2-Hour Forbidden City Tour: History & Highlights(Private/Group)

A traditional Chinese building with ornate red and gold roofs and white stone balustrades. 1

A traditional Chinese pavilion with a tiled roof, surrounded by a stone pathway and vibrant red flowers. 2

2-Hour Forbidden City Tour: History & Highlights(Private/Group)

By Unique Beijing Tours

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Short on time in Beijing and struggling to secure Forbidden City tickets? Join our well‑planned Forbidden City tour and skip the hassle of ticket booking.
We provide both shared group tour and private tour options to suit different travel styles.
Choose our efficient 2‑hour guided tour to explore the Forbidden City’s key highlights in limited time. Multiple daily departure slots are available for flexible scheduling.
Our professional English‑speaking guide will share historical stories and hidden facts behind the imperial palace’s famous landmarks.
Meeting point: Meridian Gate (On your right side when facing the Meridian Gate, right by the main east entrance of the square,looking for the panda bear flag).
For private tours, we can arrange hotel pickup upon request.
After the guided session, you are welcome to continue exploring the palace on your own, or get customised travel tips from your guide for your next destination.

Activity location

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
- No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District,
- 100009, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Cypress on a Tree
- 100006, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Check availability

Dates

Travellers

Group Tour meet at Entrance

3h
English

Group Tour meet at Entrance: Group tour including an English‑speaking guide and Forbidden City entry ticket. Please arrive at the meeting point 9:00/14:00

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

€21.36 x 1 Adult€21.36

Total

Until Thu, 30 Jul

Private Tour Meet at Entrance

3h
English

Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour Meet at Entrance: This option includes an English‑speaking guide, Forbidden City entry ticket, and meeting at Meridian Gate (Wumen).

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

€120.29 x 1 Adult€120.29

Total

Until Thu, 30 Jul

Guide and Private transfer

3h
English

This option including city centre hotel pick up and drop off by private car + 2 hours guided tour with entry tickets
Pickup included

Language options: English

Starting time

Price details

€163.88 x 1 Adult€163.88

Total

Until Thu, 30 Jul

What's included, what's not

Entrance fee to the Forbidden City
Professional guide
Private Transfer if choose private tour with transfer
Service charge
Transport fee
Additional entrance fee to visit extra museums inside the Forbidden City
Meals

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transport options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A passport is required during the tour; will be denied without one.
Tours depart on time; please arrive 10 minutes early. No joining once departed, no refunds
Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) need to book this tour 7 days in advance. By regulation, please submit Chinese name & ID number when reserving and present the ID on the tour day to join the group
Simplified & Polished Forbidden City Prohibited Items Not allowed: Pets (except assistance dogs) Weapons & sharp objects Oversized luggage / large bags Drones Selfie sticks, tripods, walking frames Sprays & aerosols Scooters, fireworks Open flames, feeding animals
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum

1h
Admission ticket included

We offer 3 tour packages for your 2‑hour Forbidden City visit: 1: Shared Group Tour: Fixed departure at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM. Meet at Meridian Gate (Wumen). 2: Basic Private Tour: Customisable start time. Meet at Meridian Gate. 3: Private Tour with Round‑trip Transfer: Fully flexible 2‑hour private tour with entry ticket&personal guide. City centre Hotel pickup&drop‑off are provided. As Beijing’s most iconic landmark and a crown jewel of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Forbidden City stands as a testament to China’s imperial grandeur. For every traveller to Beijing, a visit to this imperial palace is a must—but exploring it alone is tricky: not only are tickets hard to secure, its vast courtyards and similar‑looking halls can feel overwhelming without context. Our professional guide will unlock the stories behind its architecture and artefacts, turning a simple visit into a vivid journey through China’s royal past.

Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)

30m
Admission ticket included

At the Forbidden City, your guide will lead you through its most important sites, starting with the Hall of Supreme Harmony—the largest and most grand imperial hall, once used for coronations and major ceremonies, with its intricate dragon carvings symbolising imperial power. Next is the Hall of Central Harmony, where emperors rested and prepared before official events, its smaller scale balancing the grandeur of the first hall. You’ll then visit the Hall of Preserving Harmony, a space that hosted imperial exams and state banquets, showcasing the palace’s role in both governance and culture. Moving to the Inner Court (the imperial family’s private quarters).

Palace of Heavenly Purity

20m
Admission ticket included

You’ll then explore the Palace of Heavenly Purity, once the emperor’s bedroom and a site for important private audiences, followed by the Hall of Union, which stored imperial seals and represented the unity of the state. Finally, you’ll step into the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the empress’s former residence, with its delicate decorations reflecting the elegance of royal family life. The tour wraps up at the Imperial Garden, a serene oasis of pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees— the perfect spot to reflect on the history you’ve just learned before the 2-hour guided experience ends.

The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum (Pass by)

After the tour, your guide will give you recommendations for your next destination; if you opted for the option with return transfer, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel, ensuring your day remains stress-free. This tour isn’t just about seeing the Forbidden City—it’s about understanding it, making it ideal for time-limited travellers who want to soak up the palace’s magic without missing its most meaningful details.

Location

Activity location

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
- No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District,
- 100009, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Cypress on a Tree
- 100006, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Beijing your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Beijing

With so many things to do in Beijing, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Beijing. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Beijing to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.