Forbidden City Tickets 2026: How to Book, Prices & Passport Guide

Planning to visit Beijing's Forbidden City? You need to reserve your ticket in advance, and foreign visitors can use their passports for the booking.

The Forbidden City, officially called the Palace Museum, uses a real-name reservation system and does not sell regular same-day admission tickets.

Here's what international travelers need to know about ticket prices, booking times, passport requirements, and entry procedures.

Important: Tickets are linked to the visitor's identity document. Bring the original passport used for your reservation.

The safest option is to follow the Palace Museum's official reservation instructions.

Official websites:

• Palace Museum Multilingual Booking Website
• Official English Visitor Information

Foreign visitors can use the museum's multilingual booking website in English. The official 故宫博物院 WeChat mini-program is another option.

The English website offers email sign-in and lists international-card and other payment options. Use the methods available for your reservation; you do not need WeChat merely to begin booking there.

1. Open the multilingual booking website and select English.
2. Sign in using your email verification code.
3. Choose Book tickets.
4. Select your visit date once tickets become available.
5. Enter each visitor's passport details accurately.
6. Select the available ticket options and complete payment.
7. Save your confirmed reservation.

Foreign visitors can reserve using a valid passport, although the booking interface and payment options may not fully support every overseas account or bank card.

If you cannot complete the booking, contact the museum through its official support channels.

Avoid sellers promising guaranteed admission. The Palace Museum states that it has not authorized third parties to act as agents for standard admission reservations.

Standard admission prices vary by season.

Some galleries require additional tickets.

For example, an adult visiting in summer and entering both additional galleries would pay ¥80 in total.

Discounted admission may be available for qualifying children, students, and senior visitors. Eligibility and identification requirements vary, so check the museum's current rules before selecting a discounted ticket.

Tickets are released at 8:00 PM Beijing time, seven days before the intended visit date.

For example, if you want to visit on October 20, reservations are scheduled to open on October 13 at 8:00 PM.

China uses UTC+8 throughout the year and does not observe daylight saving time.

If you're traveling during weekends or major Chinese holidays, prepare your passport information before reservations open.

You generally cannot secure an official regular admission ticket months in advance.

Tip: A date outside the seven-day booking window is not necessarily sold out. It may simply not be open for reservations yet.

The Palace Museum uses a real-name reservation system.

When booking with a foreign passport:

• Enter the passport number exactly as shown on your document.
• Use the same passport you intend to bring to the museum.
• Check all visitor details before confirming payment.
• Bring your original passport on the day of your visit.

Each identity document can be used for only one admission reservation on the same date.

Tickets are not freely transferable between visitors.

No. You should bring the original passport used for your reservation.

A photo, photocopy, or booking screenshot should not be treated as a substitute for the original identity document.

If you entered incorrect passport details, contact the official ticketing service before your visit. Do not assume the museum can change the registered visitor at the entrance.

Opening hours vary by season.

The museum is generally closed on Mondays, except for certain public holidays.

Temporary closures and special events can affect opening schedules, so check the official website shortly before your visit.

These last-entry times follow the museum's English visitor page. Morning reservations must be checked in by noon; follow the session on your ticket and allow time for security.

For a typical visit, allow three to four hours. Consider half a day if you plan to explore the additional galleries.

Visit sequence, illustrated: reserve first, bring the same original passport, and plan your approach to the Meridian Gate. This is a preparation diagram, not a ticket or walking map.

The main visitor entrance is the Meridian Gate (Wu Men / 午门) on the southern side of the Palace Museum.

Visitors generally move from south to north through the palace complex.

The main northern exit is the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men / 神武门).

Do not navigate directly to the northern gate expecting to enter there.

On your visit day:

1. Travel to the Meridian Gate.
2. Have your original passport ready.
3. Follow the museum's ticket verification and security procedures.
4. Enter once your reservation and identity have been confirmed.

Save your reservation details offline in case your mobile connection is unreliable.

Access routes around Tiananmen Square can change because of security arrangements. Allow extra time to reach the museum entrance.

If your preferred date is unavailable:

• Try another date: Check other days within the seven-day booking window.
• Recheck the official channel: Cancellations may occasionally release tickets, although availability is not guaranteed.
• Be cautious with resellers: A commercial tour advertisement does not prove that a valid admission reservation has been secured.

If you cannot get tickets, consider visiting other Beijing attractions, such as Jingshan Park, the Temple of Heaven, or the Summer Palace.

The Palace Museum has specific cancellation and missed-reservation rules.

Canceling an unused reservation before midnight on the day before your visit generally avoids a missed-appointment penalty.

Some same-day cancellations may still be possible under the published rules, but they can count as missed appointments.

Repeated missed reservations may temporarily restrict future bookings.

Always check the cancellation conditions displayed in your reservation system.

Can foreigners buy Forbidden City tickets online?

Yes. Foreign visitors can make real-name reservations using valid passports through the Palace Museum's official booking arrangements.

Can I buy tickets at the entrance?

No. Regular same-day admission tickets are not sold at the entrance. Reserve in advance.

Can I book without WeChat?

Yes. The museum's multilingual booking website supports email sign-in and passport reservations in English.

Is Tiananmen Square included in the ticket?

No. Tiananmen Square is a separate area with its own access and security arrangements.

Make sure you have a confirmed reservation, your original passport, and the correct entrance location.

The three most important things to remember are: reserve ahead within the seven-day window, use your passport details accurately, and enter through Meridian Gate.

For booking assistance, email bookingticket@dpm.org.cn or call 400-950-1925 (English service available, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM Beijing time).

Sources

• Palace Museum Multilingual Booking Website
• Palace Museum English Visitor Information
• Palace Museum Visitor Regulations
• Beijing Government — Passport booking through the English website