Beijing: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City Tours w/ Options

Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City with guided tours suitable for individual travelers, small groups, or private bookings, including optional visits to nearby attractions.

Highlights

• Visit the Forbidden City, Beijing’s most iconic landmark
• Choose between group tours or private experiences for flexibility
• Guidance available in multiple languages for enhanced cultural understanding
• Discover stories of emperors, dynasties, and modern history
• Optional extension to Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace

Description

The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Experience ancient architecture, imperial layouts, and cultural relics through private, small group, or shared tours with multilingual guides.

Since 2010, over 40,000 tours have been conducted, serving more than 150,000 visitors globally. Tours last around four hours and focus on delivering an immersive cultural experience of Beijing’s historic core.

Tour Options

• Option 1: Forbidden City ticket booking only (7 days in advance) with passport or Chinese ID for citizens
• Option 2: Group Forbidden City tour (3 hours), fixed meeting points at 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM
• Option 3: Group tour of Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, meeting at 8:00 AM or 12:00 PM
• Option 4: In-depth small group tour (under 10 guests), hotel pickup within 3rd Ring Road, departs at 8:30 AM or 12:30 PM
• Option 5: Private Tiananmen Square tour with fast entry pass in various languages, hotel pickup within 4th Ring Road (transportation cost not included)
• Option 6: Group tour of Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with public transport, meeting at 8:00 AM
• Option 7: Private tour of Forbidden City and Summer Palace in multiple languages using Uber
• Option 8: Private tour of Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven in multiple languages with Uber
• Option 9: Group tour covering Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven in one day
• Option 10: Private Forbidden City tour with Hutong dumpling-making class in various languages
• Option 11: One-day Forbidden City and Great Wall tour in multiple languages

Important Notices

• Bookings made 7 days in advance include ticket reservation for the Forbidden City; last-minute bookings will receive assistance to gain entry.
• Chinese citizens, including Hong Kong and Taiwanese residents, must book 7 days in advance for tickets.
• Tiananmen Square security checks can require long waits during public holidays. Occasional closures due to political events may result in alternate visits outside the square.

Includes

• Guide speaking English, Spanish, German, French, or Italian (depending on selected option)
• Hotel meetup within the 4th Ring Road for private tours (transportation fees for Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City tours not included)
• Reserved entrance tickets to sights
• Transportation via Uber included only for full-day private tours
• Dumpling making class included if selected

Excludes

• Food and drinks
• Clock and Jewelry Museum entry tickets
• Shuttle bus, cable car rides, and chairlift fees
• Transportation fees for Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City 4-hour tours
• Tips

Important Information

• Passport required for entry at all sites.
• Tours operate in rainy or snowy weather except during government closures caused by heavy rain.
• Mandatory security checks may cause delays, especially at peak times, and are separate from ticket lines.
• Chinese citizens must reserve tickets at least 7 days in advance.
• Tiananmen Square may close without notice for government events; if closed, visits may be replaced with Jinshan Park.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book at least 7 days ahead to secure your tickets. Carry a valid passport or Chinese ID and prepare for security checks. Morning departures often offer lighter crowds.