Beijing: Forbidden City Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

This guided tour in Beijing is ideal for travelers seeking a thorough exploration of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City with experienced English-speaking guides.

Highlights

• Multiple tour packages with flexible schedules and meeting points
• Live English commentary and opportunity to ask the guide questions
• Palace Museum ticket included for smooth entry
• Small group, private tours, and flexible combo options available
• Guided by experts with over 15 years of experience exploring the Forbidden City

Description

The tour offers various options including group and private guided tours.

Meeting Points and Timings

• Tian'anmen Square + Forbidden City Group Tour: 3 hours
  Start times: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM
  Meeting point: In front of Laoshe Teahouse
• 2-Hour Forbidden City Tour: 2 hours
  Start times: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM
  Meeting point: Meridian Gate (main entrance of the Forbidden City)
• Private Tour to Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City:
  Start times: Various
  Meeting point: Lobby of your Beijing downtown hotel

Itinerary

If visiting Tian'anmen Square, tours enter via a travel agency passage to minimize wait times. Your guide will explain the history and significance of key landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People, National Museum of China, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, and the Monument to the People's Heroes.

The tour then crosses Tian'anmen Gate to enter the Forbidden City through Meridian Gate. You will visit important buildings along the central axis, explore two western courtyards, and finish at the Imperial Garden. Guides provide historical context throughout.

2-hour Forbidden City tours without Tian'anmen Square start directly at the Meridian Gate and focus on key palaces and cultural highlights.

For the 6-hour private tour, you can visit the Hall of Treasure, the Hall of Clocks, and optionally climb Coal Hill Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City.

Additional options include combining the tour with visits to Jingshan Park, Summer Palace, the Great Wall, or dining experiences in hutong neighborhoods.

Includes

• Professional English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Palace Museum (Forbidden City) entry ticket
• Entry to Coal Hill Park and Forbidden City museums (selected option)
• Hotel pickup (private tours only)

Excludes

• Transportation to Tian'anmen Square
• Hotel drop-off
• Tips
• Additional entry fees for museums inside the Forbidden City

Important Information

• A valid passport is required for the tour. Entry will be denied without one.
• Tours depart promptly; arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals cannot join and no refund is provided.
• Security checks at Tian'anmen Square can take over an hour during peak times. Alternatives such as buses or subway are recommended if waiting is prolonged.
• Tian'anmen Square may close unexpectedly due to government activities; the tour will skip it in such cases without refunds.
• This tour is not recommended for guests with physical, visual, or mobility impairments.
• Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) must book at least 7 days in advance with full ID details.
• If late for personal reasons, joining will not be possible due to group booking restrictions; no refunds issued.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time.

When booking, confirm your preferred tour time and meeting point. For comfort, bring water, sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes. Morning departures are recommended to avoid peak crowds and heat.