5 (1768)
Beijing
Forbidden City Small Group Tour: Skip-the-Line Entry
Overview
Discover the wonders of Beijing's Forbidden City on a 4-hour small group tour! Perfect for history buffs, culture seekers, and architecture enthusiasts, this walking tour brings the palace to life. Instead of just seeing the buildings, the guide shares stories and history. Explore major buildings and courtyards in a small group of no more than 10 people, ensuring a personal experience.
What to Expect: The adventure starts at the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Center, your meeting point for the day. From there, the group will explore Tiananmen Square, the vast public square at the heart of Beijing, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City. Inside, witness the grandeur of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Central Harmony. Then enjoy the Imperial Garden's beauty. Depending on the option selected, the tour could end at Jingshan Park (Coal Hill Park) for panoramic city views.
The tour includes Forbidden City entrance fees and a professional guide. For those selecting the Coal Hill Park option, the entrance ticket is also included. This experience does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, or gratuities. Note that choosing the Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City option means foregoing a visit to Coal Hill Park, and vice versa. Be ready to walk and explore the historical treasures of Beijing! 
Highlights
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a group limited to 10 people.
Skip-the-Line Access: Breeze past the crowds with included entry tickets to the Forbidden City.
Expert Local Guide: Learn the fascinating history and stories behind the palace.
See Major Landmarks: Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, and more.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love that the small group size makes it easy to hear the guide and ask questions.
-
Many visitors appreciated learning about the history and stories behind the Forbidden City.
-
Travelers liked seeing the main halls and gardens.
-
The guide's knowledge and ability to share information in an engaging way was a plus
Some people mention they want hotel pick up and drop off.
-
A few reviewers mentioned that the tour involved a lot of walking.
The Journey
Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Begin your adventure at the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the meeting point for the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City tour. While the hall itself showcases Beijing's urban development, it serves as the gateway to your journey into the city's historical core. Here, you'll meet your guide and prepare to traverse the iconic Tiananmen Square en route to the majestic Forbidden City, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of China's imperial past.
Tiananmen Square
Experience the sheer magnitude of Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square and the symbolic heart of China. Stroll across its vast expanse, absorbing the historical significance of this iconic landmark. Learn about the square's pivotal role in Chinese history, from imperial ceremonies to modern-day national events. Your expert guide will provide insightful commentary on the surrounding monumental buildings, offering a profound understanding of China's political and cultural landscape. Be aware that security checks can be stringent, especially during peak season, potentially requiring patience or a flexible approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Prepare to be moved by the weight of history as you stand in this significant public space.
Forbidden City
Step into the mesmerizing world of the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Ming and Qing dynasties as you explore the palace's intricate architecture, opulent halls, and hidden courtyards. Uncover the stories behind the palace walls, gaining insight into the lives of emperors, empresses, and court officials. Delve into the treasures housed in the palace museums, marveling at the exquisite artifacts and artworks that showcase China's artistic and cultural heritage. Let your guide lead you through the maze of history, unveiling the secrets of this magnificent palace complex.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Stand in awe before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest and most important structure within the Forbidden City. Imagine the grand ceremonies and imperial audiences that once took place within its hallowed walls. Marvel at the intricate details of the hall's architecture, from its towering roof to its ornate decorations. This is where the emperor handled state affairs, a place of ultimate power.
Hall of Central Harmony
Explore the Hall of Central Harmony, where the emperor prepared for important ceremonies and received high-ranking officials. Admire the hall's elegant design and its harmonious blend of architectural elements. Discover the significance of this space in the daily life of the emperor and the functioning of the imperial court. A place of reflection and preparation.
Imperial Garden
Find serenity in the Imperial Garden, a tranquil oasis at the northern end of the Forbidden City. Wander through its lush landscapes, admiring the ancient trees, ornate rock formations, and delicate pavilions. Escape the bustle of the palace and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem. Use this as a jumping-off point for your own exploration after the tour.
Jingshan Park (Coal Hill Park)
Ascend Jingshan Park, also known as Coal Hill Park, for panoramic views of Beijing and the Forbidden City. Enjoy a short hike to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the city's sprawling landscape. Capture stunning photos of the Forbidden City from above, appreciating its grandeur and scale from a unique perspective. This park offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to reflect on the history and beauty of Beijing.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entrance fees to the Forbidden City and, depending on the option selected, Coal Hill Park or Tiananmen Square. A professional guide will lead the tour. It excludes hotel pick-up and drop-off services, as well as gratuities. If the Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City option is selected, Coal Hill Park will not be visited. Conversely, the Forbidden City and Coal Hill Park option excludes Tian'anmen Square. Meet the tour in front of the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Center to begin the exploration.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, bring water to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
Review Summary
People usually say the Forbidden City small group tour is well-organized, informative, and offers a great balance of storytelling and exploration. Many travelers appreciate the small group size and knowledgeable guides, while some note that the pace can be brisk and recommend comfortable shoes for walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
P
Beijing
$25
Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour: Easy Roundtrip from Beijing
5.0
(1135 reviews)
Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour offers a simple way to see the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Ride a comfortable bus from Beijing to the famous Mutianyu section.
Visitors get lots of time to walk and explore this old, restored part of the wall. Mutianyu is known as one of the prettiest parts of the Great Wall. It looks like it did a long time ago. The hills around the wall have nice-smelling pine and cypress trees.
Choose the option to enjoy a tasty local lunch before the bus ride back to Beijing. This tour includes free tea and snacks, a tour guide who speaks English or Spanish, tickets to the Great Wall, a shuttle to take people up and down the mountain, and the bus ride there and back. This tour does not include tips or the cable car/toboggan.
Beijing
$10.8
Summer Palace: Skip-the-Line Ticket & Explore at Your Pace
5.0
(299 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Summer Palace Ticket lets visitors explore a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instead of waiting in long lines to buy tickets with cash, people can pre-book online. When booking online they will get a QR code for quick entry to the imperial garden. People can visit in the morning or afternoon and explore at their own speed.
The Summer Palace has lots to see, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, where emperors made important decisions. People can walk through the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, a beautiful area with temples and gardens. Kungming Lake and Zhichuan Pavilion offer great views, and the Long Corridor is a covered walkway with paintings. The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a tall building with amazing views. People can enter through the Summer Palace East Gate and leave through the Beiruyimen or Beigongmen Exits.
The ticket includes entrance to the Summer Palace, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. It does NOT include transportation, a tour guide, or boat tickets. This ticket is NOT for people with Chinese passports or IDs. The QR code from the platform is NOT the ticket; the supplier sends the QR code by WhatsApp. If WhatsApp doesn't work in China, do not book. If visitors can't speak English, they also should not book.
Temple of Heaven
$8.8
Skip the Line: Temple of Heaven Ticket with QR Entry
5.0
(457 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Temple of Heaven Ticket: See where emperors prayed for good harvests in Beijing. This special place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Instead of waiting in long lines to buy tickets with Chinese money, people can book tickets online. This saves time and lets them enjoy the Temple of Heaven at their own speed. People can visit in the morning, noon, or afternoon.
When visiting the Temple of Heaven, people can see the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This is a big, round building with a blue roof. Emperors used to pray here for good crops. People can also see the Imperial Vault of Heaven and Circular Mound Altar. These are important places where emperors honored heaven and their ancestors. The tour includes entry tickets to the Temple of Heaven, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, and the Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Please note that this experience does NOT include a tour guide or transportation. It's not for people with Chinese IDs or passports. Also, the QR code from the booking platform is NOT the actual ticket; the supplier will send the real QR code via WhatsApp. It's important that people have WhatsApp working in China. This tour needs full names, passport numbers, and WhatsApp numbers. It does NOT include any other expenses not listed. People should not book if they can't speak English. Entry is FREE for kids 17 and under, and seniors 60 and older. This experience allows visitors to explore at their own pace and convenience.
Beijing
$56
Beijing's Best: Temple, Palace & Hutong Day Tour
5.0
(301 reviews)
Duration: 480
minutes
The Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Hutong Day Tour immerses visitors in the heart of Beijing's rich history and culture. This tour is great for people who want to see the most famous places in Beijing.
Travelers will explore the Summer Palace, a beautiful garden that emperors used to enjoy. Then, see the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. After that, they will go to the Yonghe Lama Temple, a very important Tibetan Buddhist place. Finally, they will walk through the Beijing Hutongs, which are old and small streets that show how people used to live in Beijing. Guests can also see the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and admire its stunning views.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a guide who speaks English. If the option is selected, the tour also provides entrance tickets to the Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Temple of Heaven. Tips for the tour guide and the Imperial Waterway Cruise in Summer Palace (optional) are not included.
Beijing
$8.8
Temple of Heaven: Skip-the-Line Ticket & Explore!
5.0
(120 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Explore the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pre-book a ticket to skip the long lines and use the ticket QR code for quick entry. See this imperial temple at your own speed in the morning or afternoon.
What to Expect: Walk through the Temple of Heaven Park (East Gate Entrance), where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Stand in awe of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, a stunning building with rich history. Explore the Imperial Vault of Heaven and Circular Mound Altar, important places for royal ceremonies. This experience includes a ticket to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, and entrance tickets to the Temple of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Vault of Heaven. Please send the supplier a valid WhatsApp number, your name, and Passport numbers immediately after booking.
This experience excludes a guide and transportation. Local passports/IDs are not accepted. The QR code from the platform is not the ticket; the supplier will send a new ticket QR code via WhatsApp. Please do not book if you cannot speak English or if WhatsApp is not working in China. Any other expenses not listed as included are excluded.
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum
$10.9
Skip the Line: Explore Beijing's Majestic Forbidden City with Ease
5.0
(126 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Forbidden City Ticket grants access to a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pre-book online, bypassing long queues and cash requirements. Explore at your leisure, morning or afternoon, with just your passport. A historical journey awaits in Beijing. Remember this palace was home to emperors and their households for 500 years!
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Beijing
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Beijing From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, , Bus Tours & in Beijing. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Beijing Activities