Discover the majestic Forbidden City on our Beijing Forbidden City Free Walking Tour, where a local expert guide will lead you through the vast imperial palace filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating stories of China’s emperors and dynasties. This immersive walking tour offers first-time visitors and history lovers an authentic experience of one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Learn about the cultural significance, hidden courtyards, and ancient traditions while exploring the heart of China’s imperial past. Perfect for travelers who want to explore Beijing’s top attraction in depth without missing any important details.
Available daily at 09:00 AM
Note: Schedule may vary on some days
Please check the calendar for available dates
📍 Look for the PANDA flag at the meeting point.
⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early.
🔒 Advance booking required.
Jinyuhutong Metro Station (Line 8)
Exit C (South-West Exit)
Address:
Wangfuzhongxin, No. 219 Wangfujin Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
In Chinese:
8号线地铁金鱼胡同站C口【西南口】
东城区王府井大街219号王府中心
Shenwumen Gate of the Forbidden City
The tour ends here at this famous entrance to the Forbidden City. Nearby is Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the entire palace complex and Beijing’s skyline. It’s a great spot to relax, explore, and take memorable photos after the tour.
Comfortable walking shoesPersonal skincare essentials
Cash for tipping – Show appreciation to your guide at the end.
(Suggested tip: 200–250 RMB / 25–30 USD or EUR per person)
An open mind – Bring curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Explore the majestic Forbidden City, China’s imperial palace
Discover ancient architecture and stunning courtyards
Learn about the history of China’s emperors and dynasties
Visit iconic halls such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony
Understand the cultural and political significance of the palace
See the Meridian Gate and Shenwumen Gate
Walk through traditional Chinese palace gardens
Hear fascinating stories and legends from a local expert guide
Experience the heart of Beijing’s historic city center
Optional visit to Jingshan Park for panoramic views
And More…
Important Notice
This tour operates daily in the morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM), except on Mondays, as the Forbidden City is closed every Monday.
Tickets to the Forbidden City are not included in this tour. Due to real-name registration requirements, you must book your own ticket online in advance.
Please bring your original passport for entry. Passport is required for ticket verification and entry into the Forbidden City.
It is strongly recommended to book Forbidden City tickets at least 7 days in advance via the official website: bookingticket.dpm.org.cn.
As a tip-based tour, you decide the value! Simply tip your guide at the end based on your experience — no upfront cost, no pressure. This model ensures our passionate local guides always give their best to make your tour unforgettable.
Suggested Tip: 200–250 RMB (25–30 USD/Euro) per person.
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
I absolutely loved the Beijing Forbidden City Free Walking Tour The knowledgeable local guide shared detailed history and fascinating stories about the imperial palace architecture and the lives of China’s emperors Walking through the vast Forbidden City grounds gave me a deep cultural insight that you can’t get on a typical sightseeing bus tour This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors who want an authentic experience in Beijing Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore China’s rich heritage
Emily R. – Canada
This free walking tour of the Forbidden City was one of the highlights of my Beijing trip The guide was engaging and full of interesting facts about the dynasties that ruled here and the significance of each building The tour pace was relaxed allowing plenty of time for photos and questions I appreciated the small group size which made the experience personal and immersive Ending the tour near Jingshan Park was a fantastic bonus offering panoramic views of the palace complex This is a great way to explore Beijing’s top historic landmark without spending a lot.
Lucas M. – Australia
The Beijing Forbidden City Free Walking Tour exceeded all my expectations The guide’s passion for Chinese history and culture really brought the site to life The walk allowed me to see hidden courtyards and architectural details that I would have missed otherwise The tour ended at Shenwumen Gate near Jingshan Park which was perfect for enjoying stunning views of the Forbidden City and the city skyline I would recommend this free tour to anyone visiting Beijing who wants a meaningful and in-depth introduction to the city’s imperial past
Isabella S. – UK
No, advance booking is required. We carefully manage group sizes to ensure the best experience for everyone.and keep you updated about any changes or cancellations. Booking is quick, easy, and completely free—it only takes 2 minutes!
Yes! You’ll get a confirmation email within 30′ after booking. One day before the tour, your guide will send you a welcome email with their contact details and important tour information. Please double-check that you provide a correct and working email address.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a bottle of water. Don’t forget your curiosity—we love answering questions! During the rainy season, an umbrella or raincoat is also recommended.
The morning tour runs from 09:00 AM to 13:00 PM, lasting approximately 4 hours. The afternoon tour run from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, lasting around 3 .5 to 4 hours. Times may vary slightly depending on the pace and group size.
Yes! Our tours run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In the rare case of extreme weather (such as a typhoon or severe storm), we may cancel the tour for safety reasons. You’ll receive a welcome email the day before the tour with weather updates and any changes if necessary.
While tipping isn’t a traditional custom in China, our local guides work hard to offer you the best possible experience. As our tours are tip-based, your gratuity is not only appreciated—it’s how our guides earn a living. Tipping is seen as a sign of respect and satisfaction, and your generosity goes a long way in supporting passionate local experts.
Yes! We offer private tours for groups of 15 or more. Whether you’re a family, school, company, or travel group, our Private Group Walking Tours or bus tours can be customized to your interests and schedule.
Not at all! Our 4 to 4.5-hour tour is thoughtfully paced with plenty of breaks to rest, take photos, and enjoy snacks. Many of our past guests—from toddlers in strollers to energetic seniors—have completed the tour comfortably. Just wear comfy shoes, stay curious, and enjoy the journey!
Yes! Every tour includes 1–2 short breaks for snacks, drinks, and toilet access. While we don’t stop at restaurants, you’ll get to enjoy authentic and affordable local street food along the way—perfect for a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant culinary scene!
All of our public free walking tours are conducted in English. However, we also offer private tours in Mandarin and Spanish upon request.
我們可以做中文私人訂製團。
Podemos hacer tours privados en español.
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