would not have been nearly as enriching or memorable without her guidance. The kids had an absolute blast and declared it their favourite attraction in China. We highly recommend Sandy for anyone looking for an informative, seamless, and truly unforgettable experience.
Definitely recommended
Happiness90734,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the private tour with Jack yesterday and it was excellent, he is very knowledgeable and friendly, we were very happy to have him as our guide.
Do it yourself
336edwardb,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Waste of money - could easily have done it ourselves for far less
A perfect day in Beijing
RoxanaI,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole day was an amazing experience. And the one who made it so was our guide: Cindy. Besides the educated information she provided to us, along with the little stories not so well known by others, she was very kind and helpful. Took care of us all the time, choosing the best areas for pictures and the least crowded entrances to the objectives of our visit - these are showing her great experience as a guide, a good guide. The Forbidden City is something unique, worth to be seen by all means. Also, the Temple of Heaven offers one of a kind experience and a beautiful view over the great city of Beijing. We had transportation included and the car was perfect, clean and modern. So, again, great experience and the perfect guide😍
Great, informative tour
scyllag2026,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful tour with Gloria. Thank you.
Really great day with Mr....
Jared E,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really great day with Mr. Jack. He was on time, professional, courteous, and answered all of my questions throughout the day with patience. Highly recommend.
Very good guide
jorgeluiso254,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We experience a lot fun with this guide
Excellent
dafy2026,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, knowledge of history, all recommendations were perfect
Nice, well explained and delicious lunch
jos benjam ng2023,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice and kind. Good explanation and delicious lunch
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Operated by Discover Beijing Tours