Forbidden City Half-Day Guided Tour

The Forbidden City was home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors and is now the Palace Museum, with hundreds of golden-roofed halls lined up along a north–south axis. This half-day package includes the main entry ticket, a wireless headset and about three hours of guided commentary in Mandarin, English or Cantonese. With a guide you learn the stories behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the imperial garden instead of just crossing the vast courtyards. Daily visitor numbers are capped, so book early and carry the passport used for the booking to get through the gate. Meeting times and daily prices appear when you choose a date; the palace is closed on Mondays except on public holidays.