Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 313 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets worth booking?
Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets is a 3-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $29 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 313 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (313)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $29 per person
Tick off two of China's most iconic sites during this in-depth guided tour of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City with optional Beijiing main highlights such as Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven or Hutongs in a small group.. Delve into Chinese history with your guide and benefit from pre-booked tickets. Pls note that if you book the tour not 7 days in advance we can't pre-book the Forbidden city Tickets and in this case we will use our way for getting the Forbidden city tickets with some queuing time.
What you get
About this experience
Tick off two of China's most iconic sites during this in-depth guided tour of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City with optional Beijiing main highlights such as Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven or Hutongs in a small group.. Delve into Chinese history with your guide and benefit from pre-booked tickets. Pls note that if you book the tour not 7 days in advance we can't pre-book the Forbidden city Tickets and in this case we will use our way for getting the Forbidden city tickets with some queuing time.
What's included
Included
- Urber or subway between Forbidden city with other optional sight
- Entrance Tickets to Forbidden City
- English-speaking tour guide service fee
Not included
- Meals
- Gratuity to the guide and driver
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Grand Hotel 北京贵宾楼饭店 电话 : 010-65137788 地址 : 北京市东城区东长安街35号 Address: 35 East Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng District Beijing 100006 How to get there: Option 1: By Didi or taxi and show the Chinese address”请带我去北京贵宾楼饭店“ to the driver Option 2: Get the subway line 1 and get out of the Tian’anmen Dong stop at the exit B and walk a few minutes there
10 minutes here
Tiananmen Square
Ti'anmen Square is the Largest City Center Square in the world. walk to the Tian’anmen Square (after all the security check). We will use the Travel Agency Pass to have quick entry to the Square. 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. Only Morning session Includes the visit to the Square
30 minutes here
The Palace Museum
After the square you will just pass the Tian'anmen Gate and reach the Forbidden City and you will see magnificent buildings such as Hall of Supreme Harmony; Hall of Center Harmony; Hall of Preserved Harmony. Listen to the interesting stories happened in the Ming & Qing Dynasty. After that you will visit the Six Western Palaces such as Grand Council, Hall of Mental Cultivation. Then the Imperial Garden, Palace of Terrestrial Tranquility. You will spend at least 4 hours here.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of Heaven
If. you choose the Forbidden city with Temple of Heaven you will visit the Temple of Heaven which is the largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China's ancient sacrificial buildings.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Forbidden City without Square
Forbidden City Only: This option includes entrance tickets to the sights, English speaking guide (No T-Square, Meals and transport not included) Duration: 3 hours: Tour includes the visit to the Forbidden city Only(No T-Square). Route : Meeting Point-Forbidden city Meridian gate How to reach the meeting point: Go to the Donghuamen by taxi or subway line 8 and walk 15 mins to the sundail infant of the Meridian gate Pickup included
Forbidden City W Hutong Food
Forbidden city W Hutong Food: : This option includes Entrance tickets to the sights and Hutong Food & public transportation from Forbidden city to the Hutong Duration: 6 hours Local Hutong Food : You can try over 5-6 kinds of Beijing Hutong food as a lunch or diner depending. your choice of tour in AM or PM. Routes: : Meeting Point-Tian'anmen Square -Forbidden City-Hutong Food Tour Public transportation : We use the urber or subway to go from the Forbidden city to the Hutongs How to reach the meeting point: 1) Didi/Taxi: show the Chinese address“请带我去北京贵宾楼” to the driver 2)Subway line 1 and get out of the Tian'anmen Dong Exit B Pickup included
Forbidden City W Temple Heaven
Forbidden city w Heaven Temple: This Option includes entrance tickets to the sights, En guide, public transportation Only Forbidden city to Temple of Heaven Duration: 6 hours: Tours including sights of Tiian'anmen Square Forbidden city & Temple of Heaven Routes: Meeting point-Tiananmen Square Forbidden city-Temple of Heaven Public Transportation : We use Subway or urber go from Forbidden city to the Temple of Heaven How to reach there : Didi/Taxi: show the Chinese address“北京贵宾楼饭店” to the driver Subway: line1 and get out of the Tian'anmen Dong exit B Pickup included
Forbidden Group in Spanish
Group tours in Spanish : This is the Group Tian'anmen Square Forbidden city tour in Spanish with fixed meeting point at the Grand Hotel Beijing Duration: 4 hours Meet at the Grand Hotel : With set meeting point at the Grand Hotel Beijing at 9:00am Pickup included
Group Forbidden Inc. Square
Duration: 4 hours: Tour including the visit to the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden city Route: Meeting Point-Tian'anmen Square-Forbidden City How to reach there: 1) Didi/Taxi: show the Chinese address“请带我去北京贵宾楼饭店” to the driver 2) Subway: line 1 at the Tian'anmen Dong Exit B Pickup included
Forbidden City W Summer Palace
Forbidden city W Summer Palace: This option includes the entrance ticket to the sights, En Guide, public transportation from Forbidden City to Summer Palace Duration: 6 hours: Tour includes visit to the Tian'anmen Square Forbidden city and Summer palace Route: Meeting point-Forbidden city-Summer Palace How to reach there : 1) Didi/Taxi: show the Chinese address“北京贵宾楼饭” to the driver 2) Subway: line 1 get out of the Tian'anmen Dong Exit B Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catherine Lu Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant (1-4 years old) are free providing
- Please offer all passport number and name & birth datesfor Forbidden City tickets booking and bring passports during the tour
- Tian'anmen Square might close due to some political activities or some foreign leaders' visit without announcement and if that's happened we will skip the visit to the Square and replace the visit to the Jingshan Park
- This is a group tour, pls be punctual and arrive the meeting point at least 5 to 10 mins before the departure and if you are late and the group will go you can't join in the tour.
- This. is completely walking tour for almost 2-3 kilometers walking covering 4 hours pls dress comfortable walking shoes and be physical in good conditions.
- This is a group tour and it requires the minimum numbers of participants. If the numbers don't reach to our requirement we might require the change of the dates or cancel of the tour and will inform you in advance.
- Not recommended for travelers with wheelchairs
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 312 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
312 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great history
Was great , fascinating! The place is emaising and our guide, Angela, very well prepared and her stories were absolutly amassing ! We really apreciate her knowledge and energy!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are thrilled that you had such a fascinating tour with Angela. Angela always puts great effort into preparing every detail of the tour and loves sharing vivid historical stories. We will pass your warm compliments to her. Hope you can visit China again and explore more amazing sights with us!
via Viator
Thank you tony!
Great experience with our guide Tony who could not be more knowledgeable about the forbidden city. Always available to answer any question you may have. I recommend adding the temple of heaven option at the end.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed your tour with Tony and his in-depth introduction to the Forbidden City. Tony loves sharing the fascinating stories and history of the palace, and he is always ready to answer all your questions. We also appreciate your great suggestion about adding the Temple of Heaven extension. Hope we get the chance to welcome you back for another fantastic tour in China!
via Viator
Gary is awesome!
Our tour guide Gary is very knowledgeable and funny. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that Gary brought you a wonderful tour experience. He loves sharing stories and bringing joy to our guests. We will pass your kind compliments to Gary. Hope to welcome you back to China again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Tony, our English guide, was fabulous !
Such interesting history! There is so much to learn! It’s important to have a guide that speaks good English for this tour. Tony has an excellent command of the English language so he was able to educate and entertain us at the same time.. He is very enthusiastic about his job. Note that there is a lot of walking but there are many places to sit along the way.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed learning about the rich history on your tour with Tony. It means a lot that you appreciated his fluent English and passion for sharing stories. Tony loves bringing history alive for guests, blending knowledge with fun. Thanks also for your helpful tip about walking and rest spots. We hope to welcome you back to China again soon!
via Viator
Recommend
Great guide, practical with our delayed arrival to start the tour
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re glad our guide handled your delayed arrival flexibly and kept your tour running smoothly. It means a lot to hear everything worked out well for you. Hope you carry wonderful memories from China and we’d love to welcome you back again someday.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $29 to $80
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 110
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Catherine Lu Tours, who run 91 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Catherine Lu Tours runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets cost?
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Prices start at $29 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 313 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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Around 110 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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Included: Urber or subway between Forbidden city with other optional sight; Entrance Tickets to Forbidden City; and English-speaking tour guide service fee. Not included: Meals; Gratuity to the guide and driver; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infant (1-4 years old) are free providing; and Not recommended for travelers with wheelchairs. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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Across 313 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Group Tour with Tickets?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Forbidden City without Square, Forbidden City W Hutong Food, Forbidden City W Temple Heaven, Forbidden Group in Spanish. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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