How to Book Forbidden City Tickets as a Foreigner

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in Beijing requires timed-entry tickets booked in advance — you cannot simply show up and buy a walk-in ticket at the gate. Every visitor must present the same passport used at booking. This catches many first-time foreign travelers off guard. Here is exactly how the system works in 2026.

Booking Channels for Foreigners

Trip.com — The most reliable option. Search "Forbidden City" or "Palace Museum," select your date and morning/afternoon slot, and enter your passport details exactly as printed. Pay with international card. You receive a QR code confirmation — screenshot it.

Klook / GetYourGuide — Similar third-party platforms, sometimes with English customer support. Slightly higher prices but include clearer cancellation policies.

Official Palace Museum WeChat mini-program — Chinese-language only; requires WeChat Pay. Some foreigners with Alipay/WeChat set up use this, but Trip.com is simpler.

When Tickets Release

Tickets open 7 days in advance at 8:00 p.m. Beijing time. Peak season slots (April–May, September–October, holidays) sell out within minutes. Set an alarm, log in early, and book the moment your date opens. Morning slots (8:30–12:00 entry) are best — fewer crowds and more time inside.

Off-season (November–March, excluding Chinese New Year) tickets are easier — sometimes available same-day on Trip.com.

Prices & Ticket Types

• April–October: ¥60 standard
• November–March: ¥40 standard
• Treasure Gallery + Clock Gallery add-on: ¥10 each (worth it)
• No foreign student discounts without valid Chinese student ID

On Visit Day

1. Enter through Meridian Gate (午门) — the south entrance. The north Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门) is exit only.
2. Bring your original physical passport — copies and photos are rejected.
3. Arrive within your timed slot (not hours early — early arrivals may be turned away).
4. Security is airport-level: no lighters, aerosols, or large bags. Travel light.
5. Allow 3–4 hours minimum. The complex has 980 buildings across 72 hectares.

Common Mistakes

Name mismatch: If your Trip.com booking says "JOHN SMITH" but your passport reads "SMITH, JOHN" — contact support before visit day to correct it.

Wrong gate: Taxi drivers sometimes drop you at the north gate. Insist on 午门 (Meridian Gate, south side).

No backup plan: If tickets are sold out, visit Jingshan Park (¥2) north of the palace for the classic rooftop view, or book the Temple of Heaven instead.

If Tickets Are Sold Out

Refresh Trip.com and Klook for cancellations, especially the evening before. If nothing opens, pivot: Jingshan Park (north of the palace) gives the classic rooftop view for a tiny fee; Temple of Heaven and the National Museum are strong backups. Do not trust random street sellers offering "guaranteed" tickets.

Closed days matter too: the Palace Museum is typically closed on Mondays (except some holiday weeks). Double-check your calendar before locking hotel and train plans around a Monday visit.

Conclusion

Book exactly 7 days ahead at 8 p.m. Beijing time via Trip.com, carry your passport, and enter through Meridian Gate. It is the single most important reservation on any Beijing itinerary. Full city guide: Beijing Travel Guide.