Your Guide To
Forbidden City
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The sprawling, gated site was once the imperial palace and functioned as the seat of Chinese government for more than 500 years. If it weren't clear by the name, the palace grounds were closed to most of the public during centuries passed, giving rise to an official account of palace history and an unofficial account passed through the ages via anecdote and story. The city's structures are built along a north-south axis and face south, they also offer a significant number of examples of feng shui beliefs in architecture. Note the incredible detail of rooftops and various sculptures and decorative features of the buildings when you visit!
A must-see attraction for visitors to Beijing. If you have any interest in Chinese culture or history, you'll want to spend at least a couple of hours here exploring the various sections of the palace grounds.
Planning your trip
It is possible to visit Beijing as an extension of your cruise if Tianjin or maybe even Dalian are on your itinerary.
Getting to the Forbidden City is quite simple if you're already in Beijing, and may easily be paired with a visit to Tiananmen Square. You will be able to navigate the complex on your own and to enjoy the sights, but you will miss out on the bulk of any recorded or observed history if you don't have a guide for the day.
When you should go
As a significant point of interest among local travelers, you'll find that the Forbidden City and its collective galleries are busy throughout the year. The site might be best visited during the latter weeks of Spring Festival celebrations, when Beijing slowly comes back to life but remains somewhat devoid of locals.
The vast majority of the site is out of doors, meaning you'll be exposed to the elements during your visit. Winters in Beijing can be very cold and a bit smoggy, summers can be oppressively warm and a bit sticky with the added presence of crowds. Consider a spring or autumn visit for a more temperate atmosphere.
What else you might need
Tickets may be arranged in advance through your tour provider or at the time of arrival if you're a bit more spontaneous in your visit. Expect about US$8-9 equivalent during the April through October period, while November through March sees a slight reduction at about US$6 equivalent.
Things to do nearby
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Content is intended for information and planning purposes only. While we try our best to deliver accurate and current information, some items may not be as described. Please contact your Odyssean Travel advisor for further details. Recommendations are made by independent travelers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Odyssean Travel and we shall not be liable for any content and its subsequent accuracy or validity.