How to Book Forbidden City Tickets
Complete step-by-step guide to booking Palace Museum tickets via WeChat Mini Program. Covers pricing, timeslots, pro strategies, and tips for both Chinese and international visitors.
Critical: What You MUST Know Before Booking
- No on-site ticket office — 100% online booking only since 2015. Do not show up without a reservation.
- Tickets sell out within minutes — especially during holidays. Booking opens at 08:00 Beijing time, 7 days ahead.
- Real-name system strictly enforced — each visitor needs their own passport/ID. One account can book for max 5 people.
- Closed every Monday (except national holidays). Check the official calendar before booking.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
WeChat Mini Program – 6 Easy Steps
Open WeChat & Find the Official Mini Program
Open WeChat, tap the search icon at the top, search for 故宫博物院, then select the mini program with the blue verified badge.
Navigate to the Ticket Booking Page
Inside the mini program, tap “购票约展” (Buy Tickets / Reserve Exhibition), then select “故宫博物院门票” (Palace Museum Admission).
Select Date & Timeslot
Choose your visit date from the calendar, then pick either AM (08:30-12:00) or PM (12:00-16:00), and tap “下一步” (Next).
Fill in Visitor Information
Enter each visitor’s details carefully:
- Full name (Chinese characters)
- 18-digit ID card number
- Full name as on passport
- Passport number
- Nationality
One account can book for up to 5 visitors per order. Children under 6 or under 1.2m enter free but still need a reservation.
Confirm & Pay
Review all details, agree to the visitor terms, tap “提交订单” (Submit Order), and complete payment via WeChat Pay within the time limit (usually 15 minutes).
Visit Day – Entry Procedure
Arrive at the Meridian Gate (午门 – the only entrance), go through security, and scan your original passport/ID at the turnstile.
Ticket Pricing & Seasons
| Season | Months | Adult Price | Student / Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | April – October | ¥60 | ¥30 |
| Off-Peak Season | November – March | ¥40 | ¥20 |
| Treasure Gallery | Year-round | ¥10 | ¥5 |
| Clock Gallery | Year-round | ¥10 | ¥5 |
Opening Hours
Peak Season (Apr – Oct)
- –Last entry: 16:10
- –Gates close: 17:00
- –AM entry: 08:30 – 12:00
- –PM entry: 12:00 – 16:00
Off-Peak (Nov – Mar)
- –Last entry: 15:40
- –Gates close: 16:30
- –AM entry: 08:30 – 12:00
- –PM entry: 12:00 – 15:30
7 Pro Tips to Secure Your Tickets
Forbidden City tickets are among the hardest to get in China. Here is how to beat the crowd.
Log into the mini program 5 minutes before 08:00. Have all passport/ID numbers copied to clipboard. Complete the booking in under 2 minutes.
Add all visitors’ details in the “常用观众” (Frequent Visitors) section before the booking window opens. This saves crucial seconds.
Tickets often reappear 15-30 minutes after selling out (unpaid orders expire). Keep tapping the date – persistence pays off.
Chinese New Year, Golden Week (Oct 1-7), and summer holidays (Jul-Aug) are extremely competitive. Try early March or late November.
PM tickets are slightly easier to get. You still have 4+ hours to explore, enough to see the main halls and the Treasure Gallery.
Have a friend or family member try simultaneously on a different phone with a different WeChat account. Doubles your chances.
Some licensed tour operators (Ctrip/Trip.com, Klook) offer bundled tickets + guide packages with separate allocation quotas. This can be a reliable backup if DIY booking fails. Expect to pay ¥150-300 for a half-day guided tour including ticket.
Tips for International Visitors
Use the exact name and number as they appear on your passport. No Chinese ID needed – the system accepts foreign passports.
The mini program interface is primarily in Chinese. Use WeChat’s built-in screenshot translation, or follow this guide side-by-side. Key buttons are highlighted above.
You need WeChat Pay with a linked bank card. International credit cards can now be linked to WeChat Pay (Visa, Mastercard, Amex supported). Alternatively, ask a Chinese friend to book and pay for you.
Rent an audio guide at the entrance for ¥20 (auto-triggered by GPS). Available in 30+ languages. The mini program also has a built-in audio tour feature.
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and many halls. Flash photography and tripods are generally prohibited. Some special exhibitions may restrict photography entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suggested Visiting Routes
Start at the Meridian Gate (午门), exit at the Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门)
Central Axis Highlights
Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden → Exit North Gate. Covers the 3 main halls and the emperor’s living quarters.
Central Axis + Treasure Gallery
Express route plus the Treasure Gallery (珍宝馆) in the northeast quadrant and the Clock Gallery (钟表馆). These two paid add-ons (¥10 each) feature imperial jade, gold artifacts, and 18th-century automaton clocks.
Complete Palace Experience
Classic route plus the Six Eastern Palaces and Six Western Palaces (including Empress Dowager Cixi’s residence). End with the Wall Walk for aerial views. Pack snacks – this is a 6-7 hour itinerary.
How to Get There
Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East (天安门东) or Tiananmen West (天安门西) station. 5-minute walk to the security checkpoint at Tiananmen Square, then another 10 minutes to Meridian Gate.
Routes 1, 2, 5, 52, 82, 120, or Tourist Bus Line 1 and 2 all stop near Tiananmen. Get off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stop.
Tell the driver “故宫午门” (Gugong Wumen – Forbidden City Meridian Gate). Cars cannot stop directly at the gate. You will be dropped off near East/West Chang’an Avenue and walk 10-15 minutes through security.
Ready to Walk Through 600 Years of History?
Set your alarm for 07:55, have your passport ready, and may the booking gods smile upon you. The Forbidden City awaits!
Last updated: August 2026 — Information verified against official Palace Museum sources