How to Visit the Forbidden City in Just 3 Hours

A lot of first-time travelers to Beijing ask: "Is the Forbidden City too big to see in one day?"

The truth is, you don't need 6–7 hours inside. With the right route, you can cover the highlights in about 3 hours — even if you're traveling with kids.

Here's the route that worked really well for us:

🎫 1. Tickets & Entry

Essential preparation for your Forbidden City visit.

Buy tickets online in advance (the official site or app) Check ticket availability (they sell out quickly, especially on weekends) Plan to enter from Meridian Gate (Wu Men) — the main south entrance Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot

💡 Pro Tip

The official Palace Museum website and WeChat mini-program are the best ways to book tickets. Book as early as possible, especially for weekends and holidays!

🗺️ 2. 3-Hour Route

Follow this efficient path to see the Forbidden City's highlights without getting overwhelmed.

🏯 Step 1: Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian) Enter through Meridian Gate (Wu Men) Walk through the courtyard to Hall of Supreme Harmony Take photos of the grand imperial architecture Learn about the emperor's throne room

👑 Step 2: Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) Visit the emperor's living quarters See the imperial bedroom and study areas Observe the intricate interior decorations

🌿 Step 3: Imperial Garden (Yu Hua Yuan) Explore the peaceful imperial gardens Rest and take photos among ancient trees and pavilions Find traditional Chinese garden features

🚪 Step 4: Exit through Gate of Divine Might (Shenwu Men) Head to the northern exit Exit through Gate of Divine Might Look towards Jingshan Park (great view over the palace)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 3. Family-Friendly Tips

Make your Forbidden City visit enjoyable for the whole family.

Bring some snacks and water (food options inside are limited and pricey) Locate toilets early (available but sometimes crowded) Plan breaks in advance if you're with kids Consider a baby carrier instead of strollers (stone steps can be tricky) Bring comfortable walking shoes Download offline maps or audio guides

👶 Kid-Friendly Tip

Strollers are allowed, but the stone steps can be tricky — a baby carrier is easier to navigate through the palace complex.

🍜 4. Nearby Lunch Spot

Where to eat after your Forbidden City visit.

Exit through the north gate (Shenwu Men) Find local restaurants and cafes right outside the gate Try authentic Beijing cuisine at nearby eateries Consider visiting Jingshan Park for the panoramic view after lunch

🍽️ Dining Tip

Right outside the north gate (Shenwu Men), you'll find a few small local restaurants and cafes — perfect for a quick bite before heading to your next stop.

✅ Visit Checklist

Track your complete Forbidden City experience.

Successfully navigated the 3-hour route Took memorable photos at key locations Learned about Chinese imperial history Enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant Visited or planned to visit Jingshan Park for the palace view Shared your experience with others