Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is the imperial palace complex in the center of the Imperial City in Beijing. It’s huge, wear a comfortable shoe. Try to get there early in the morning and carry your passport for security checks. Most of the times thousands of visitors are on queue. So may take some time to enter. Toilets are after the west gate and are mostly wc. It is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

Its design is deeply symbolic, with red walls and yellow-tiled roofs representing imperial power. The palace is divided into an Outer Court for public state ceremonies and an Inner Court which served as the private residence for the emperor and his family. To truly appreciate its immense size and rich history, a good guide is essential. A guide named Jack, who spoke excellent English, can make the tour unforgettable by bringing the fascinating stories of emperors and court life to life, transforming a walk through history into a captivating experience.

The Forbidden City represents the heart of Beijing, with the charm of transporting you back in time to imperial China. The city is huge and takes almost a whole day to visit but it is absolutely worth it. As with all of China, I recommend going there not in the middle of summer, both because of the heat and because of the Chinese, who are truly numerous.

You will need a ticket. As a foreigner I could buy a same day ticket. Definitely purchase the audio book as well, which activates based on your location. My favorite was the garden. You will be out in the elements so bring water/sunscreen or whatever else is appropriate. There is not a lot of shade. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so get Alipay or some other method of payment working. The stories in the audio book are interesting. It makes me interested in learning more after the fact.

The Forbidden City! Stepping into the Forbidden City is like walking through a portal to a bygone era of immense power and intricate beauty. While its official designation is now the "Palace Museum," I personally still prefer to call it the Forbidden City – the name itself evokes a sense of grandeur and a different level of mystery that perfectly suits this awe-inspiring complex. No matter how many documentaries you watch, books you read, or photos you see online, absolutely nothing can prepare you for the sheer magnificence of this place in person. The scale, the meticulous architecture, the vibrant colors, and the sheer number of intricately designed buildings are simply overwhelming in the best possible way. Every courtyard, every gate, and every hall tells a story of emperors, concubines, eunuchs, and the countless individuals who lived and worked within these hallowed walls for centuries. What's more, the way visitors flow through the complex is incredibly well-organized and thoughtfully planned, making the immense size manageable. The buildings themselves are also exceptionally well-maintained, showcasing their original splendor. And despite the vast number of visitors, the entire place is remarkably clean, which truly enhances the experience. Allow ample time to explore, as there is so much to take in. From the grand Outer Court where ceremonies were held, to the more intimate Inner Court residences, each section offers a unique perspective on imperial life. The artistry in the roof tiles, the intricate carvings, and the sheer structural brilliance are truly a marvel. This is more than just a historical site; it's a profound cultural experience that truly brings Chinese history to life. A visit to the Forbidden City is an absolute must for anyone traveling to Beijing!

Another item in my bucket list checked! A bit disappointing that there were so.many tourists still even at the middle of September when I was expecting it to be quieter. Hard to soak in the atmosphere with such a big noisy crowd around you. Still it was an amazing experience and really grand and beautiful! I am glad I had the chance to see it. Shame you cannot see the inside of the buildings.

The Forbidden City is the imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing. It was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors, and the center of political power in China for over 500 years from 1420 to 1924. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It is arguably the most famous palace in the Chinese history, and is the largest preserved royal palace complex still standing in the world. It is absolutely huge with several massive courtyards, ornate gateways, gardens, golden rooftops, red walls and a 10 metre high walls. You need to walk for almost 1.5-2  hours to walk through and still miss some section. You actually might need 2 days to fully see it but overall it is amazing.

Absolutely incredible! The scale, history, and architecture are breathtaking. Walking through the palace grounds feels like stepping back in time — an unforgettable experience.