Forbidden City Guided Tour

US$ 35.98

8.60 / 10

132 reviews | 1,887 travellers

Victor Bao was a spectacular guide. He explained the tour in a detailed and friendly manner, answered all our questions, and gave us useful information to continue our trip. Highly recommended!

 10 Daniel Santeliz
Free cancellation up to 1 hours before the service starts

US$ 35.98

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Gain deeper insights into the history of the palace complex

With our knowledgeable guide, you'll learn many facts

See more photos (26)

Victor Bao was a spectacular guide. He explained the tour in a detailed and friendly manner, answered all our questions, and gave us useful information to continue our trip. Highly recommended!

  Daniel Santeliz

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.
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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.
Provider
Beijing Botrip Tour Holiday Company (Mubus) Show more

Beijing Botrip Tour Holiday Company (Mubus)

Corporate name: Beijing Shengda Holiday Travel Agency Co., Ltd.

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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 132 reviews

8.6 / 10

 8.6363636363636 132 reviews | 1,887 travellers

19 traveler-submitted photos
 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

 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

 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

 10

Mar / 29 / 2025

M

Macarena

Chile

Excelente tour de mano de Víctor. Con su fantástico español nos contó la importancia de la ciudad prohibida y lo que representa. Ideal para entender la historia de china. Respondió nuestras preguntas y fue muy amable en todo momento. Lo recomiendo para todos los viajeros que quieran comprender la ciudad prohibida, ya que sin tour no sería posible aprender tanto. Translate this opinion into English.

Excellent tour led by Victor. With his fantastic Spanish, he explained the importance of the Forbidden City and what it represents. It's a perfect way to understand Chinese history. He answered our questions and was very friendly throughout. I recommend it to all travelers who want to understand the Forbidden City, as without a tour, it wouldn't be possible to learn as much. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

 10

May / 04 / 2025

M

Matías

Santiago, Chile

Muy buenas explicaciones y recorrido Translate this opinion into English.

Very good explanations and tour Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

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