Overview of the Forbidden City
For centuries the `Forbidden City` was the imperial palace of the Chinese imperial family. Located in the centre of Beijing, it is a sprawling complex of 980 buildings and houses more than 8,000 rooms. As one of China’s most visited national monuments and one of the most famous attractions in Beijing, it is a must-see spot for travelers and tourists. The Forbidden City is considered to have served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1924. It is now a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and has become a major tourist destination.
Cost of Visiting the Forbidden City
Visiting the Forbidden City is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is already worth its price. The entrance fee for adults is CNY 60, while students with a valid ID and children can enter for free. When making the most out of the experience and taking a tour, the cost of discovering the significant sites of the Forbidden City vary.
A private tour of the Forbidden City with an experienced guide may vary in price from CNY 400-CNY 700, depending on the type of tour, language and length. For those who wish to visit the Forbidden City on their own and without a guide, there is also the option to rent an audio guide for CNY 100.
For visitors who wish to combine their visit of the Forbidden City with a tour of other sites in the area, there are several other packages available for a reasonable price. A day tour of the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Square complex costs around CNY 180, while the Beihai Park, Summer Palace and the Forbidden City day tour is roughly CNY 250. There are many options to choose from and it is important to research them in order to get the most out of the tour and experience.
What to Expect during a Tour?
The Forbidden City tour offers an incredible journey into the past and will teach visitors about the history of the Chinese imperial culture. During the tour, visitors can expect to explore all the buildings, listen to their professional guide and learn about the intricate architecture, royalty and heroism. Visitors will also get the chance to admire valuable artifacts, precious dresses and ancient art paintings offered at many souvenir shops along the way.
In order to make the most of the experience, visitors can readily purchase a tour package that allows them to skip the long lines of entrance and get access to the main sites, such as the Hall of Clocks and Watches, Coordination of Hemp and Ramie and the Silver and Golden Carp Gallery.
Tips to Make the Most Out of the Experience
Visiting the Forbidden City can be an overwhelming experience with so much information to take in and so many sights to see. To make the most out of the experience and to be able to truly appreciate the incredible complex, it is important to plan in advance. Before embarking on the trip, researching the site, learning about the history, architecture and layout in order to enjoy the trip fully.
Packing accordingly for the day is essential for a comfortable journey. In the summer months, visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get very hot in the complex. In the winter months, visitors should bring warm clothes, as it can get cold in the city and the temperatures in the palace can be quite low.
Map of the Forbidden City
Before entering the Forbidden City, visitors should always plan their tour in advance. To ensure visitors do not get lost, a map can be obtained upon purchase of the ticket. The entire complex can take several hours to traverse and can easily be overwhelming. A map is an essential tool when traversing the palace, and it gives visitors an overview of the layout and an indication of where to go.
The central part of the map consists of three important axes, known as the north-south axis, the east-west axis, and the center line. The north-south axis is the main central path, divided into five parts, each corresponding to a specific colour in the map. The map also contains several essential sites, such as the Clock and Watch Gallery, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Imperial Garden and the Imperial Palaces.
Food Options at the Forbidden City
During the tour, visitors are sure to get hungry and thirsty. Fortunately, there are several good food and drink options near the Forbidden City. There are a few restaurants, cafés, and snacks stalls around the side of the palace. For those who wish to savor Chinese cuisine during their visit, there are traditional restaurants serving authentic Chinese dishes available at reasonable prices. Visitors can also find several tourist-friendly options, such as chain restaurants and fast food places.
Occasionally, there are food festivals held in the Forbidden City that offer visitors a chance to try interesting food at reasonable prices. During the festivals, the complex is decorated with lanterns and performances take place in the streets. It is a great chance to try local cuisine that is sure to add excitement to the experience.
Other Activities during Visit to the Forbidden City
Aside from exploring the major halls and rooms in the Forbidden City, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy. Visitors can discover the Meridian Gate, the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower as well as explore the surrounding gardens. There are also several conversations, cultural activities and festivals taking place in the Forbidden City throughout the year, giving visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and customs.
The Forbidden City has something to offer all visitors, no matter their interests. There is a range of exhibitions and performances, such as traditional operas, music and dance. Even those who are not interested in ancient Chinese culture will be pleasantly surprised to find all sorts of modern-day activities in the complex, such as ice skating, 5D cinema and interactive gaming.
Online Tickets and How to Find Them
Visiting the Forbidden City requires tickets and they are often hard to find at the entrance. Fortunately, it is now possible to purchase tickets online and avoid long lines. The tickets are available on several websites and they are relatively easy to find. Visitors can purchase their tickets in advance and just show them at the entrance.
The tickets can also be bought at selected hotels, hostels and railway stations in Beijing. This option is great for those who do not want to spend too much time going through the online process.
Reviews and Social Media
Before heading out to the Forbidden City, it is important to check online reviews to make sure the experience will be enjoyable and worth every penny. The reviews can provide a lot of information about the place, and they can give potential visitors an insight into what they can expect during the experience.
Visitors can also check out the Forbidden City’s official website and social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to get even more information about the site. This is the best place to find out about the recent events that are taking place in the complex, such as exhibitions, concerts and performances.
Safety and Security
Safety is a very important issue when visiting the Forbidden City and other sites in Beijing. It is important to be vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings at all times. There are security guards patrolling the area and visitors can always seek for assistance in case of trouble. It is also important to keep one’s belongings safe and protected at all times.
Before embarking on the journey, it is important to always check whether it’s safe to visit the Forbidden City and if it is free of possible security risks, such as protests or other disturbances. It is also advisable to have an emergency contact number on hand.
