The Palace Museum

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Spot Introduction

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It is the world’s largest and most complete wooden palace complex in existence. In 1987, it was listed in the “World Cultural Heritage List” and is one of China’s first key cultural relics protection units.

The architectural art of the Forbidden City can be described as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture. The entire complex was built strictly according to the rules and regulations of the “Zhou Li · Kao Gong Ji,” reflecting the traditional layout concept of “front court and back bedroom” and “left ancestor worship and right sacrificial altars.” The buildings are symmetrically distributed along the central axis, centered around the three main halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The grandeur and solemnity of the architecture are overwhelming. Every detail of the building, from the glazed tiles on the roof to the carvings on the eaves, and from the painted ceilings inside the halls to the brick flooring, reflects exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural connotations.

As a world cultural heritage site, the Forbidden City is not only a treasure house of architectural art but also a witness to Chinese civilization. It holds over 1.86 million precious cultural relics, covering various categories such as ceramics, calligraphy and painting, bronzes, and jades. Among them are national treasures such as “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” and “Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains.” In recent years, the Palace Museum has utilized digital technology to showcase more cultural relics and bring traditional culture into modern life through cultural and creative products.

Visiting the Forbidden City is not only a feast for the eyes but also a cultural baptism.

景点介绍

Visitors can stroll on the square of Taihe Dian (Hall of Great Harmony) and feel the royal dignity, stop at Qianqing Gong (Palace of Heavenly Purity) to imagine the scene of emperors reviewing memorials, and wander in the Imperial Garden to appreciate the exquisite beauty of royal gardens. To better serve visitors, the Forbidden City has launched various navigation methods, including professional commentary, audio guides, mobile apps, etc., allowing visitors to deeply understand the history and culture of this royal palace.

It’s worth mentioning that the Forbidden City has made remarkable achievements in cultural relic protection in recent years. Through technological means, many endangered cultural relics have been restored and protected. Simultaneously, the Forbidden City has also carried out the “Digital Forbidden City” project, enabling visitors to appreciate cultural relics’ details from a 360-degree perspective through virtual reality technology and even “enter” some areas that are not open to the public. These innovative measures not only protect cultural relics but also allow more people to experience the charm of Chinese culture closely.

历史沿革

  • 始建年代：Started construction in the 4th year of Yongle Emperor of Ming Dynasty (1406) and completed in the 18th year of Yongle (1420)
  • 使用历史：
    • 明朝：From 1420 to 1644, a total of 15 emperors lived and worked here.
    • 清朝：From 1644 to 1911, a total of 10 emperors ruled here.
    • Officially opened to the public on October 10, 1925.

景点介绍

  • 历史价值：
    • Witness to the historical changes of the Ming and Qing dynasties
    • Represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural art
    • Preserves a large number of precious cultural relics and historical archives
    • Documents the politics, culture, and life of Chinese feudal society

建筑规模

  • 占地面积：720,000 square meters
  • 建筑面积：Approximately 150,000 square meters
  • 建筑规模：
    • Palaces and pavilions: Over 70
    • Total number of houses: More than 9,000
    • Wall perimeter: 3,430 meters
    • Wall height: 10 meters
    • Number of turrets: 4

建筑特色

  1. 整体布局

    • North-South Central Axis:
      • Total length of 960 meters
      • Perfectly embodies the ancient Chinese architectural philosophy of “left ancestor, right community” and “front court, back bedroom”
    • Structural zoning:
      • Outer Court: Political area centered around the Taihe Dian
      • Inner Court: Living area centered around the Qianqing Gong
      • Empresses’ Quarters: East and West Six Palaces as the residential area for concubines

  2. 建筑艺术

    • Roof forms:
      • Double-eaved hip roof
      • Xieshan roof
      • Cuanjian roof
    • Decorative features:
      • Glazed roof tiles
      • Colorful painted caisson ceiling
      • Stone carved balustrades
      • Bronze door nails

  3. 文化内涵

    • Hierarchy system:
      • Architectural scale
      • Decorative colors
      • Sculptural content
    • Auspicious symbolism:
      • Animal patterns
      • Plant motifs
      • Numerical symbolism

珍藏文物

  1. Collection scale

    • Total: Over 1.86 million pieces
    • National first-grade cultural relics: Nearly 100,000 pieces
    • Categories:
      • Ceramics
      • Calligraphy and painting
      • Bronze ware
      • Jade articles
      • Palace documents

  2. 特色藏品

    • Famous cultural relics:
      • “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” scroll
      • Mao Gong Ding
      • Jade burial suit of Emperor Jing of Han
      • Qing Emperor Qianlong’s personal seal
    • Palace supplies:
      • Dragon robes and phoenix coronets
      • Royal utensils
      • Palace furniture

必游景点

  1. Three Great Halls of the Outer Court
    • Taihe Dian (Golden Throne Hall):
      • Scale: 35.05 meters high, 2,377 square meters in area, the largest hall in the Forbidden City
      • Purpose: Where grand ceremonies and court meetings were held during the Ming and Qing dynasties
      • Features: Nine-dragon caisson ceiling, throne, and red bridge
      • Highlights: Dragon throne and bronze tortoise and crane in the main hall
      • Best time for photos: 9-11 AM.

景点介绍

参观建议

光线最佳

  • 中和殿：

    • 功能：A place for the emperor to rest and prepare before appearing in court.
    • 特色：The main hall bears a plaque inscribed with “Zhonghe”, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and mankind.
    • 参观重点：Musical instruments are displayed inside the hall, reflecting ancient ritual and music culture.

  • 保和殿：

    • 用途：A venue for holding palace examinations and entertaining foreign envoys.
    • 特色：The hall displays examination tools from the Qing Dynasty.
    • 建议游览时间：90 minutes for the entire area of the three main halls.
  1. 内廷三宫

  • 乾清宫：

    • 功能：The main hall for the emperor’s daily work and residence.
    • 特色：The main hall bears a plaque inscribed “Zhengda Guangming”.
    • 藏品：Displays of imperial furniture and furnishings from the Qing Dynasty.
    • 参观重点：Palace architecture and interior furnishings.

  • 交泰殿：

    • 用途：A place where the emperor’s consort receives congratulations.
    • 特色：The hall displays the empress’s phoenix crown and colored sashes.
    • 建议游览时间：20 minutes.

  • 坤宁宫：

    • 功能：The main palace for the emperor’s consort.
    • 特色：Displays of Qing Dynasty palace weddings.
    • 参观重点：Exhibit of artifacts from palace weddings.
    • 建议游览时间：60 minutes for the entire area of the three palaces.
  1. 东西六宫
  • 东三宫：
    • 延禧宫：Treasure House.

景点介绍

Displaying Palace Treasures

  • Jingyang Palace: Residence for the emperors’ concubines during the Qing Dynasty

  • Chengqian Palace: Study place for the princes in the Qing Dynasty

  • West Three Palaces:

    • Yongshou Palace: Residence for the emperors’ wives in the Qing Dynasty
    • Yikun Palace: Residence for the emperors’ concubines in the Qing Dynasty
    • Chuxiu Palace: Sewing room for the emperors’ concubines in the Qing Dynasty

  • Visiting Suggestions:

    • Focus on visiting the Treasure House
    • Understand the living scenes of the emperors’ concubines
    • Suggested visiting time: 60-90 minutes
  1. Imperial Garden

  • Layout Features:

    • An area of about 12,000 square meters
    • Seasonal flowers and trees, artificial hills and ponds
    • Ancient cypresses, peony gardens and other landscapes

  • Main Attractions:

    • Nine Dragon Wall: Glass products of the Qing Dynasty
    • Taihexuan: Resting place for emperors
    • Imperial Garden Stage: Royal theater of the Qing Dynasty

  • Touring Suggestions

    • Appreciate peonies in spring
    • Suggested visiting time: 30-40 minutes
    • Suitable for resting and taking photos here
  1. Treasure House (originally East Three Palaces)

  • Exhibition Area Introduction:

    • Gold and silver utensils museum
    • Clock museum
    • Ceramics museum

  • Boutique Exhibition:

    • Palace treasures of the Qing Dynasty
    • European tribute clocks
    • Official kiln treasures

  • Visiting Tips:

    • Separate tickets are required
    • Important cultural relics are displayed at fixed time
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

参观建议

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Routes

  • Classic Route (4 hours):

    • Meridian Gate → Taihe Gate Square → Three Main Halls of the Outer Court → Three Palaces of the Inner Court → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate
    • Suitable for first-time visitors to understand the overall layout of the Forbidden City

  • In-depth Route (6 hours):

    • Meridian Gate → Taihe Gate Square → Three Main Halls of the Outer Court → Three Palaces of the Inner Court → Six Eastern and Western Palaces → Treasure House → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate
    • Suitable for cultural relic lovers to deeply understand the culture of the Forbidden City
  1. Visiting Schedule Arrangement

  • Peak Season (April-October):

    • Best visiting time: within 1 hour after opening (8:30-9:30)
    • Peak hours: 10:30-14:30
    • It is recommended to avoid weekends and holidays

  • Off-season (November-March):

    • Fewer tourists, better experience
    • Suggested visiting time: 9:30-15:00
    • Keep warm.

景点介绍

Visiting Suggestions

  • Ticket Booking:
    • Book online 7 days in advance.
    • During peak season, it is advisable to book 14 days ahead.
    • Special exhibitions require separate ticket purchases.
  • Interpretation Services:
    • Official tour guide: 200 RMB per group (2 hours).
    • Audio guide: 40 RMB per device (available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean).
    • Mobile APP: The official APP of the Palace Museum provides free commentary.
  • Touring Equipment:
    • Comfortable and non-slip walking shoes.
    • Sunshade or umbrella.
    • Portable folding chair (for elderly visitors).
    • Power bank, camera.
    • Drinking water and simple snacks.

Photography Suggestions

  • Best Shooting Positions:
    • South end of the Taihedian Square.
    • The steps of the Qianqing Palace.
    • The Nine Dragon Wall in the Imperial Garden.
  • Shooting Times:
    • Morning: 8:30-10:00, when the light is soft.
    • Evening: 15:00-16:30, for good backlight effects.
  • Equipment Suggestions:
    • Wide-angle lens: For panoramic views of the buildings.
    • Telephoto lens: To capture details of the architecture.
    • Tripod: To use when lighting is insufficient.

Transportation Guide

  1. By Subway:
  • Line 1:
    • Disembark at Tiananmen East Station, walk for 10 minutes.
    • Disembark at Tiananmen West Station, walk for 15 minutes.
  • Line 2:
    • Disembark at Qianmen Station, walk for 20 minutes.
    • It is recommended to enter from Tiananmen East Station.
  1. By Bus:
  • East side of Tiananmen Square:
    • Routes 1, 2, 52, 59, 82, 120.
    • Operating hours: 5:30-22:00.
    • Fare: 2 RMB (cash) / 1 RMB (card).
  • West side of Tiananmen Square:
    • Routes 1, 5, 52, 99, and the Forbidden City special line.
    • Operating hours: 6:00-21:00.
    • It is recommended to take the Forbidden City special line for direct access to the scenic area.
  1. By Car:
  • Navigation address: No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
  • Parking locations:
    • Beihai Park parking lot (15-minute walk).
    • Tiananmen underground parking lot (10-minute walk).
    • Wangfujing parking lot (20-minute walk).
  • Parking fees:
    • Daytime: 10-15 RMB per hour.
    • It is recommended to choose subway or bus for more convenient and environmentally friendly transportation.

景点介绍

参观建议

Parking is inconvenient

  1. Arriving by Taxi

    • From the city center:

      • Fare: Ranges from 20-40 yuan
      • Suggested drop-off point: East of Tiananmen Square
      • Avoid morning and evening peak hours

    • Notes:

      • Please request a receipt
      • Use official taxis
      • During peak hours, taking the subway is recommended

Nearby Food Recommendations

  1. Donghuamen Snack Street

    • Specialties:

      • Peas Pudding: A traditional Beijing snack, priced at 15-20 yuan per serving
      • Ai Wo Wo: A glutinous rice product, priced at 10-15 yuan per serving
      • Lǘ Dǎ Gun (Rolling Donkey): A red bean paste dessert, priced at 8-12 yuan per serving

    • Recommended shops:

      • Huguo Temple Snack Shop: A century-old brand, specializing in Peas Pudding
        Address: Donghuamen Street
      • Zhang Ji Shuan Rou: Old Beijing hot pot, 80-100 yuan per person
        Address: No.2 Jia Donghuamen Street

  2. Wangfujing Food Street

    • Traditional Establishments:

      • Quanjude Roast Duck: A century-old brand, 200-300 yuan per person
        Address: No.30 Wangfujing Street
      • Donglaishun: Famous for lamb hot pot, 150-200 yuan per person
        Address: No.198 Wangfujing Street

    • Specialties:

      • Chao Gan (Fried Liver): A Beijing specialty, priced at 15-20 yuan per serving
      • Lu Zhu (Braised Intestines): Traditional delicacy, priced at 25-30 yuan per serving
      • Tanghulu (Candied Fruit on a Stick): Seasonal snack, priced at 8-15 yuan per skewer

  3. Qianmen Dashilan

    • Established Brands:

      • Douyichu: Famous for bean juice, 5 yuan per bowl
        Address: No.118 Qianmen Street
      • Yue Sheng Zhai: Traditional sauced meat, 60-100 yuan per jin (half a kilogram)
        Address: No.17 Qianmen Street

    • Special Food:

      • Tea Soup: Traditional breakfast, priced at 8-15 yuan per serving
      • Mian Cha (Flour Tea): Specialty snack, priced at 10-15 yuan per serving
      • Zhajiang Noodles: Traditional Beijing cuisine.

餐饮介绍

Price: 20-30 yuan/bowl

  1. Dining Options Inside the Scenic Area

    • The Forbidden City Turret Cafe:

      • Feature: Palace-themed Afternoon Tea
      • Price: 100-150 yuan per person
      • Location: Turret on the west side of the Meridian Gate
      • Advance reservation recommended

    • The Forbidden City Royal Kitchen:

      • Feature: Antique-style palace cuisine
      • Price: 150-200 yuan per person
      • Location: Near the Shenwu Gate
      • Reservation required one day ahead

Special Reminders

  1. Opening Hours

    • Peak Season (April 1 - October 31):

      • Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00
      • Ticket Sales End: 16:00
      • Last Entry: 16:10

    • Off-peak Season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year):

      • Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30
      • Ticket Sales End: 15:30
      • Last Entry: 15:40

    • Closing Time:

      • Closed all day every Monday (except for national holidays)
      • Closed on New Year’s Eve

  2. Ticket Information

    • Peak Season Tickets:

      • Adult Ticket: 60 yuan
      • Student Ticket: 20 yuan (with valid student ID)

    • Off-peak Season Tickets:

      • Adult Ticket: 40 yuan
      • Student Ticket: 20 yuan

    • Special Exhibitions:

      • Treasure House: 10 yuan
      • Clock and Watch Museum: 10 yuan
      • Calligraphy and Painting Gallery: Free

  3. Safety Instructions

    • Prohibited Items:

      • Sharp objects
      • Flammable and explosive materials
      • Controlled knives
      • Pets

    • Security Check Requirements:

      • Security check required
      • Large luggage needs to be stored
      • ID must be presented

  4. Cultural Relic Protection

    • Photography Rules:

      • Flash is prohibited indoors
      • Photography is prohibited in certain areas
      • Selfie sticks are prohibited

    • Visiting Etiquette:

      • Do not touch cultural relics
      • Keep quiet
      • Follow sign guidance

  5. Other Services

    • Storage Service:

      • Location: Both sides of the Meridian Gate
      • Free storage
      • Large luggage needs to be stored

    • Medical Services:

      • Infirmary Location: East side of the Meridian Gate
      • Provides basic medical services

    • Restrooms:

      • Accessible restrooms available
      • Signs are available along the main visiting route

    • Wheelchair Rental:

      • Location: East side of the Meridian Gate
      • Deposit required
      • Free to use

  6. Closed every Monday (except for statutory holidays)

  7. Important exhibition halls require advance reservation

  8. Sharp objects are prohibited

  9. Smoking is prohibited inside the museum

  10. Please protect cultural relics

  11. Please follow visiting order

  12. Professional guidance is recommended

  13. Please bring your ID