4 h

Skip The Line

Private

Instant confirmation

About this activity

Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at the time you advised as your preferred pickup time when booking. Then take local transportation , taxi or subway (At your own cost) or walk to Tiananmen Square , the world’s largest central squares. It’s located in the geographical heart of the city. Stand amid the history as your guide explains its past and points out its significant buildings.  Thereafter, you’ll continue into the Forbidden City shrouded with mysteries. During the walking tour, you may feel confused about the special designs and totems of the palace, especially the cultural meaning behind them.   Why there are 9 sculptures of mythical animals on the roof ridge of Hall of Supreme Harmony but not 8 or 10; why there are 9999.5 but not 10000 rooms in the palace; Why the eyes and ears of the stone lions in front of the Palace of Tranquility and Longevity blocked…   With the historical knowledge from your guide, you will gradually uncover these cultural secrets and explore a more different Forbidden City you’ve ever heard about.   After a close insight of the Forbidden City, you are going to exit in the north and then climb up to Jingshan Park which is the best spot to overlook the panorama of the Forbidden City. Just prepare to embrace the stunning scenery.
  At last, ask your guide for transportation information to your next destination before bidding farewell to your guide.

Read more Show less

Included

Knowledgeable English speaking guide
Attractions entrance fee
Hotel pick up ( Guide meet you at hotel lobby)
Entry/Admission - Forbidden City-The Palace Museum

Not included

Transportation to/from attractions
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Children must be accompanied by an adult
All travelers Passport name, number and birthday is required at time of booking for all participants for getting your SKIP THE LINE Forbidden City entrance ticket in advance
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

80%

Reviews

5.0

8

E

Edwin P

5 | 2019-09-13

After searching for a one day tour of the Forbidden City based on guide reviews we decided on this one. As soon as we met our guide, April, we were not disappointed. April is knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and professional. Walking to the Forbidden City April kept us informed of the inner workings of the area and of Beijing. Arriving at the main gate of the City April noticed it was too crowded and instead brought us through a side gate entrance where there were no lines and we entered with no problems. Once inside, April again educated us on the history of the Forbidden City and other detailed information. Would definitely recommend this tour and if possible ask for April !

H

Hirsh S

5 | 2019-04-11

Walking through the Forbidden City was like looking through a lens into China's past. The architecture, design, and artwork were all super impressive and well worth the trip. We met our tour guide, April, near our hotel and she escorted us through the Subway to the Forbidden City. She was able to help us skip past extremely large crowds of people with the use of our tour guide pass which really expedited the trip- we probably would've been waiting in line for at least an hour if we did not have her help. Throughout the entire trip, she gave us detailed information on the history and culture of China, and the role of the Forbidden City in Chinese history. She spoke English very well and she was kind and considerate- she even gave us directions to our next destination after the excursion and helped us hail a cab! The one tip I would give to those considering visiting the Forbidden City: the majority of the trip is outside and we were rained on the entire time. Make sure to plan accordingly

J

Jonathan H

5 | 2019-04-05

Tina made our tour a special experience. She found a way to interact with each member of our multi-generation group in a special way. She even got our grandson involved by getting him a flag to lead the group. It was such a special experience to learn more about Chinese history and this special place with her.

K

Kregg S

5 | 2018-09-18

April was amazing, very knowledgeable about the area and had plenty of stories and conversation to keep me engaged for the long walk through the forbidden city. She was even was kind enough to take me by a local street vendor to grab some quick jianbing for breakfast before driving to the square. I can't recommend April enough, she was fantastic and I will definitely be taking the tour again when I travel back to Beijing with my family.

Collections This experience is part of these collections

Collections

Forbidden City 226 Activities

Forbidden City Private Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Beijing

Settings