The Palace Museum - Beijing - China
Beijing, China

The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum

Beijing, China

Rating4.6(16,425 reviews)
Address4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
MuseumAttractionTop Rated

Massive palace complex & museum featuring tours, art exhibits & restaurants.

Last updated: February 11, 2026

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Overview

Massive palace complex & museum featuring tours, art exhibits & restaurants.

Opening Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
8:30 AM4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM4:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM4:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM4:00 PM

Visitor Reviews

**★★★★★ Udara Rathnayake — 4 weeks ago

The Forbidden City isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a breathtaking, soul-stirring journey into the very heart of Chinese history and imperial grandeur. From the moment you pass through the mighty Meridian Gate, you are transported into a world of awe-inspiring scale and intricate beauty that absolutely earns every one of its five stars. The sheer size is overwhelming in the best possible way. Walking across the vast courtyards, flanked by majestic halls with their iconic yellow-glazed tile

**★★★★★ Xiaozhu Vivian — a month ago

I have visited this place five times now, and each visit offers a distinct experience. During my last trip, for instance, I visited the Hall of Treasures and the Clock Museum, though I seem to have forgotten the name of a third gallery I went to. I also toured the Imperial Garden.

There has been a significant shift in accessibility over the years. Initially, visitors were actually allowed inside the hall to sit on the Dragon Throne. Later, access was restricted to standing outside the door to v

**★★★★★ L Chan — a month ago

The world’s largest ancient palace & if you only have an hour, here’s how to explore the museum without missing the important attractions!


🕐 1-Hour Express Route (South to North Main Central Axis)

Entrance: Meridian Gate (午门 / Wǔmén) Exit: Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门 / Shénwǔmén)

1️⃣ Meridian Gate (午门) • The grand southern gate & the main entrance. • Used by emperors for important ceremonies. ⏱️ 5 minutes — photo stop & orientation.

2️⃣ Gate of Supreme Harmony (太和门) • Leads to th

**★★★★★ William Lu — a month ago

Beautiful historical place. Huge to explore, might take hours if you want to explore all. Guide is important else nothing much to explore.

The only entrance if you are not going from tiananmen is from donghuamen which is east side of the place and walk to the south from there. There is only one entrance to here.

Prebooked ticket is recommended. I tried to book via wechat but need local number to book. I asked hotel staff assistance to book since I don't have local number

**★★★★★ markos paterakis — 2 months ago

The Palace Museum is an amazing place to visit. The buildings are beautiful, full of history, and very well preserved. Walking through the courtyards and halls feels like stepping back in time. The exhibits are interesting and help you understand China’s rich culture. It’s a must-see in Beijing, and definitely worth the visit.

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