
Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service worth booking?
Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service is a 2-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $13 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (37)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $13 per person
Choose from our four flexible packages to tailor your perfect Forbidden City experience: Forbidden City Entry Ticket Only: Pre‑reserved official ticket for self‑guided exploration at your own pace. 2‑Hour Shared Group Tour: Group tour with English‑speaking guide, entry ticket included. Fixed departures at 9:00 AM, 12:30PM & 2:00 PM, meet at Meridian Gate. 8:00AM meet at Donghuamen. Basic Private Tour: Custom‑time private tour with dedicated English‑speaking guide and entry ticket. Meet your guide at Meridian Gate. Private Tour with Round‑trip Transfer: Flexible private tour including guide, entry ticket, and hotel pickup & drop‑off. Just bring your passport, step right in, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of China’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What you get
About this experience
Choose from our four flexible packages to tailor your perfect Forbidden City experience: Forbidden City Entry Ticket Only: Pre‑reserved official ticket for self‑guided exploration at your own pace. 2‑Hour Shared Group Tour: Group tour with English‑speaking guide, entry ticket included. Fixed departures at 9:00 AM, 12:30PM & 2:00 PM, meet at Meridian Gate. 8:00AM meet at Donghuamen. Basic Private Tour: Custom‑time private tour with dedicated English‑speaking guide and entry ticket. Meet your guide at Meridian Gate. Private Tour with Round‑trip Transfer: Flexible private tour including guide, entry ticket, and hotel pickup & drop‑off. Just bring your passport, step right in, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of China’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's included
Included
- English speaking tour guide if the related option been selected(Option 2-4)
- Private Transfer if you choose option 4
- Regular Ticket(Main Entrance fee to the Forbidden City)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Extra museums inside the Forbidden City
- Transportation fee if you choose option 1 -3
- Meals
What you'll see and do
The Palace Museum
We take care of your Forbidden City ticket reservations&offer 4 tailored packages for 1: Forbidden City Entry Ticket Only 2: Entry Ticket+2‑Hour Shared Group Tour: 9:00 AM&2:00 PM 3: Entry Ticket+2‑Hour Private Guided Tour (custom time) 4: Entry Ticket+2‑Hour Private Guided Tour+Private Round‑Trip Downtown Hotel Transfer Note: 1: Please provide the full name+passport number of each traveler: The passport used for booking must be presented on your visit day—entry is only allowed via passport scanning. 2: Entry Sessions Morning: 8:30AM–12:00PM Afternoon: 11:30AM–3:30PM On Your Visit Day Option 1: Simply scan your passport at Meridian Gate to enter&explore independently. Option 2: Meet your group at Meridian Gate at either 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM Option 3: Meet your guide at Meridian Gate at your chosen time for a personalized 2‑hour tour. Option 4: Your driver will pick you up at your central Beijing hotel, take you to the Forbidden City for the guided tour, and drop you back after the tour.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
The Palace Museum
No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Beijing, 100009, China
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The Palace Museum · No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Beijing, 100009, China
Options you can book
Option 2: Ticket+Group Tour
Option 2: Ticket+Group Tour: Choose this option to including Forbidden City Entry Tickets + 2 Hour Group Tour, meet at Meridian Gate-Panda Bear Flag
Option1:Ticket Booking Service
This is the ticket booking service with Morning Ticket Entry Time: 8:30-12:00, Afternoon Ticket Entry Time: 11:00-15:30
Option 4:Ticket+Guide+Transfer
Option 4:Ticket+Guide+Transfer: Choose this option to include ticket, a guided tour for 2 hours, and hotel round trip transfer by private vehicle.
1 Hour Express Tour
1 Hour Express Tour : Spend 1 Hour to explore the highlights of the Forbidden City. One hour is already short and tight, so please do not be late.
3:Ticket+2 Hours Private Guide
3:Ticket+2 Hours Private Guide: Including Forbidden City entrance ticket+2 hour guided tour, meet guide in front of Meridian Gate(main entrance) Duration: 2 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Unique Beijing Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No Luggage, No drone and no camera tripod allowed to bring into Forbidden City
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
34 verified traveler reviews for Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Tour Guide Tony
Our tour guide Tony was so amazing! Even in the intense summer heat, he was super upbeat and passionate about everything he shared and pointed us to in the Forbidden City. This was a great tour and made our visit to the Forbidden City many times better. Would recommend to a friend.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend to see full spectrum of Forbidden City
Lucy was excellent guide - knew how to avoid crowds and gave great insights into Forbidden City and attentive to how much want to absorb
via Viator
So glad we chose this...
So glad we chose this trip! Lucy was a fascinating and thoughtful guide for our family - we learnt lots of interesting history. Very easy communication and luxurious transport too.
via Viator
Perfect tour
Guide was very good, he shared detailed information at each stage
via Tripadvisor
Very informative and...
Very informative and entertaining tour. Organization was smooth and clear. It gave a whole new perspective to the experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $13 to $188
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Unique Beijing Tours, who run 279 experiences we rank across 13 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.6.
See everything Unique Beijing Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service cost?
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Prices start at $13 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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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Around 13 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service 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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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Included: English speaking tour guide if the related option been selected(Option 2-4); Private Transfer if you choose option 4; and Regular Ticket(Main Entrance fee to the Forbidden City). Not included: Gratuities; Extra museums inside the Forbidden City; Transportation fee if you choose option 1 -3; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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The experience starts at The Palace Museum, No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Beijing, 100009, China. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service 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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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Across 37 reviews averaging 4.7 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 Forbidden City Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Option 2: Ticket+Group Tour, Option1:Ticket Booking Service, Option 4:Ticket+Guide+Transfer, 1 Hour Express Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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