Beijing · China
Forbidden City (Palace Museum) tickets: CN¥60
Main adult ticket: Main entry ticket, peak season (1 April to 31 October). Every ticket type is listed here, checked on the official site in October 2026.
Part of the World Heritage site Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, listed by UNESCO in 1987.
- Main entry ticket, peak season (1 April to 31 October)CN¥60
- Main entry ticket, low season (1 November to 31 March)CN¥40
- Treasure Gallery (on top of entry)CN¥10
- Clock and Watch Gallery (on top of entry)CN¥10
Main ticket CN¥60 (about US$9 · £7, 2026-10-09 rates)
Checked October 2026 on the official site
Free entry
Chinese citizens under 18 (and foreigners with Chinese permanent residence), disabled visitors with their own disability card, and some other groups, mostly Chinese citizens; free visitors must still book.
Opening hours
Closed Mondays except on public holidays. Peak season 8:30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm); low season 8:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm).
Booking
Book a ticket ahead on the Palace Museum's official ticket site, ticket.dpm.org.cn. The visit runs one way, south to north: everyone enters by the Meridian Gate (Wumen) and leaves by the Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Prosperity Gate.
Buy from the official seller: Palace Museum: visit (in Chinese)
Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Forbidden City (Palace Museum)?
The main adult ticket (Main entry ticket, peak season (1 April to 31 October)) costs CN¥60, about US$9 · £7. Prices were checked on the official website in October 2026.
Can you visit the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) for free?
Chinese citizens under 18 (and foreigners with Chinese permanent residence), disabled visitors with their own disability card, and some other groups, mostly Chinese citizens; free visitors must still book.
When is the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) open?
Closed Mondays except on public holidays. Peak season 8:30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm); low season 8:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm).
Do you need to book Forbidden City (Palace Museum) tickets in advance?
Book a ticket ahead on the Palace Museum's official ticket site, ticket.dpm.org.cn. The visit runs one way, south to north: everyone enters by the Meridian Gate (Wumen) and leaves by the Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Prosperity Gate.