Forbidden City Guided Tour

US$ 36.20

8.80 / 10

152 reviews | 2,228 travellers

Very happy with the experience, a very pleasant visit, Victor our guide was very attentive, friendly, very hot, but the activity was great

 8 Cristina
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts

US$ 36.20

See availability

Gain deeper insights into the history of the palace complex

With our knowledgeable guide, you'll learn many facts

See more photos (43)

Very happy with the experience, a very pleasant visit, Victor our guide was very attentive, friendly, very hot, but the activity was great

  Cristina

Embark on a captivating guided tour of the Forbidden City, an iconic symbol of Beijing. Prepare to be captivated forever; this experience is a must-see!

Description
Embark on a captivating guided tour of the Forbidden City, an iconic symbol of Beijing. Prepare to be captivated forever; this experience is a must-see!
Forbidden City Guided Tour

At the scheduled time, we'll begin this guided tour of the Forbidden City of Beijing. Then, we'll embark on a guided tour of one of the most spectacular palace complexes in China.

Accompanied by your guide, an expert in the history of Beijing and of the palace complex, you'll wander through the immense courtyards giving way to pagodas and pavilions where you'll be able to imagine the ceremonies held here by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties throughout history.

Following a brief introduction, we'll enter this fascinating site, which UNESCO considers the world's largest architectural ensemble of ancient wooden structures. First, we'll walk through the spacious courtyards that lead to the pavilions where the emperor's official ceremonies were held.

Within the walls of the Forbidden City, 24 different emperors ruled China for almost 500 years, and its importance in Chinese history is evident as you explore. Discover the incredible details of the ancient architecture and the philosophical and religious symbolism they represent, from the yellow roof tiles - the color of the emperor - to the imperial roof decorations, gilded lion temple guardians, and exquisitely carved dragons.

We'll also visit the Royal Treasury Museum, of great ornamental value, to marvel at the magnificent craftsmanship of ancient China.

Then, after between 3.5 and 4 hours immersed in the wonder of this great palace complex, we'll bring our guided tour to an end. But if you want to continue soaking up the site's history, feel free to stay within the city walls and continue your exploration!

Important Info

We need a minimum of 10 people per group to run this tour. If we don't reach that number for your selected date, we'll offer you an alternative date.

The number of tickets to the Forbidden City is very limited. Therefore, we recommend booking this tour well in advance.

In case of booking more than one week in advance, keeping in mind Beijing's local time, the supplier will buy the tickets online. If you book less than one week in advance, you will have to queue up with the guide to purchase the tickets. In addition, you will not have skip-the-line access.

On the day of the activity, you will have to fill in a short form to enter the Forbidden City. The guide will accompany you in the process.

You must provide your passport details correctly during the booking process, as tickets to the Forbidden City will be issued based on the information you provide. If there are any errors, entry will be denied.
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Details
More Information

Duration

4 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Skip the line entrance to the Forbidden City and the Royal Treasure Museum (when reserving a week in advance)

Skip–the–line access tickets

Headphones to listen to the guides explanations

When to book?

You can book up until 10 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

Provide a safe and satisfying experience.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.

Uphold fair employment standards.

Foster the growth of local communities.

Preserve the integrity of local culture.

Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.

Ensure ethical treatment of animals.

Operate with honesty and transparency.

Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

No printing of documentation required.
Pets

Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 10 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.
Cancellations

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
Meeting point

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Bank of China Donganmen Branch, next to the metro exit

Puerta de la Divina Proeza.

View map

Where does the activity end?

Puerta de la Divina Proeza.
Reviews
Our customers' reviews
These are genuine reviews written by our customers.

5 out of 152 reviews

8.8 / 10

 8.7763157894736 152 reviews | 2,228 travellers

36 traveler-submitted photos
 10

Jun / 02 / 2025

M

Maria Paz

Barcelona, Spain

¡Una experiencia espectacular! Tuvimos la suerte de hacer el tour por la Ciudad Prohibida solo nosotros dos, y fue increíble. Víctor es un guía fantástico: conoce muchísimo, explica de forma amena, nada aburrida, y su español es espectacular. Es simpático, divertido y paciente: nos hizo todas las fotos que quisimos y siempre estuvo pendiente. En resumen, ¡un tour maravilloso y súper recomendable! Translate this opinion into English.

A spectacular experience! We were lucky enough to take the Forbidden City tour just the two of us, and it was incredible. Victor is a fantastic guide: he's incredibly knowledgeable, explains in an engaging and non-boring way, and his Spanish is spectacular. He's friendly, fun, and patient: he took all the photos we wanted and was always attentive. In short, a wonderful tour and I highly recommend it! Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Useful?

 10

May / 27 / 2025

L

Laura

Barcelona, Spain

Nuestro guía Victor, ha sido un encanto, super profesional, amable y muy atento. Ha hecho de una visita que podría haber sido pesada por las distancias, el calor y el recorrido, muy ameno. Desde un primer momento se puso en contacto con nosotros y nos ayudó en todo lo que estuviera en su mano. Lo recomiendo 100% y si tenéis la suerte de coincidir con Victor aún mejor!! Translate this opinion into English.

Our guide, Victor, was a delight, super professional, friendly, and very attentive. He made a visit that could have been overwhelming due to the distance, the heat, and the route very enjoyable. He contacted us from the very beginning and helped us in every way he could. I highly recommend him, and if you're lucky enough to meet Victor, even better! Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

Useful?

 10

Apr / 22 / 2025

E

Enrique

Mexico

Our guide, Victor, provided an unforgettable Forbidden City experience. His passion and extensive knowledge truly brought the palace's rich history to life. He expertly guided us through the complex, sharing captivating stories and insights beyond the usual guidebook fare. Víctor patiently answered our many questions, making the tour both educational and thoroughly engaging. His warm, friendly manner created a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring we fully appreciate the grandeur.

I travelled by myself

Useful?

 10

Apr / 16 / 2025

A

Anonymous

Madrid, Spain

El guia, Víctor, super majo. Hablaba muy bien español y conocía muy bien todos lo relacionado con la Ciudad Prohibida, incluso contestando a muchísimas preguntas de compañeros, y con material extra de apoyo para explicarnos mejor toda la historia. Una pena no poder entrar a los edificios principales, pero no es culpa ni del guía, ni de la agencia. Lo peor de todo es tener que esperar a compañeros que se han apuntado a ultima hora a qué se saquen las entradas, se pierde muchísimo tiempo. Translate this opinion into English.

The guide, Victor, was super nice. He spoke Spanish very well and was very knowledgeable about the Forbidden City, even answering many questions from our fellow travelers and providing additional support materials to better explain the entire history. It's a shame we couldn't enter the main buildings, but that's not the fault of either the guide or the agency. The worst part is having to wait for last-minute travelers to get tickets; it wastes a lot of time. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

Useful?

 10

Apr / 05 / 2025

V

Victor Irigaray Calvo

Pamplona, Spain

Muy contento con esta visita. El guia (Victor) nos hizo un recorrido perfecto, proporciono excelentes explicaciones y datos interesantes y ademas, estuvo muy atento ayudandome con otras cuestiones de mi viaje a Pekin. Sin duda alguna, muy recomendable. Translate this opinion into English.

I was very pleased with this visit. The guide (Victor) gave us a perfect tour, providing excellent explanations and interesting information. He was also very helpful in helping me with other matters related to my trip to Beijing. Highly recommended, without a doubt. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled by myself

Useful?

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