Best Forbidden City Tours 2026/2027
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey at China's imperial palace of Forbidden City where "enormous" and "glorious" merely allude to its architectural beauty, and every piece of treasure within is unique, priceless, and irreplaceable. Discover thousands of rooms where 24 emperors and their families of the Ming and Qing lived and take in the grandeur of the largest art collection from ancient China.
The Forbidden City or China's Palace Museum is not just a symbol of Beijing, but an iconic landmark of China. With ETC's Forbidden City tours, view the world's grandest wooden complex in the best possible way, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden. Our knowledgeable guide will share stories with you that reveal the ups and downs of the history, and bring the palace and its art treasures to life.
Private Beijing Forbidden City Tours
Experience the grander of Forbidden City and the masterpieces inside with your exclusive expert guide who knows how to visit this immense palace properly. You will learn about the royal history & life and have plenty of time to muse over cultural and art works.
1-day Beijing City Highlights Tour
A classic Beijing city tour takes you to visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, three can't-miss attractions.
Half-day Forbidden City Tour
Accompanied by your private tour guide, explore the opulently furnished Forbidden City and hear about Beijing's royal past.
4-day Beijing Tour with Forbidden City
The 4-day Beijing tour package offers an immersive discovery through Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall.
5-day Beijing Family Tour
Crafted for family with kids, it is a hassle-free trip to Forbidden City and other sought-after sights in Beijing with family-friendly activities.
2 Days Beijing Tour with Great Wall & Forbidden City
An effective tour of Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, and Beijing Hutong in two full days.
1-day Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Tour
Tour Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing traditional Chinese architectural craftsmanship.
Private Beijing Airport Layover Trip to the Forbidden City
Explore Beijing city highlights: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Hutongs rickshaw tour with airport pick-up & drop-off.
Beijing Forbidden City Small Group Tours
For many of us, holidays are great in good company. Our Beijing small group tours to Forbidden City and Other Beijing highlights bring together like-minded travelers seeking shared experiences in Beijing.
One Day Traditional Essence Beijing Group Tour
Experience must-sees of Beijing, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. Maximum 9 people. Non-shopping. English-speaking guide.
1-day Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall Group tour
Uncovered over 600 to 2000 years ago, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China still astounds, as you travel on a guided exploration.
China Tour Packages Including Forbidden City
Do you want to an exciting Forbidden City tour together with China highlights? To help you plan your holiday, we've listed some of the most popular itineraries below:
8-day Beijing, Xian, Shanghai Tour
Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai
Highlights: Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Terra-cotta Warriors, Yu Garden
11-day China Highlights Tour
Destinations: Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai
Highlights: Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Li River cruise
16-day China Discovery Tour
Destinations: Shanghai - Suzhou - Huangshan - Hangzhou - Guilin - Xi'an - Beijing
Highlights: Mt.Huangshan, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City, the Great Wall
FAQs about Forbidden City Tours
Autumn (September to November) is the best time, as the weather is clear and cool. Spring (April to May) comes second. The snow scenery in winter is extremely beautiful, with fewer tourists.
Avoid May Day (5.1-5) and National Day Holiday (10.1-10.7), as the crowds are extremely large.
Recommended times of the day: late afternoon (13:00-15:00) and just before closing time (16:00-17:00).
How much time needed: 2 hours or half a day around 4 hours
2-hour travel route: Follow the central axis from Meridian Gate (Wumen Gate), through Tian'anmen, Gate of Supreme Harmony, to Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Imperial Garden, and get out at Gate of Divine Prowess.
By booking your tour with us, our local guide will choose for you the best time and route to visit Forbidden City, so as to avoid queuing or reduce the queuing time.
If you prefer to visit it by yourself, we suggest you research on the traveling route, must-sees, ticket booking (in advance), transportation, travel tips, its history, and more before your visit. Check out the most recommended 9-day Essence of Self-guided China Tour to Beijing Forbidden City.