Guys! Who can relate? My first visit to the Forbidden City left me totally speechless! The red walls, golden roof tiles, and blue sky make every photo look like a scene from a movie. I’ve put together this ultimate guide so even first-timers can enjoy it to the fullest—save this now!
【Must-Know Facts! Become a Forbidden City Pro】
▪️ The Forbidden City = Zijincheng (Purple Forbidden City). It was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a history of over 600 years. It’s definitely a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
▪️ Covering over 720,000 square meters (that’s like 98 football fields!), don’t try to see everything in one day—focus on the highlights!
▪️ Key tip: You can ONLY enter through the Meridian Gate (Wumen)! Exit via the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) or East Flowery Gate (Donghuamen). Don’t get it wrong!
【Top 5 Photo Spots! 100% Perfect Shots】
- Meridian Gate (Wumen): Take a full-view photo of the red walls and golden tiles at the entrance. The light is best around 3 PM—amazing lighting! Wear neutral-colored clothes; they go perfectly with the red walls~
- Taihe Dian Square: Stand on either side of the imperial path to photograph the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian). Pro tip to avoid crowds: Crouch down to shoot architectural details, or wait for tour groups to leave for empty shots!
- "Upright and Just" Plaque in Qianqing Gong: A classic scene from historical dramas! Tilt your camera up to capture the plaque, with the dragon columns inside the hall for a strong ancient Chinese vibe~
- Duixiu Hill in the Imperial Garden: Climb to the Yujing Pavilion on top for a bird’s-eye view of half the Forbidden City. Go in the evening to see the sunset glow on the roofs—breathtaking!
- Western-Style Building in Yanxi Gong: Don’t be fooled by the drama Story of Yanxi Palace! The real Yanxi Gong is a "unfinished" blend of Chinese and Western architecture, but it’s a unique, underrated spot for photos~
【Tickets & Timing! Avoid Mistakes】
▪️ Tickets: 60 RMB (peak season: Apr-Oct), 40 RMB (off-season: Nov-Mar). The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery are 10 RMB each—definitely worth visiting!
▪️ Booking: Search "The Palace Museum" mini-program on WeChat. Book 7 days in advance! Tickets go on sale at 8 AM during peak season—act fast!
▪️ Timing: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid tour groups. It’s closed on Mondays (except public holidays)—don’t make a wasted trip!
【Useful Travel Tips! Super Practical】
- Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll walk over 20,000 steps—high heels are a no-no~
- Bring a power bank! Taking photos drains your phone, and power banks inside are scarce and expensive~
- Rules to follow: No flash when taking photos of artifacts (it damages them), don’t touch the red walls (there are cameras), and smoking is strictly forbidden!
- Nearby spot: After exiting Shenwumen, Jingshan Park is right across the street. It’s only 5 RMB to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—must-go!
The Forbidden City is worth visiting again and again! You’ll notice new details every time. The red walls and golden tiles hold 600 years of stories—you’ll leave feeling amazed and moved~
