The Ultimate Guide to Forbidden City Tickets & Entry for Foreign Visitors

Navigating the entry requirements for the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) in Beijing can be challenging for international tourists. Currently, the museum operates a strict real-name ticketing system. Foreign visitors must use their physical passports for both booking and actual entry. Whether you are arriving directly from the airport or taking a train to Beijing, it is highly recommended to secure your high-speed train tickets and accommodation well before your visit.

Here is the most up-to-date policy and a detailed routing guide to ensure your trip is seamless.

Official Ticketing Channels for Foreign Visitors

Foreign visitors must use their physical passports to buy Forbidden City tickets. You can book them online through the official English website, which releases tickets exactly 7 days in advance at 20:00 Beijing Time. Alternatively, independent travelers can purchase same-day tickets at the offline service window near the Meridian Gate, though this is subject to daily capacity limits. Always carry your passport.

To ensure your booking goes through without network issues, make sure you have a fast and uncensored internet connection by purchasing a reliable travel e-SIM before arriving in China.

1. Official English Booking Website (Highly Recommended)

• Website: https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn/
• Release Time: Tickets are released exactly 7 days in advance at 20:00 (8:00 PM) Beijing Time.
• Pro Tips:
  • This site is designed specifically for foreign passport holders. You need to register with a valid email address.
  • It supports WeChat Pay, Alipay, and select international credit cards.
  • Crucial Step: Register your account and input all passengers' passport details days in advance. Tickets sell out within minutes, so you want to check out immediately when the clock strikes 20:00.
  • Don't miss the booking window due to time zone confusion! I’ve built a free tool to help you figure out the exact moment you need to be online. Calculate your local release time and set your alarm so you're ready to snipe your tickets the second they drop.

2. WeChat Mini Program ("The Palace Museum")

• Details: This is the official domestic Mini Program, which also releases tickets exactly 7 days in advance at 20:00. However, due to the system's ID validation mechanism, foreign minors cannot apply for certain discount policies through this channel (see details in “Ticket Prices and Policies for Minors and Students” below).

3. Offline Ticket Window (For Independent Travelers)

• Location: The "Ticket Service" window outside the Meridian Gate (Wu Men, the South Gate).
• Process: Present your original physical passport. You will need to sign a brief declaration stating you are not part of a commercial tour group.
• Payment Methods: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or certain foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
• Pro Tips: If you fail to get an online ticket, this is your ultimate backup plan. Arrive early (around 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM) during peak seasons or holidays before the daily capacity is completely exhausted. Protect your trip from unexpected cancellations with comprehensive travel insurance.

Ticket Prices and Policies for Minors and Students

The Forbidden City ticket price for standard adults is 60 RMB during the peak season (April to October) and 40 RMB during the off-peak season (November to March). Children aged 6 and under enter for free. Foreign minors between 6 and 18 years old can purchase a discounted student ticket for 20 RMB, provided they present a valid international student ID.

Important Note: The "Free entry for minors under 18" policy applies ONLY to Chinese citizens and foreign permanent residents. Minors holding standard foreign passports do not qualify for this complete exemption.

Forbidden City Ticket Price Breakdown:

(Note: The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery inside the museum require separate add-on tickets at 10 RMB each).

Detailed Subway & Walking Routes to the Meridian Gate

To reach the Forbidden City's main entrance at the Meridian Gate, your subway route depends on your Tiananmen Square reservation. If you booked square access, take Subway Line 1 to Tian'anmen East or West. If you do not have a square reservation, you must take Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Station and walk along the Donghuamen moat to bypass security checkpoints.

Because walking distances are long, consider booking a private transfer or a guided day tour [中文备注：此处替换联盟链接 - 景区门票/一日游] if you prefer a hassle-free experience.

Route A: Via Tiananmen Square (Advance Reservation Required)

• Requirement: You MUST book free entry to Tiananmen Square at least 1 day in advance via WeChat.
• Subway Directions:
  • Take Subway Line 1 to Tian'anmen East Station, use Exit B (Northeast Exit).
  • Alternatively, take Line 1 to Tian'anmen West Station, use Exit B (Northeast Exit).
• Walking Route: After exiting the subway, pass the strict security check to enter the Tiananmen Square area. Walk north, pass under the iconic Tiananmen Rostrum (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and Duanmen, and walk straight to the Meridian Gate ticket windows and entrance.

Route B: The Donghuamen Bypass Route (No Reservation Needed)

• Requirement: If you did NOT book Tiananmen Square access, security will turn you away from Route A. You MUST use this bypass route.
• Subway Directions: Take Subway Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Station, use Exit C (Southeast Exit).
• Walking Route: After exiting, walk west along Donghuamen Street for about 10-15 minutes until you reach the East Gate of the Forbidden City (Donghuamen). Do not try to enter this gate. Instead, turn left and follow the paved path along the moat heading west for about 700 meters. This scenic path completely bypasses the Tiananmen Square security checkpoints and leads you directly to the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) entrance.