Forbidden City

No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009, China Phone: 010-85007422

About

The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. It is located in the center of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. It served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.

Built in 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 ha (180 acres). The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture, and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

Avoid doing this

"beware! expensive scam!"

"avoid going just after public holidays or on warm days - it will be packed! after you exit consider crossing the road and going up 景山 (jingshan)!"

Must do

"must see"

"must do when in beijing and well worth the visit - make sure you have lots of time though!"

"must to see site in bj"

Useful Tips

"forbidden city was incredible."

"best museum i ever been to"

"wonderful place"

"impressive"

What people dont like

"done that during summer and it was horror and exhausted after that."

"it's a hallway with 10 slightly rounded rocks."

"the shocking, unrestrained & unending crowds & tour groups totally remove the mystique & charm of this icon of china!"

"- forget about driving here as parking nearby is impossible."

"buy a map and small guide in front of ticket office for just rmb 5,-"

"your guide may take you into a small garden and from there into a room with scrolls for sale & various antiques."

"be prepared for the throngs of visitors coming to the palace everyday."

If you have been to Forbidden City, share your experience

Review this place