Visitor Summary
Recommended Time: 4–5 Hours
Walking Distance: Approx. 3.5 km (2.1 miles)
Key Route: South (Meridian Gate) to North (Gate of Divine Prowess)
Note: Tickets must be booked online 7 days in advance. Passports required for entry.
The Royal Tour Pathway
The Forbidden City is massive, but the “Classic Imperial Route” ensures you see the most critical sites without getting lost. This route follows the central axis, representing the Emperor’s power, from South to North.
Entry: Meridian Gate (Wumen) — The massive southern U-shaped entrance.
Outer Court: Cross the Golden Water Bridges to reach the Hall of Supreme Harmony (The Throne Room).
Inner Court: Continue north to the residential quarters, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Emperor’s bedroom) and Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Empress’s residence).
The Garden: Relax in the Imperial Garden at the northern end.
Exit: Leave through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen).
Bonus View: Cross the street to Jingshan Park and climb the hill for a panoramic view of the entire palace.
General Introduction & History
“The Purple Forbidden City” (Zijincheng) Commissioned in 1406 by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, this architectural masterpiece took 14 years and over one million workers to complete. For exactly 491 years (1420–1911), it served as the home for 24 emperors—14 from the Ming dynasty and 10 from the Qing dynasty.
Why “Forbidden”? In imperial times, entering without the Emperor’s permission was a crime punishable by death. Commoners were barred from even looking at the high red walls.
Scale: It is the world’s largest preserved wooden palace complex, covering 72 hectares with 980 surviving buildings.
Architecture: The layout strictly follows Feng Shui and feudal hierarchy. The Outer Court (south) was for ceremonial state affairs, while the Inner Court (north) was for the Emperor’s private life.
Fun Facts & Hidden Gems
1. Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian)
What is it? The largest and most important hall, used for grand ceremonies like coronations and imperial weddings.
Fun Fact: The hall features the “Dragon Throne.” Above it hangs a coiled dragon holding a metal ball called the “Xuanyuan Mirror.” Legend says if a usurper (an illegitimate ruler) sits on the throne, the heavy metal ball will fall and strike them dead.
2. The 9,999.5 Rooms Myth
The Legend: It is said the palace has 9,999.5 rooms—just half a room less than the Jade Emperor’s Palace in Heaven (10,000 rooms), out of respect for the gods.
The Reality: A 1973 survey counted exactly 8,707 rooms. The “half room” does exist! It is a tiny staircase room in the Wenyuan Ge (Imperial Library).
3. The Imperial Garden
What is it? A 12,000 sq. meter retreat where the imperial family relaxed, sipped tea, and composed poetry.
Fun Fact: Look for the “Consort Pine” (Lianli Bo), two trees whose trunks have grown together intertwined. It is a symbol of the harmony and faithful love between the Emperor and Empress.
4. Jingshan Park (Coal Hill)
What is it? The hill directly north of the Forbidden City exit.
Fun Fact: This is an artificial mountain created entirely from the dirt dug out to create the palace moat. It serves a Feng Shui purpose: protecting the palace from cold northern winds and evil spirits. It is also where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen, hanged himself when rebels breached the city.
5. Tiananmen Square
What is it? The largest city square in the world, capable of holding 1 million people.
Highlights: The Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mao Zedong Mausoleum (where his preserved body lies), and the National Flag Raising Ceremony (happens daily at sunrise).