The Forbidden City, a purple-walled citadel bearing the royal memories of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is not only a World Cultural Heritage site but also a microcosm of Chinese civilization. Visiting the Forbidden City is like embarking on a millennia-spanning historical journey, where one can witness the imprints of imperial power and appreciate exquisite artistic treasures. The towering Meridian Gate (Wu Men) showcases the majesty of imperial authority through its grand architecture, enveloping visitors in a palpable sense of historical gravitas upon entry. In the Hall of Martial Prowess (Wuying Dian), the deep blue of Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain contrasts with the soft glow of Ming sweet white glaze, their iridescent surfaces testifying to the pinnacle of ceramic craftsmanship. At the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua Dian), ink wash paintings on silk convey the refined spirit of scholars, with the bustling scenes of Along the River During the Qingming Festival harmonizing with the freehand elegance of Letter to Xun in Snow.
Passing through the Square of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Men Square), the gilded dragon-adorned roofs and red terraces of the Three Great Halls rise tier by tier, while auspicious stone sculptures and mythical figures atop the eaves transform the grandeur of imperial rituals into tangible spatial drama. In the palace realm, the Imperial Bedroom connects to the Palace of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian), where piles of memorial petitions beside a wooden dragon-carved bed silently narrate the emperor’s relentless duties. The Western Six Palaces retain traces of concubines’ lives—faint scents of rouge—while the neglected furnishings of the Eastern Six Palaces seem frozen in time, their faded lacquer and tattered curtains whispering tales of backstage rivalries.
In the Imperial Garden, peculiar Lake Tai stones disrupt geometric order, ancient cypresses and carved window lattices embodying the essence of literati gardens, condensing mountain-and-river spirit into compact courtyards. The precision of metallic clocks in the Hall of Ancestral Worship (Fengxian Dian) showcases mechanical artistry, while the weathered golden stage in the Palace of Peaceful Longevity (Ningshou Gong) still reflects past splendor. The Treasure Hall, brimming with pearl crowns and jade screens, translates royal extravagance into masterful craftsmanship.
As one exits through the Spiritual Warrior Gate (Shenwu Men) and looks back, the emerald-tiled roofs of nearly a thousand palaces resemble frozen waves, with golden mythical beasts atop ridges seemingly eternal sentinels of imperial legacy. Only then does one truly grasp that the Forbidden City is not merely a silent assembly of artifacts, but a living epic where every brick and tile entombs the soul of dynasties.
Time Planning
Recommended Entry: Arrive at 8:30 a.m. when the museum opens to avoid peak crowds (especially on holidays).
Duration: 6–8 hours (including in-depth tours of key areas); brisk pacing and selective skipping of secondary exhibits are advised.
Closing: Last admission at 17:00; some galleries close after 16:30. Aim to reach Shenwu Men by 15:30.
Sightseeing Route
Meridian Gate (Entrance) → Hall of Martial Prowess → Hall of Literary Brilliance → Square of Supreme Harmony → Three Great Halls (Hall of Supreme Harmony/Hall of Central Harmony/Hall of Preserving Harmony) → Rear Three Palaces (Imperial Bedroom/Palace of Harmonious Union/Palace of Earthly Tranquility) → Palace of Mental Cultivation → Western Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Eastern Six Palaces → Hall of Ancestral Worship (Clock Exhibition) → Palace of Peaceful Longevity (Treasury/Opera Exhibition) → Spiritual Warrior Gate (Exit).
Practical Tips
- Book tickets online via the official website (60 RMB per person in peak season) and enter quickly with ID.
- Wear comfortable shoes, carry a power bank, and refill water bottles (hydration stations available inside).
- Opt for the 20 RMB official audio guide or join free guided tour groups (check schedules in advance).
- Midday (12:00–14:00) is less crowded; consider bringing snacks.
- On full-moon nights, reserve night tours for stunning photos of red walls and golden tiles under moonlight.
- Expect ~3 hours of walking; pace yourself to fully absorb the palace’s historical depth and intricate beauty.
