Beijing: Forbidden City Walking Tour With Entry Tickets

Exploring the rich imperial history of China’s capital, the Beijing: Forbidden City Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors. This guided tour takes participants through the iconic Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, providing insightful commentary from licensed guides. With an itinerary spanning 4-6 hours, the tour caters to those seeking a deep understanding of these significant cultural landmarks. While the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch and visit Coal Hill Park adds a touch of local flavor, the tour’s high ratings and flexible cancellation policy make it a compelling choice for those seeking to uncover the hidden stories that linger within the walls of the Forbidden City.

Key Points

• This Beijing tour offers a guided walking experience through the iconic Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with live English commentary.
• The tour duration is 4-6 hours and includes exploration of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City’s central axis and major buildings.
• Pricing ranges from £31.41 to £37.84 per person, with options for small group or private tours with hotel pickup.
• The tour provides entry tickets to the Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park, along with the option for an authentic Chinese lunch.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or individuals over 70 due to extensive walking and security checks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Forbidden City Walking Tour offers visitors a guided exploration of Beijing’s iconic Forbidden City. Priced from £31.41 to £37.84 per person, the tour provides a 4-6 hour experience, including visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Guests can enjoy live English commentary from licensed guides and have the option to select a small group or private tour with hotel pickup. The tour includes entry to the Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park if selected.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at either Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City, the tour takes guests on a captivating 4-6 hour journey through Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

At Tiananmen Square, the guide provides a detailed overview as visitors take in the sights. The real highlight, though, is the Forbidden City, where guests explore major buildings along the central axis, two courtyards, and the Imperial Garden.

Optional activities include an authentic Chinese lunch in the Hutong alleys or visits to Coal Hill Park and museums within the Forbidden City.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides offer live English commentary, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.

Guided Tour Details

Licensed guides provide live English commentary throughout the Forbidden City walking tour, ensuring an immersive and educational experience for guests.

Visitors can choose between small group or private tour options, with hotel pickup available for added convenience. The tour includes entry to the Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park, if selected.

Transportation to Tiananmen Square is also covered, allowing guests to focus on exploring the iconic landmarks.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or people over 70 due to security checks and potential high wait times, especially during peak seasons.

Tiananmen Square Exploration

Visitors kick off the Forbidden City walking tour by exploring Tiananmen Square, the iconic landmark at the heart of Beijing.

They’ll spend an hour taking in the sights and learning about the square’s rich history from their knowledgeable guide.

Standing in the vast public square, they’ll admire the grand architecture, including the Tiananmen Gate and the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong.

The guide will share fascinating insights into the square’s significance as the site of major political events, from the 1989 pro-democracy protests to the flag-raising ceremonies held here daily.

With the guide’s commentary, visitors gain a deeper understanding of this symbolic heart of China.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Forbidden City Walkthrough

After exploring the expanse of Tiananmen Square, the tour continues its journey into the majestic Forbidden City.

The 3-hour guided visit takes visitors along the central axis, showcasing the city’s major buildings, two grand courtyards, and the serene Imperial Garden. Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary, bringing the rich history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site to life.

Optional add-ons include a visit to Coal Hill Park or the museums within the Forbidden City, further enhancing the experience.

The tour includes entry fees and transportation, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of this architectural marvel that was once off-limits to the public.

Optional Lunch and Activities

Following the guided tour through the Forbidden City, visitors can opt for an authentic Chinese lunch experience in the nearby Hutong alleys. This optional add-on allows travelers to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

The lunch, served in a traditional courtyard setting, features a selection of regional dishes and provides a perfect opportunity to recharge after the walking tour.

Alternatively, visitors can choose to explore the Coal Hill Park or museums located within the Forbidden City itself, further enhancing their understanding of this historical and cultural landmark.

These optional activities cater to different interests and preferences, ensuring a well-rounded and personalized Beijing experience.

Important Information to Note

Travelers must bring their passport, as it is required for entry into the Forbidden City. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking. Plus, the tour may not be suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or individuals over 70 years old.

Warning	Consideration
Security checks at entry points	Expect high wait times during peak seasons
Tour operates rain or shine	May be closed for safety reasons

It’s important to note these details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Forbidden City walking tour experience.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 1,390 reviews, customers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the Forbidden City’s history to life.

Many travelers describe the experience as memorable, highlighting the tour’s adherence to punctuality as a key strength.

Reviewers emphasize the significance of the iconic landmarks visited and the overall value of the tour.

The strong customer feedback underscores the high-quality nature of this Forbidden City walking excursion, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an informative and enriching exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Forbidden City?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Forbidden City, but visitors must follow certain guidelines. Visitors can take photos for personal use, but commercial photography or filming may require special permits.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include a lunch break, but there’s an option to have an authentic Chinese lunch in Hutong alleys after the Forbidden City visit.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour offers live commentary in English, but it doesn’t specify whether it’s available in other languages. Visitors should check with the tour operator to inquire about language options if they don’t speak English fluently.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Avoid shorts, skirts, or open-toe shoes as the tour involves extensive walking on uneven ground in the Forbidden City.

Can I Explore the Forbidden City on My Own After the Tour?

Travelers can explore the Forbidden City on their own after the guided tour. The tour provides entry tickets and an overview, allowing visitors to further explore the complex at their own pace during the remainder of the day.

The Sum Up

The Beijing: Forbidden City Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of China’s imperial history. With live English commentary, visitors can gain a deep understanding of the site’s significance as they traverse Tiananmen Square and the iconic Forbidden City. The tour’s optional activities, free cancellation policy, and high customer ratings make it an attractive choice for those seeking an unforgettable cultural experience in Beijing.

You can check if your dates are available here: