On-site ticket sales at the gate are not available. You must book every one of the 80,000 daily spots online in advance, linked to a specific passport number and a specific date. Arrive without a booking and you will be turned away.
This guide walks you through exactly how foreign visitors buy tickets, 2026 ticket prices, and what to do if your preferred date is already full.
Quick Summary
- You must book all tickets online in advance — no gate sales, no exceptions
- Peak season (April–October): ¥60 per person; off-season (November–March): ¥40
- Tickets are released exactly 7 days in advance at 20:00 Beijing Time
- Foreign visitors can book via the official English-language site using an international credit card
- The Forbidden City closes every Monday (except public holidays)
The One Rule You Must Know
The Forbidden City operates a timed-entry reservation system. The system links every ticket to a visit date, a time slot, and the passport number of every visitor in your group. No booking, no entry.
The booking process is easy once you know the steps. You do not need Chinese language skills, a Chinese bank account, or a WeChat account. The English-language official portal accepts international credit cards.
Forbidden City Ticket Prices in 2026
| Visitor type | Peak season (Apr–Oct) | Off-season (Nov–Mar) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | ¥60 | ¥40 |
| University student (with ID) | ¥20 | ¥20 |
| Age 60 and above | ¥30 | ¥20 |
| Under 18 (Chinese citizens) | Free | Free |
Add-on tickets for the two specialist galleries, available inside the palace on the day of your visit:
- Treasure Gallery [珍宝馆]: ¥10 per person
- Clock Museum [钟表馆]: ¥10 per person
Foreign visitors over 18 pay the standard adult rate. Non-Chinese children do not automatically qualify for the free entry that applies to Chinese citizens under 18. Check the current policy at bookingticket.dpm.org.cn before your visit, as exemption rules can change.
How to Book Forbidden City Tickets Step by Step
Official English portal: bookingticket.dpm.org.cn. No Chinese phone number or WeChat account is required.
- Go to bookingticket.dpm.org.cn (English available in the top-right language toggle).
- Click “Buy Tickets” and select your visit date.
- Choose a time slot: morning (8:30 entry) or afternoon (11:00 entry).
- Enter your passport number, full name, and a contact number.
- Complete payment. You’ll receive a confirmation tied to your passport. No printed ticket required.
The whole process takes around 5 minutes with your passport ready.
The 8pm Rule: When to Buy
Tickets are released exactly 7 days in advance at 20:00 Beijing Time.Popular dates such as national holidays and spring/autumn weekends sell out within minutes.Afternoon slots are always easier to book than morning ones. For flexible itineraries, choose the 11:00 entry slot for a higher success rate.
Booking Tips for Peak Periods：
- Set an alarm for 19:58 to prepare in advance.
- Pre-save passport information on your account to save time.
- Book only the main entrance ticket first; gallery tickets can be purchased on-site separately.
- Use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi for more stable access during peak release.
Morning or Afternoon: Which Slot Works Best
Morning Slot (8:30 entry)
Quieter atmosphere with soft morning light; fewer tour groups before 10:00. Disadvantage: tickets are harder to book and require an early start.
Afternoon Slot (11:00 entry)
More relaxed schedule, with around 4 hours available before closing at 17:00. Late afternoon autumn light creates stunning amber tones on the golden roof tiles.
Note: Both Treasure Gallery and Clock Museum stop admission at 16:00. If entering at 11:00, arrange your gallery visit before 15:00.
The Treasure Gallery and Clock Museum: Worth the Extra 10 Yuan
Both galleries are located inside the Forbidden City and can be purchased online with main tickets or on-site after entering via the Meridian Gate.
Treasure Gallery
Displays imperial crowns, jade carvings and royal gold relics spanning centuries. The Phoenix Crown of Empress Xiaojing is the highlight. Allow at least 90 minutes for a full visit.
Clock Museum
Features exquisite European antique clocks and mechanical automata collected by the Qing imperial court. Allow around 45 minutes for the visit.
Practical tip: Visit the Clock Museum first, then reserve more time for the Treasure Gallery. Both close admission at 16:00.
What to Do if Tickets Are Sold Out
Fully booked dates do not mean no access:
- Check again at 20:00 one day before your planned visit; cancelled tickets are often released.
- Choose weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) in spring and autumn for better availability.
- Avoid peak holiday periods; adjust your trip to early May or late October for fewer crowds.
Important reminder: Do not buy tickets from scalpers or unofficial third-party platforms. The Forbidden City does not authorize any external agents, and unofficial tickets are invalid for entry.
Cancellation Rules
You can cancel your ticket up to 24:00 the day before your visit. Do it through the same portal or WeChat mini-programme you used to book, and you’ll receive a full refund. Cancel on the day of your visit before 20:00 and it counts as one “no-show” strike. Three no-show strikes within 180 days and the system locks you out of bookings for 60 days.
So if your plans change, cancel early. It protects both your refund and your booking access.
Before You Go: A Short Checklist
- Bring the same passport you used when booking. The gate staff scan it to verify your ticket.
- The only entry point is the Meridian Gate (午门 [Wǔmén]) on the south side. Exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门 [Shénwǔmén]) to the north, or the East Glorious Gate (东华门 [Dōnghuámén]).
- The palace closes on Mondays, except on public holidays.
- The complex is enormous: plan for 3–4 hours minimum to cover the main axis and one or two side courtyards.
- Bottled water and snacks are available inside at relatively high prices; bring your own water if possible.
Forbidden City Tickets: FAQ
Can I buy Forbidden City tickets at the gate?
No. The Forbidden City operates an advance booking system with no on-the-day counter sales. All tickets require prior reservation through the official portal at bookingticket.dpm.org.cn. Seniors aged 60 and above and children under 18 can collect a free ticket at the service centre between the Duanmen and Meridian Gate, but they still need to pre-register online before arriving.
How much do Forbidden City tickets cost in 2026?
Main entrance ticket:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥60 (approx. USD 8.50)
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥40
Treasure Gallery and Clock Museum are each an extra ¥10 per person.
Valid student ID holders (aged 18+) enjoy a flat rate of ¥20 all year round.
Is it worth visiting both the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Museum?
Yes, if you have a full day. Each costs 10 yuan and adds around 45–90 minutes to your visit.
What happens if I miss my entry time slot?
Morning ticket holders must enter by 12:00. Afternoon ticket holders can enter from 11:00 onwards. If you miss the morning cutoff, you cannot enter on that ticket. Contact the official portal if your plans change.
Can I visit the Forbidden City without a Chinese phone number?
Yes. The English booking portal at bookingticket.dpm.org.cn accepts international passport numbers and does not require a Chinese phone number. Enter a valid international contact number during registration. You don’t need WeChat, Alipay, or any Chinese app to complete the booking. A standard credit or debit card handles payment on the international portal.
Planning a visit to the Forbidden City? Email us at hello@jollyeast.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. The experts here at JollyEast are more than happy to help!
