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Offered languages
- English
Explore the world’s largest imperial palace complex with a professional English-speaking guide in a relaxed small group.
• Small group experience – more personal interaction with your guide
• Professional English-speaking guide with deep knowledge of Chinese history
• Entrance ticket included – no need to worry about booking tickets
• No shopping stops – 100% focused on history and culture
• In-depth storytelling – understand the lives of emperors, concubines, and court officials
• Headset system included – hear your guide clearly even in busy areas
• Local insights – get travel tips for exploring Beijing after the tour
This tour is perfect for:
• First-time visitors to Beijing
• Travelers interested in Chinese history and culture
• Visitors who prefer small group experiences
• Travelers who want to save time and see more in a limited period
• Travelers who want expert storytelling instead of self-guided wandering
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
How to Get There By Taxi: Set your destination to Hotel Kapok Beijing (木棉花酒店) and you will arrive directly. Or show it to the driver: 师傅您好，我要去东华门大街16号木棉花酒店. By Subway: Take Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Station. Exit from Exit C, turn right, walk straight for about 400 meters, cross the street.
North exit of the Forbidden City
Itinerary
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1Hotel Kapok Beijing
Meet your guide near the entrance of the legendary Forbidden City. We will walk together toward the palace gates and begin our journey into the world of Chinese emperors.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Meridian Gate (Wu Men)
Your journey begins at the magnificent Meridian Gate. Your guide will introduce the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties, explain why the palace was built here, and help you understand the symbolism behind the layout of the Forbidden City.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)
Walk through the vast courtyards of the Outer Court, where the most important state ceremonies once took place. Visit the majestic Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest wooden palace hall in China, followed by the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. These grand buildings were the stage for imperial coronations, royal weddings, and New Year celebrations.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4
Residence of the Empress Dowager, a quiet courtyard that once served as the residence of the emperor’s mother. Compared with the grand ceremonial halls, life here was more private. Your guide will share stories about the Empress Dowagers and their influence within the imperial court.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Continue to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, one of the most important buildings during the Qing dynasty. Instead of ruling from the grand halls, several emperors chose to work and live here. This was essentially the emperor’s private office, where daily state affairs were handled and important decisions were made.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Palace of Heavenly Purity
Continue to the central palaces of the Inner Court: Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility. These buildings reveal fascinating stories about imperial family life, court traditions, and the complex world of the royal household.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum
Our journey concludes in the peaceful Imperial Garden, a beautifully designed classical garden filled with ancient trees, rockeries, and pavilions. It offers a quiet contrast to the grand courtyards you’ve just explored.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8Gate of Divine Prowess
The tour ends at the northern exit of the palace, the historic Gate of Divine Prowess. Before saying goodbye, your guide will be happy to share local travel tips and recommendations for exploring Beijing.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers must provide passport details (full name, passport number, and date of birth) at least 7 days in advance.
- Please bring your original passport on the day of the tour.
- If the tour is booked within 7 days before the visit, online tickets may be sold out. In this case, you may need to wait in line at the ticket office to purchase tickets on site. Your guide will assist you with purchasing the ticket.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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