Forbidden City Facts
紫禁城 — Imperial Palace of China
Overview
The Forbidden City is the largest imperial palace complex in the world, serving as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years (Ming and Qing dynasties). Located in the heart of Beijing, it houses the Palace Museum with over 1.8 million artifacts.
- ✓ UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987)
- ✓ Largest preserved wooden structure in the world
- ✓ Most visited museum in China (14+ million visitors/year)
- ✓ Symbol of imperial China's power and culture
History
Construction
- Period: 1406-1420 (14 years)
- Emperor: Yongle Emperor (Ming Dynasty)
- Workers: 1 million+ laborers
Imperial Era
- Ming: 1420-1644 (14 emperors)
- Qing: 1644-1912 (10 emperors)
Architecture
Layout: Rectangular, 961m north-south × 753m east-west
Walls
Height: 7.9m
Perimeter: 3,430m
Moat
Width: 52m
Depth: 6m
Main Halls
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Hall of Central Harmony
Hall of Preserving Harmony
Palace Museum Collections
1.86 million items items
Highlights: Along the River During Qingming Festival (清明上河图), Jade Cabbage (翠玉白菜), Gold-inlaid jadeite pagoda, European clocks collection (Qing court)
Visiting Information
Hours & Tickets
Summer: 8:30-17:00 (Apr-Oct)
Winter: 8:30-16:30 (Nov-Mar)
High season: ¥60 (Apr-Oct)
Low season: ¥40 (Nov-Mar)
Tips
- • Book 7 days ahead at gugong.ktmtech.cn
- • Enter via Meridian Gate (午门)
- • Exit via Gate of Divine Might (神武门)
- • Allow 3-4 hours minimum
- • Audio guide ¥20, deposit ¥100
- • No selfie sticks, tripods, or large bags
Legends & Symbolism
- ★ 9,999.5 rooms: Legend says emperor couldn't exceed 10,000 rooms (God's count)
- ★ Yellow tiles: Only imperial buildings could use yellow roof tiles
- ★ Number 9: Dominant number in design (9 dragons, 9x9 nail arrays on gates)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much do Forbidden City tickets cost?
Tickets are ¥60 during high season (April-October) and ¥40 during low season (November-March). Online booking is required at least 7 days in advance through gugong.ktmtech.cn. Bring your passport or ID for entry.
Q2: What are the Forbidden City opening hours?
Summer hours (April-October): 8:30am-5:00pm. Winter hours (November-March): 8:30am-4:30pm. Last entry is one hour before closing. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Q3: What are the must-see highlights in the Forbidden City?
The three main halls (Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony), the Imperial Garden, and the Clock Exhibition Hall. Allow at least 3-4 hours. The Treasure Gallery and Painting Gallery require additional tickets.
Q4: Can I take photos inside the Forbidden City?
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and courtyards. However, photography is prohibited inside exhibition halls to protect artifacts. No selfie sticks, tripods, or large bags are allowed inside.