Viator Rating : 5 (675 reviews)
Beijing
Private Forbidden City Tour: Skip-the-Line Beijing
Overview
The 4-Hour Private Beijing Walking Tour of the Forbidden City offers an immersive exploration of China's imperial past. With a private guide, visitors delve deep into the heart of Beijing's most iconic landmark, the Forbidden City, and also explore Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China.
This walking tour takes guests through the Forbidden City, from the grand Tiananmen Square to the serene Imperial Garden. Along the way, discover the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors once governed, and the Hall of Heavenly Purity, a significant imperial residence. Guests will gain skip-the-line access and a professional guide.
Included in this tour are hotel pickup (transportation fee to Tiananmen Square not included), a private guide, and entrance fees to the Forbidden City. Excluded are transportation to the Forbidden City, hotel drop-off services, gratuities, and additional museum entrance fees. 
Highlights
Skip the Line: Bypass the long queues with priority access.
Expert Private Guide: Enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide.
Explore Imperial History: Discover the stories behind the Forbidden City's sacred sites.
Visit Key Landmarks: See Tiananmen Square, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say their guides are very knowledgeable about the history.
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Customers loved the skip-the-line access.
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Visitors enjoyed the pace of the tour.
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Travelers appreciated the guide adapting to their personal interests.
Some visitors wished for more detailed explanations at certain sites.
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A few customers found the meeting point instructions unclear.
The Journey
Tiananmen Square
Begin your adventure at Tiananmen Square, a vast public square steeped in history and political significance. Witness the grandeur of the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Reflect on pivotal moments in Chinese history as you stand in this iconic space, the site of major national events and demonstrations. Feel the pulse of Beijing as you walk across this symbolic heart of the nation.
National Museum of China
Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is a treasure trove of Chinese art and history. Explore its vast collection, spanning millennia of Chinese civilization, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of China's cultural heritage as you journey through its halls, discovering the stories behind each exquisite artifact.
Forbidden City (South Gate - Meridian Gate)
Enter the Forbidden City through the magnificent Meridian Gate, the South Gate, and step back in time into the heart of imperial China. Explore the vast complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions, and gardens that served as the home and political center for emperors and their households for over 500 years. Marvel at the architectural grandeur and intricate details as you traverse this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hall of Union
Discover the Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian), one of the three main halls in the Inner Court of the Forbidden City. This hall, located between the Hall of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility, symbolizes the harmonious union of the emperor and empress. Admire the exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance of this important imperial residence, reflecting the balance and stability of the empire.
Hall of Great Harmony
Witness the splendor of the Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian), the largest and most important structure in the Forbidden City. This magnificent hall served as the venue for major state ceremonies, where the emperor received officials and celebrated significant events. Be awestruck by the opulent decor, intricate carvings, and imposing presence of this symbol of imperial power, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Hall of Central Harmony
Explore the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian), a smaller square-shaped hall used by the emperor to prepare for major ceremonies. Here, the emperor would rehearse speeches, review memorials, and receive reports from officials. This hall served as a transitional space, reflecting the emperor's meticulous preparation and attention to detail in matters of state.
Hall of Preserving Harmony
Visit the Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian), the third of the main halls in the Outer Court of the Forbidden City. This hall was used for banquets and imperial examinations. Admire the intricate architecture and historical significance of this space, where the emperor fostered talent and maintained the stability of the empire.
Hall of Heavenly Purity
Delve into the Hall of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong), the largest of the three halls in the Inner Court. It served as the emperor's bedroom during the Ming Dynasty and later as a place for the emperor to handle daily affairs during the Qing Dynasty. Admire the impressive interior and imagine the lives of the emperors who resided here, making crucial decisions that shaped the course of Chinese history.
Hall of Earthly Tranquility
Experience the serenity of the Hall of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong), originally the residence of the empress during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, it was used for the emperor and empress's wedding chamber. Appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and elegant design of this hall, reflecting the harmony and balance sought within the imperial household.
Imperial Garden
Wander through the serene Imperial Garden, a tranquil oasis within the Forbidden City. Discover hidden pathways, ancient trees, and ornate pavilions, offering a respite from the grandeur of the surrounding palaces. Admire the exquisite landscaping and symbolic arrangements, reflecting the emperor's pursuit of harmony and balance in both nature and governance.
Know Before You Go
This 4-hour private walking tour includes hotel pickup (but not the transportation fee to Tiananmen Square), a private guide, and entrance fees. It excludes transportation to the Forbidden City, hotel drop-off, gratuities, and additional entrance fees to museums. The tour starts with hotel pickup, but transportation to the Forbidden City is not included. It ends inside the Forbidden City, without a ride back to the hotel.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour. Also, bring water and snacks, especially during hot weather. Confirm the meeting point with your guide in advance to avoid confusion.
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly informative and well-organized, praising the knowledgeable guides and the flexibility to customize the experience. Many appreciate the skip-the-line access and the focus on the Forbidden City's central axis, but some note that hotel pickup is not always included and that advance booking is essential to secure tickets, especially during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
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