Exploring the grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City is a must-do for any visitor. This private tour provides an immersive 5-hour journey through the world’s largest imperial palace. With an English-speaking guide, guests can customize their experience to visit significant sites and gain insight into the city’s rich history. Priced at £153.72 per person, this exclusive tour is an opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and fascinating stories that lie within the Forbidden City’s walls.

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Key Points

A half-day private tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing, priced at £153.72 per person for a 5-hour experience.
Exploration of the largest imperial palace in the world, including key sites like the Hall of Great Supremacy and Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Comprehensive tour with an English-speaking guide, taxi fare within the 4th Ring Road, and entrance fee to the Forbidden City included.
Opportunity for a customizable tour based on guests’ interests, as well as an optional hike to Jingshan Park for panoramic views.
Advance booking required, with a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private half-day tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing provides visitors with an in-depth exploration of the largest imperial palace in the world.

Priced at £153.72 per person, the 5-hour tour includes key sites within the Forbidden City, such as the Hall of Great Supremacy and Palace of Heavenly Purity.

A comprehensive 5-hour tour of the Forbidden City, including visits to the Hall of Great Supremacy and Palace of Heavenly Purity, at £153.72 per person.

Visitors can also opt to hike up Jingshan Park for a bird’s-eye view of the complex.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows travelers to reserve their spot and pay later.

Advance booking is required, and the tour guide is available in English.

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Tour Highlights

The private Beijing Forbidden City tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the largest imperial palace in the world.

This half-day experience includes:

A visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city plaza
In-depth discovery of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Access to key sites like the Hall of Great Supremacy, Hall of Middle Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity
An optional hike up Jingshan Park for a bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City

The tour is customizable based on guests’ interests, providing a well-rounded introduction to the historic and architectural wonders of Old Beijing.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour includes an excellent English-speaking tour guide, the taxi fare within the 4th Ring Road, and the entrance fee to the Forbidden City.

A private tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing with an English-speaking guide and included taxi fare within the 4th Ring Road.

It also includes a reservation to Tiananmen Square.

However, the tour excludes the taxi fare outside the 4th Ring Road, lunch, gratuities, and any other unspecified expenses.

Guests must book the tour at least 8 days in advance and provide their overseas passport front page via WhatsApp, as Chinese ID/passports aren’t accepted.

If Forbidden City tickets can’t be secured during peak season, the booking will be cancelled with a full refund.

Booking Information

It’s important to book the Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour at least 8 days in advance.

Travelers must provide the front page of their overseas passport via WhatsApp – Chinese ID or passport won’t be accepted.

If Forbidden City tickets can’t be secured during peak season, the booking will be cancelled with a full refund.

Booking includes:

Excellent English-speaking tour guide
Taxi fare within the 4th Ring Road
Entrance fee to the Forbidden City
Reservation to Tiananmen Square

The tour doesn’t include taxi fare outside the 4th Ring Road, lunch, gratuities, or other unspecified expenses.

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Preparation and Restrictions

When visiting the Forbidden City, travelers should bring along their passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen when visiting the Forbidden City.

Certain items aren’t allowed, including drones, tripods, sprays, and aerosols.

The tour is conducted with a live English-speaking guide, providing an informative exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors should be mindful of the rules and restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The guide will handle pickup arrangements from central hotels, making it convenient for participants to join the private tour of the Forbidden City.

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Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza in the world, serves as the starting point for the Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour.

Visitors will:

Marvel at the iconic Tiananmen Gate, also known as the "Gate of Heavenly Peace"
Explore the vast expanse of the square, which can accommodate over a million people
Visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering obelisk commemorating revolutionary martyrs
Gain insight into China’s modern history and the government’s role in shaping the nation

The tour then seamlessly transitions to the grandeur of the nearby Forbidden City, the next stop on this captivating journey.

Exploring the Forbidden City

After passing through the Tiananmen Gate, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

They’ll visit key sites like the Hall of Great Supremacy, Hall of Middle Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity. The tour is customizable based on interests, and an optional hike up Jingshan Park offers a bird’s-eye view.

The Forbidden City tour provides a unique glimpse into China’s imperial past, with an expert English-speaking guide leading the way through this vast and remarkable complex.

Optional Jingshan Park Hike

For those seeking a stunning panoramic view of the Forbidden City, an optional hike up Jingshan Park provides the perfect vantage point.

From the summit, visitors can gaze out over the palace complex, taking in its grandeur from a bird’s-eye perspective. The climb, while moderately strenuous, offers ample rewards:

Visitors can gaze out over the palace complex from the summit, taking in its grandeur from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Unobstructed 360-degree views of the Forbidden City and surrounding Beijing skyline
Opportunity to explore the pagodas, temples, and gardens of Jingshan Park
Less crowded experience compared to the Forbidden City itself
Unique photographic perspectives of this UNESCO World Heritage site

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Forbidden City on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore the Forbidden City on their own. It’s open to the public, and you can purchase tickets to enter the historic palace complex independently without joining a guided tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Forbidden City. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Some modest coverage is recommended out of respect for the historic site.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Forbidden City?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks into the Forbidden City. The tour provides entrance tickets, but outside food and beverages are not permitted within the historical site for preservation reasons.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as no specific age restrictions are mentioned. Parents should ensure children are able to walk for extended periods and follow tour guidelines. Bringing snacks and drinks may help keep little ones engaged.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration if needed. The tour can be customized based on your interests, so you can discuss extending the duration with the tour guide when booking or before the tour starts.

The Sum Up

The Forbidden City Private Tour in Beijing offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the grandeur of this imperial palace. With an English-speaking guide, customizable options, and essential travel guidelines, the tour provides a memorable and enriching way to experience the historical and cultural significance of this iconic site. Visitors can also extend their visit to Tiananmen Square and the optional Jingshan Park hike, making it a well-rounded sightseeing experience.