Beijing Forbidden City Private Walking Tour
Your tour begins with a pickup from your central Beijing hotel by your private guide at a time of your choosing. The first stop of the day is Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, with space for up to one million people. As you stroll around the grand square, learn more about its importance throughout history and hear about the many significant political events that have taken place in the square. Continue to the Forbidden City, once the epicenter of the Imperial City and the largest ancient palace complex in the world. Follow your guide on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the palatial buildings and cultural relics that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. After passing through the grand Meridian Gate into the 250-acre (100-hectare) imperial palace complex, your tour can be tailored to your preferences. Perhaps uncover the many treasures on display in the Palace Museum; visit the Hall of Ancestral Offerings (Clocks Gallery); or stroll around the maze of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Your tour ends at the east wing of the Forbidden City, from where you can continue sightseeing independently or make your own way back to the hotel.
Highlights
- ✓Half-day private tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City
- ✓Learn more about Beijing’s history as you stroll around Tiananmen Square
- ✓Take in the highlights of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- ✓This private tour can be customized to your interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓We offer 8 distinct options for this tour—feel free to choose based on your preferences: Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour ( Transportation fees to the attractions are at your own expense) Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer) Option 3: 6-Hour Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer) Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Self-Paid Transportation) Transportation fees are at your own expense. You will visit key attractions of the Forbidden City, as well as the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery. If you do not wish to visit the museums, you can choose to go to Jingshan Park instead where you can overlook the core buildings of Beijing’s central axis and enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—an ideal spot for photography and understanding Beijing’s urban layout.
- ✓Our first stop is Tiananmen Square. Please be aware that the Square may be temporarily closed without prior notice due to official events. In the event of such a closure, our team will promptly adjust the itinerary. We will guide you on a walk around the perimeter of the Square, providing in-depth commentary to ensure you gain comprehensive insights into this iconic landmark. Your tour guide will share relevant historical context as you view the following significant buildings from the outside: the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Flagpole.
- ✓Follow your tour guide to enter the Forbidden City from its South Gate - the Meridian Gate. Situated at the core of Beijing's central axis, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, housing 24 emperors in total. Renowned for its symmetrical palace complex and architectural features of red walls and yellow tiles, it now operates as the Palace Museum, home to over one million cultural relics. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- ✓Your tour covers this route: Start by entering through the Meridian Gate, then head north along the central axis to visit key buildings like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and Hall of Union. After that, we’ll explore 1-2 courtyards in the Six Eastern Palaces or Six Western Palaces (e.g., the Palace of Eternal Spring in the Six Eastern Palaces). Finally, we’ll end the tour at the Imperial Garden. During the whole tour, 70% of our time will be focused on historical introductions. You may find the rooms look similar at first glance, but the different uses of each room and the stories behind them can only be uncovered by the guide.
- ✓Specific End Arrangements for 4 Tour Options Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Transportation Fees at Your Own Expense) Upon concluding your tour at the Imperial Garden, you can choose to explore more of the Palace on your own, or arranging your own transportation. Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer) Our driver will provide transportation back to your hotel. Option 3: 6-Hour Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer) Our driver will pick you up and take you to the Hutong neighborhoods. After enjoying your lunch or dinner, you will be returned to your hotel. Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Self-Paid Transportation) You have the option to explore two museums within the Forbidden City or ascend Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Please note that this tour concludes without hotel drop-off.
- ✓In addition to our Forbidden City-focused tours, we offer four more combo options, tailored to help you explore iconic Beijing attractions in one go: 1. Option 5: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City 2. Option 6: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace 3. Option 7: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall (Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall, optional) 4. Option 8: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace (four must-see downtown attractions) All the above combo options include: All admission tickets, professional guide service and round-trip transportation. Excluded: Lunch and cable car tickets (if applicable).
What's included
- ✓Private round trip transfer if you choose the option 2 and 3
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Lunch or Dinner in Hutong if you choose option 3
- ✓For option 1+4: Hotel pickup included but not including the transportation fee to the attraction
- ✓Entrance fee
What's not included
- ✓Transportation if you choose option 1 or 4
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Your passport name and number are required at time of booking (for all participants)
Please don't forget to bring your passport, you may be refused entry without it.
0-3 Years old infant is free, children have to purchase tickets as well
Chinese citizens, including customers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, need to reserve the tickets for the Palace Museum 7 days in advance. Once the tickets for the Palace Museum are sold out, it will be impossible to participate in this itinerary. In addition, according to the regulations of the Palace Museum, Chinese citizens can only choose to reserve tickets with their ID cards. Therefore, when making a reservation, it is necessary to submit the Chinese name and ID card number, and on the day of the tour, the submitted ID document must be presented to join the tour group.
In Peak season, the security checks at Tiananmen Square are particularly stringent. If the waiting time exceeds one hour, we recommend considering skip the square. Given the sweltering heat, waiting in line for an extended period increases the risk of heat - related illnesses. Additionally, spending too much time at the square could detract from your experience at the iconic Forbidden City, which is a highlight of our tour. Please keep this in mind as we plan our visit.
Tiananmen Square is a complimentary attraction, functioning as a tourist landmark and a political activity center. In case the square visit is unavailable due to political reasons or other unforeseen factors, no refund shall be issued for this part, given its free admission nature.
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
Hotel pick up including hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing city, out of this range will have extra cost
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Beijing Forbidden City Private Walking Tour
Your tour begins with a pickup from your central Beijing hotel by your private guide at a time of your choosing. The first stop of the day is Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, with space for up to one million people. As you stroll around the grand square, learn more about its importance throughout history and hear about the many significant political events that have taken place in the square. Continue to the Forbidden City, once the epicenter of the Imperial City and the largest ancient palace complex in the world. Follow your guide on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the palatial buildings and cultural relics that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. After passing through the grand Meridian Gate into the 250-acre (100-hectare) imperial palace complex, your tour can be tailored to your preferences. Perhaps uncover the many treasures on display in the Palace Museum; visit the Hall of Ancestral Offerings (Clocks Gallery); or stroll around the maze of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens. Your tour ends at the east wing of the Forbidden City, from where you can continue sightseeing independently or make your own way back to the hotel.
Highlights
- ✓Half-day private tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City
- ✓Learn more about Beijing’s history as you stroll around Tiananmen Square
- ✓Take in the highlights of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- ✓This private tour can be customized to your interests and ensures you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓We offer 8 distinct options for this tour—feel free to choose based on your preferences: Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour ( Transportation fees to the attractions are at your own expense) Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer) Option 3: 6-Hour Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer) Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Self-Paid Transportation) Transportation fees are at your own expense. You will visit key attractions of the Forbidden City, as well as the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery. If you do not wish to visit the museums, you can choose to go to Jingshan Park instead where you can overlook the core buildings of Beijing’s central axis and enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—an ideal spot for photography and understanding Beijing’s urban layout.
- ✓Our first stop is Tiananmen Square. Please be aware that the Square may be temporarily closed without prior notice due to official events. In the event of such a closure, our team will promptly adjust the itinerary. We will guide you on a walk around the perimeter of the Square, providing in-depth commentary to ensure you gain comprehensive insights into this iconic landmark. Your tour guide will share relevant historical context as you view the following significant buildings from the outside: the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Flagpole.
- ✓Follow your tour guide to enter the Forbidden City from its South Gate - the Meridian Gate. Situated at the core of Beijing's central axis, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, housing 24 emperors in total. Renowned for its symmetrical palace complex and architectural features of red walls and yellow tiles, it now operates as the Palace Museum, home to over one million cultural relics. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- ✓Your tour covers this route: Start by entering through the Meridian Gate, then head north along the central axis to visit key buildings like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and Hall of Union. After that, we’ll explore 1-2 courtyards in the Six Eastern Palaces or Six Western Palaces (e.g., the Palace of Eternal Spring in the Six Eastern Palaces). Finally, we’ll end the tour at the Imperial Garden. During the whole tour, 70% of our time will be focused on historical introductions. You may find the rooms look similar at first glance, but the different uses of each room and the stories behind them can only be uncovered by the guide.
- ✓Specific End Arrangements for 4 Tour Options Option 1: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Transportation Fees at Your Own Expense) Upon concluding your tour at the Imperial Garden, you can choose to explore more of the Palace on your own, or arranging your own transportation. Option 2: 4-Hour Private Forbidden City Tour (Including Round-Trip Private Car Transfer) Our driver will provide transportation back to your hotel. Option 3: 6-Hour Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Including Chinese Lunch and Private Transfer) Our driver will pick you up and take you to the Hutong neighborhoods. After enjoying your lunch or dinner, you will be returned to your hotel. Option 4: 6-Hour In-Depth Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (Self-Paid Transportation) You have the option to explore two museums within the Forbidden City or ascend Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Please note that this tour concludes without hotel drop-off.
- ✓In addition to our Forbidden City-focused tours, we offer four more combo options, tailored to help you explore iconic Beijing attractions in one go: 1. Option 5: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City 2. Option 6: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace 3. Option 7: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall (Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall, optional) 4. Option 8: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace (four must-see downtown attractions) All the above combo options include: All admission tickets, professional guide service and round-trip transportation. Excluded: Lunch and cable car tickets (if applicable).
What's included
- ✓Private round trip transfer if you choose the option 2 and 3
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Lunch or Dinner in Hutong if you choose option 3
- ✓For option 1+4: Hotel pickup included but not including the transportation fee to the attraction
- ✓Entrance fee
What's not included
- ✓Transportation if you choose option 1 or 4
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Your passport name and number are required at time of booking (for all participants)
Please don't forget to bring your passport, you may be refused entry without it.
0-3 Years old infant is free, children have to purchase tickets as well
Chinese citizens, including customers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, need to reserve the tickets for the Palace Museum 7 days in advance. Once the tickets for the Palace Museum are sold out, it will be impossible to participate in this itinerary. In addition, according to the regulations of the Palace Museum, Chinese citizens can only choose to reserve tickets with their ID cards. Therefore, when making a reservation, it is necessary to submit the Chinese name and ID card number, and on the day of the tour, the submitted ID document must be presented to join the tour group.
In Peak season, the security checks at Tiananmen Square are particularly stringent. If the waiting time exceeds one hour, we recommend considering skip the square. Given the sweltering heat, waiting in line for an extended period increases the risk of heat - related illnesses. Additionally, spending too much time at the square could detract from your experience at the iconic Forbidden City, which is a highlight of our tour. Please keep this in mind as we plan our visit.
Tiananmen Square is a complimentary attraction, functioning as a tourist landmark and a political activity center. In case the square visit is unavailable due to political reasons or other unforeseen factors, no refund shall be issued for this part, given its free admission nature.
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
Hotel pick up including hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing city, out of this range will have extra cost
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.