The Forbidden City was the center of Chinese political power for almost five centuries. The Palace Museum now manages it and limits entry to 80,000 visitors per day. That sounds like a lot until you realize that on a popular weekend in October, those 80,000 tickets are gone weeks in advance. The system is entirely WeChat-based and requires a passport number for each visitor. If you show up at the south gate without a ticket, you are not getting in.
This guide walks through the exact booking process. For Beijing context: Beijing Travel Guide.
Key Takeaways
- No walk-up tickets. 100% advance booking only since 2019.
- Book via WeChat mini-program (search ‘故宫’ in WeChat).
- Need passport number for each visitor.
- Ticket is a QR code in the WeChat mini-program. Screenshot it.
- Peak season (May, summer, Golden Week): book 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
- Low season ticket: ¥20. Peak season: ¥60.
Step-by-Step Booking
- Open WeChat on your phone.
- Tap the search icon at the top. Type ‘故宫博物院’ or ‘故宫’.
- Select the mini-program with the official Palace Museum logo and verified checkmark.
- Tap ‘Buy Tickets’ (购票).
- Select your visit date. Available dates show remaining ticket numbers.
- Select your entry time window (earliest = 8:30 AM).
- Enter passport number, name (as on passport), and nationality for each adult visitor.
- Pay via WeChat Pay.
- The ticket QR code appears under ‘My Orders’. Screenshot it and save offline.
- At the gate: scan your passport at the turnstile, then your QR code.
Inside: What to See
| Area | What It Is | Time Needed |
| Meridian Gate (Wumen) | Main south entrance. The gate itself is magnificent. | 10 min |
| Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen) | Large courtyard. Marble ramp. River crossing. | 15 min |
| Three Main Halls | Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony. The ceremonial core. | 45 min |
| Eastern and Western Palaces | Residential wings. Quieter, more human-scale. | 30 to 45 min |
| Imperial Garden (Yuhuayuan) | North end. The exit. Rock gardens, ancient trees. | 20 min |
| Treasure Gallery | Additional ¥10 ticket. Jade, gold, porcelain imperial collection. | 30 to 45 min |
Tips for the Visit
- Arrive at 8:30 AM for the first window. You will have 30 to 45 minutes before the main crowd arrives.
- Walk the central axis south to north. This is the ceremonial path emperors used.
- Turn off the main axis into the eastern or western wings after the Three Main Halls. Less visited and more interesting.
- Exit north into Jingshan Park. Climb to the top for the aerial view of the entire Forbidden City. Free. Takes 15 minutes.
- WeChat mini-programs also have an audio guide for the Forbidden City in English. Worth downloading before you enter. WeChat Mini-Programs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Beijing overview: Beijing Travel Guide. For the WeChat mini-program system: WeChat Mini-Programs guide.