Forbidden City Tickets: Sold Out? How to Secure Your Spot (2026)
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Quick Summary: How to Secure Forbidden City Tickets
- Mandatory Online Reservation: The Forbidden City has eliminated on-site ticket windows. All visitors must book in advance via the official WeChat Mini-Program, the website, or an authorized booking agent.
- Real-Name System: Every ticket is strictly linked to a valid ID. International travelers must bring their original physical passport to the Meridian Gate (South Gate) for manual verification and entry.
- The "7-Day" Rule: Tickets go on sale exactly seven days in advance at 8:00 PM Beijing Time. During peak seasons, they often sell out within minutes, making it essential to have your visitor information pre-saved in the booking system.
- Entry Sessions & Closures: You must choose between a Morning (8:30 AM) or Afternoon (11:00 AM) session. Note that the museum is strictly closed every Monday, except for national holidays.
- Pricing & Add-ons: General admission is ¥60 (peak) or ¥40 (off-peak). Special exhibits like the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery require additional ¥10 tickets, which should be added to your cart during the initial booking.
- Entry/Exit Logistics: There is only one entrance for tourists: the Meridian Gate (South Gate). You must exit through the North (Shenwu) or East (Donghua) gates; re-entry is not permitted.
- Booking Strategy: If tickets appear sold out, check the platform again between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM on the release night, as unpaid orders are automatically released back into the system.
- Avoid Scams: Be wary of "fast track" QR codes or "guaranteed" tickets from scalpers. There are no paper tickets; your face or ID scan at the official gate is the only valid way to enter.
The Beginning:
The Key to Understanding the History of the Royals
The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is the most important place in Chinese culture and history. Thus, booking tickets for the Forbidden City is often the hardest part of the trip for modern travelers because of the giant crowds and strict entry limits. This guide gives you a practical way to get around the system so you can get your Forbidden City tickets and have a smooth trip through imperial history.
1. A Look at the Rules for Forbidden City Tickets
Real-Name Reservation:
Why You Need ID to Obtain Forbidden City Tickets
Quick ID Checklist: What to Bring
- Mainland Residents: Second-generation ID Card (Swipe for entry).
- Hong Kong & Macao Residents: Mainland Travel Permit (Home Return Permit).
- Taiwan Residents: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.
- International Travelers: Valid Passport (Must match the number used for booking).
- Foreign Permanent Residents: Alien Permanent Residence Identity Card.
The Palace Museum has a strict "real-name system" for all the tickets. This means that each ticket is linked to a specific ID.
Visitors from the mainland must give a second-generation ID number when they book tickets. You don't need a paper ticket on the day of your visit. Just swipe your ID card at the gate to have your face recognized.
Visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other countries must show their travel permits or passports when they buy tickets to the Forbidden City. You will probably need to use the manual verification lane when you get there.
The Daily Limit:
How 80,000 Tickets Are Given Out
The museum limits the number of people who can visit each day to protect the building. This is usually 80,000 people. Not all of the Forbidden City tickets are available at once. Instead, they are spread out over different times and user channels. The daily limit for Forbidden City tickets immediately stops sales. There are no tickets set aside for sale at the event.
Sessions
in the Morning
vs.
in the Afternoon
- Morning Session: Doors open at 8:30 AM.
- Afternoon Session: starts at 11:00 AM.
You need to arrive at the Forbidden City during the time indicated on your tickets.
Closed on Mondays:
Check the calendar before you buy tickets to the Forbidden City. Every Monday, except on national holidays, the museum is closed for repairs.
2. Explaining the Cost:
How to Get the Most for Your Money with
Prices for General Admission
The cost of Forbidden City tickets changes with the seasons:
- During peak season (April 1 to October 31), regular tickets to the Forbidden City cost ¥60.
- During the off-peak season (November 1 to March 31), regular tickets to the Forbidden City cost ¥40.
Tip: The best time to get Forbidden City tickets without having to deal with giant crowds is usually during the off-peak season.
Additional Attractions
You can't get into the Treasure Gallery or the Clock Gallery with a regular Forbidden City ticket. You need to buy extra tickets for these (¥10 each). When you buy your main Forbidden City tickets online, you should add these smaller tickets to your cart right away.
This will save you the trouble of having to buy them separately later.
Free Entry and Discounts
- For minors: Visitors under 18 can get in for free, but they still need to make a reservation. You have to "book" these free Forbidden City tickets online, just like you would for paid tickets.
- Students and Seniors: Seniors over 60 and full-time students with valid IDs can get discounted Forbidden City tickets (usually half off).
3. The Right Way to Buy Tickets to the Forbidden City
The Standard Way:
WeChat Mini-Program
The official "Palace Museum" WeChat Mini-Program is the most popular way to buy tickets to the Forbidden City:
- Go to "Book Tickets."
- Choose the date and time for your tickets.
- Fill out the visitor information and pay with WeChat Pay.
This is the quickest way to get tickets on your phone.
Official Website:
For Desktops
People who want a big screen or travel agencies can buy tickets at the official website.
The process is like the app, and you can buy them with online banking or QR codes.
No Ticket Windows on Site for Forbidden City Tickets
You need to know that you can't buy your ticket at the gate anymore. The physical ticket windows at Meridian Gate are solely for resolving issues with previously placed orders. Thus, you won't be able to enter without a reservation.
Getting a refund and rescheduling
If you haven't used your tickets and your plans change, you can get a refund before 8:00 PM on the day of the visit. You may also change the date of your tickets once while they are still available.
4. Strategy:
How to Get
The release time is 8:00 p.m.
Tickets go on sale exactly seven days in advance at 8:00 PM.
For instance, if you want to go next Saturday, you need to be online this Saturday night to get your tickets as soon as they become available.
Speed is important when booking
The tickets can sell out in minutes during the holidays.
Set a timer for 7:55 PM. Make sure you're signed in and ready to click.
The 8:00 PM Battle Plan:
Step-by-Step
to Secure Forbidden City Tickets
- 7:50 PM--Log in to the WeChat Mini-Program or website. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- 7:55 PM--Select your desired date and verify that all visitor information (names, passport numbers) is pre-filled in the "Frequent Contacts" list.
- 7:59 PM--Start refreshing the page. Do not wait until the clock strikes exactly 8:00.
- 8:00 PM--As soon as the "Book" button turns active (usually changes color), click immediately.
- Payment: Complete the payment within the designated time limit (usually 10-15 minutes) to secure the booking.
Fill out your information ahead of time
Don't waste time typing names when sales start.
Before you start using the app, make sure to add all of your family members' ID information to the "Frequent Contacts" list.
You can just check the boxes for your group and pay when the tickets go on sale.
The "Pick-Up" Plan for Sold-Out Tickets
- Don't give up if you miss the first sale of the tickets at 8:00 PM.
After a certain amount of time (usually 10 to 30 minutes), the system cancels unpaid orders. Between 8:30 and 9:00 PM, refresh the page. If you're lucky, you might find returned tickets.
2. If navigating the Chinese interface or waking up at odd hours to catch the 8:00 PM release time sounds stressful, consider using a reliable booking agent. Services like Real Trip China specialize in securing tickets for international travelers.
They handle the complex reservation process and ID verification for you, significantly increasing your chances of getting a ticket during peak seasons. This is often the best "insurance" against the disappointment of sold-out dates.
5. How Come and Go with
The Meridian Gate (South Gate) is the only way for people with tickets to get in.
Gates to Exit
You must leave through the Shenwu Gate (North) or Donghua Gate (East) after your visit.
Quick Entry with ID
- Remove your mask so that your face can be identified.
- Put your ID on the scanner.
Packing Essentials for Your Visit with:
1. Power Bank: You will use your phone a lot for the audio guide, photos, and showing your ticket QR code.
2. Comfortable Shoes: The Forbidden City is massive; expect to walk over 10,000 steps on hard pavement.
3. Water & Snacks: There are a few shops inside, and lines can be long during peak hours.
4. Your Physical Passport: Even though tickets are digital, security may spot-check your physical ID document.
5. Earphones: Essential if you plan to use the audio guide app on your phone instead of renting a device.
7. Extra Services
Guides and Tours in Audio
Your Forbidden City tickets let you in, but an audio guide (about ¥20–40) helps you understand what you're seeing. Make sure that the guide you choose is licensed if you want a person to show you around.
Don't buy "package deals" from street vendors who say they include tickets to the Forbidden City.
The Passport to Culture
You can buy a "Cultural Passport" at the gift shops once you're inside the Forbidden City with your tickets. You can get stamps at different places, which will give you a physical souvenir to go with your digital Forbidden City tickets.
Exclusive Dining: If you have tickets to the Forbidden City, you can eat at special places like the Icehouse Restaurant. You can't eat here unless you have a valid ticket. You don't need However, you cannot use Forbidden City tickets to purchase coffee at the Corner Tower Café due to its location outside the gate.
8. How to Avoid Scams
"Guaranteed" Tickets and Scalpers
Watch out for people who sell Forbidden City tickets for three times what they are worth. Scalpers often use bots to buy up Forbidden City tickets, but if the system sees something suspicious, these tickets could be canceled, leaving you stuck at the gate.
Fake QR Codes for "Fast Track"
Scammers near the entrance might try to get you in faster by giving you a QR code. That doesn't exist. All people with Forbidden City tickets have to go through the same security lines. Don't scan codes you don't know.
Cheap Tour Traps
Stay away from "¥50 Tours" that say they include tickets to the Forbidden City. These shopping traps let you see the palace from the outside or not at all. Always buy your tickets to the Forbidden City yourself or through a well-known travel site.
9. Unusual Circumstances
State Events
Sometimes, valid Forbidden City tickets may be canceled or sales may be put on hold because of big state events or visits from foreign dignitaries. Before you go, read official notices.
Bad Weather
The museum might close if there is a lot of rain or snow. The system usually automatically refunds Forbidden City tickets in this case.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy tickets at the gate on the day of my visit?
A:No. The Forbidden City has eliminated on-site ticket windows. All tickets must be booked online in advance. While same-day booking is theoretically possible if tickets aren't sold out, it is extremely risky, as tickets usually sell out days in advance.
Q: I made a mistake with my passport number. Can I change it?
A:Generally, no. Tickets are strictly tied to the ID number provided. If the number is wrong, you may be denied entry. You would typically need to cancel the ticket (refund) and try to re-book with the correct information, but you risk losing your spot if tickets are sold out.
Q: Can I exit the Forbidden City and re-enter later in the day?
A:No. The ticket is valid for a single entry only. Once you leave the Meridian Gate (entry) or exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess (exit), you cannot go back in without a new ticket.
Q: Is there a limit to how many tickets I can buy?
A:Yes. Usually, one account can book tickets for up to 5 people per order. However, each individual person (ID holder) can only book one ticket per day.
Q: What happens if I am late for my morning/afternoon slot?
A:Morning tickets: Valid for entry usually until 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. If you arrive late, you might be allowed in depending on capacity, but it is not guaranteed. Afternoon tickets: You cannot enter in the morning with an afternoon ticket. You must wait until the afternoon entry time starts (usually 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM).
Planning Your Full Beijing Itinerary?
The Forbidden City is just the beginning. To maximize your time in Beijing, visit the Great Wall or the Summer Palace. For a seamless experience across all these top attractions, Real Trip China offers comprehensive booking assistance and tour packages tailored for English speakers.
Additionally, for checking official weather updates to avoid closures, you can visit the China Meteorological Administration.And remember to get your package ready.
To understand more about the architectural significance of the palace before you go, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre provides excellent background reading.
After spending your morning exploring the imperial majesty of the Forbidden City, don’t waste your evening in overpriced tourist traps. Once the sun sets, escape the crowds and discover where the city truly come alive—check out our [Forget Sanlitun: The 'Real' Beijing Nightlife Guide] to find the hidden huton bars and local spots that define Beijing after dark.
10. Final thoughts
Your Forbidden City tickets are more than just a way to see old buildings; they are a promise to respect and see a world heritage site. If you plan ahead and know the rules about Forbidden City tickets, you can make sure that your walk through the imperial palace is memorable for all the right reasons. Good luck getting your tickets to the Forbidden City.