We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Beijing?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Beijing each week.

  • Save Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)
  • E-mail this page

Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #17 of 177 attractions in Beijing
Traveler Description:
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated...... more » Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. « less
Familiar with Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Castle, Historic site, Architectural building, Landmark/point of interest
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Address: Beijing 100009
China

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
PoppetAustralia 38 contributions
Australia
Jul 14, 2009

Forbidden City. Very, very busy on day we went. Amazing place to visit and is one of the must do's in Beijing. more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
jandbwest 6 contributions
South Carolina
Jul 5, 2009

The Forbidden City is beautiful, but unless you know the history very well you should splurge on a tour guide. It is a large attraction with lots of people, and the English map and brochure don't really give you much information. We previously went to the Summer Palace which is nice, but we got so much more out of this... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
WoodlandsSingapore 64 contributions
Singapore, Singapore
Jun 20, 2009

Don't be fooled, you need one whole day for this attraction. We went at noon, and didn't even finish one-third of what is inside. The place is indeed huge. There are more eateries than what is reported. Beside the one at the imperial garden, which is only a small snack shop that sell pre-packed rice and sausages that can be... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
SeaMeWa 4 contributions
SEA
Jun 10, 2009

It is a huge compound with thousands of lodgings fit for an emperor who have 3000 wives, but the emperor only married once; to the empress. Visitors can only visit the working palace, the throne and the wedding/banquet palace. Other small lodgings are out of bound. The garden looked like old time with aging trees and rocks. Early June was... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
thornburgr 17 contributions
Chapel Hill, NC
May 25, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

Woah. This place is ginormous. I spent probably five or six hours walking between Qinmen at the south of Tiananmen Square and the north exit of the Forbidden City. I'll admit that after awhile many of the rooms and buildings all started to blend together but there are enough hidden gems that kept me interested in exploring even though I... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
ambishen1981 35 contributions
Regina, Canada
Dec 13, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

I was in awe. The history preserved here is amazing. Definately a must see. It's very crowded but it's worth it. We found that we got stared at a lot because there really weren't too many westerners there. The amount of detail in the architecture is mind blowing!! I can't even imagine how long it would have taken to finish... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
GDGM 1 contribution
Kakadu
Nov 23, 2008
7/7 found this review helpful

We combined Tianeman Square and the forbidden City in a day and certainly covered some ground. We started in the Square which is most notable for it's size. The walk through Mau's Mausaleum had a significant line and is only open from 8am to midday. Great photo opportunities from the square to the palace. Once you enter the palace, be... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
cylia82 39 contributions
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sep 19, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

Before I visited this place I knew it is huge but I just couldn't imagine how huge it is until I finally inside. I paid RMB60 for the entrance ticket and another RMB20 for another 2 optional palaces inside. Initially I thought I could finish the place within 4 hours but it took me more than 6 hours until the... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
libs2 4 contributions
Auckland, New Zealand
Aug 2, 2008
0/4 found this review helpful

Im not a history buff so maybe thats why i found it boring, but it was a bit dissappointing to find the main buildings under construction as much of China is of late. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
lmoldham 4 contributions
Sydney, Australia
Jun 15, 2008
4/4 found this review helpful

The Forbidden City is large, so make sure you wear your walking shoes and allow for 3-4 hours. Don't walk too fast straight through, there are a couple of side gardens with interesting halls to explore. The grounds are under restoration, presumably for the Beijing Olympics, so you can't get great views of two of the main halls due to... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Beijing, China
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Beijing, China
Price not available
No photo provided
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Forbidden City (Imperial Palace): Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) Address

Beijing 100009, China