Half Day In-depth Beijing Forbidden City Discovery Tour with Jingshan Park

Tour Itinerary

We arrange pick-up at your downtown Beijing hotel or Beijing Railway Station. Our local guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby or the station exit with a "Your Way Holiday" pick-up sign for easy identification. They ensure a smooth transfer, assisting with luggage and providing valuable city tips to enhance your travel experience. From arrival onwards, our team is committed to delivering excellent service and personalized assistance, ensuring a pleasant and memorable journey throughout your stay.

You will visit the Forbidden City, which is the largest imperial palace in the world, home to 24 emperors in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) Dynasties. The Forbidden City, also named the Palace Museum, shares the honor of being one of five world-famous palaces with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in the U.S. and the Kremlin in Russia. The incomparable palace occupies an area of 720,000 square meters (177.9 acres) and has approximately 8,700 rooms. A high red wall with a total length of 3,400 meters (3,718 yards) encases the palace. Our professional tour guide will take you to explore insight of Forbidden city.

Before entering the Forbidden City, our guide will first take you to see the iconic turret of the Forbidden City, known for its unique architecture and significant historical importance. This vantage point offers a stunning view and a perfect photo opportunity. Following this, you will enter the Forbidden City through the imposing Meridian Gate, the largest and most magnificent gate of the complex. The Meridian Gate, historically significant as the place where the emperor would issue proclamations and penalize offending officials during the Qing Dynasty, serves as an impressive introduction to the grandeur and history of the Forbidden City. As you pass through the gate, our guide will share intriguing stories and facts about the architectural marvels and the historical events that took place within these ancient walls, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Walk to the Imperial Library, where our guide provides detailed insights into its history as a royal library built 300 years ago. This architectural gem housed the emperor's vast collection of books and documents. Our guide explains the significance of colors in the Forbidden City, noting yellow's dominance as a symbol of the royal family. Interestingly, the Royal Library's roof is uniquely black, symbolizing water to protect against fire, reflecting ancient Chinese beliefs in elemental harmony and attention to detail. Explore the hall as our guide illuminates its cultural and historical context, enriching your visit with fascinating stories.

Returning to the Central Axis Way, you will be greeted by the grandeur of the vast square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, one of the three main halls of the Forbidden City. This magnificent hall, an epitome of imperial architecture, was the heart of ceremonial activities in the palace. Here, significant events such as the accession of a new emperor, the emperor's birthday celebrations, and the announcement of important edicts took place, each marked by elaborate rituals and solemn pageantry. The immense square, capable of accommodating thousands of officials and dignitaries, bears witness to the grandeur and authority of the imperial court. As you stand in this historic space, our knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with in-depth explanations of the hall's architectural features, historical significance, and the ceremonial practices that once occurred here. Feel free to ask any questions you may have; our guide is eager to share their expertise and satisfy your curiosity, ensuring a rich and engaging experience as you explore this iconic symbol of Chinese heritage.

Walk along the intricate white marble balustrade, descending from the main palaces, and immerse yourself in the majestic splendor of the Forbidden City. As you make your way down, you will encounter a striking high stone slab adorned with exquisite dragon and cloud designs. This monumental piece of art, weighing approximately 200 tons, is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of ancient Chinese artisans. Our guide will share the fascinating story of how this immense slab was transported all the way from Fangshan, located to the southwest of Beijing, using an ingenious system of ice roads and sledges during the Ming Dynasty. The dragon, a symbol of imperial power and authority, intricately carved into the stone, combined with the swirling clouds, represents the emperor's divine right to rule. This remarkable feature not only adds to the aesthetic beauty of the Forbidden City but also provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of ancient China. Our guide will provide detailed insights into the significance and the meticulous efforts that went into creating and transporting this colossal masterpiece, enriching your experience of this iconic site.

Next, visit the enigmatic Crystal Palace, an intriguing and unfinished structure within the Forbidden City. Unlike the traditional Chinese architecture that dominates the complex, the Crystal Palace stands out with its Western-style design, reflecting the influence of foreign architectural trends during the late Qing Dynasty. Originally intended to be a grand exhibition hall for displaying cultural artifacts and treasures, its construction was abruptly halted, and it remains incomplete to this day. The reasons behind its abandonment are shrouded in mystery, adding an aura of intrigue to this unique site. Some speculate that the sudden halt was due to financial difficulties, while others believe it was due to the political turmoil of the era. As you explore this architectural anomaly, our guide will delve into the fascinating history and theories surrounding the Crystal Palace, offering you a deeper understanding of its historical context and the cross-cultural influences that shaped its design. The unfinished state of the building, combined with its mysterious backstory, makes it a compelling and thought-provoking stop on your tour of the Forbidden City.

The Hall of Heavenly Purity served as the principal residence and administrative center for emperors during the Ming and early Qing Dynasties, where they conducted state affairs and made crucial decisions. Adjacent to it, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility originally housed the empress during the Ming Dynasty but underwent significant reconstruction in the Qing Dynasty. During this period, it transformed into the sacred nuptial chamber for the emperor and empress, symbolizing the union of Yin and Yang, and also served as an altar for the worship of Shamanistic deities. Our knowledgeable guide will illuminate the historical evolution of these halls, explaining their architectural significance, cultural symbolism, and the rituals and ceremonies that took place within their walls. This insight will deepen your appreciation of the Forbidden City's role not only as a political center but also as a sacred space where imperial authority and spiritual beliefs intertwined, shaping the course of Chinese history.

Leaving the Inner Palace Courtyard, take a leisurely stroll alongside the Western Chamber towards your next destination, the Hall of Mental Cultivation. This hall holds significant historical importance, particularly for the events known as "Power Behind the Screen." Here, you will encounter a remarkable screen that once stood between the throne of "the Little Emperor" and his influential mother, "the Dragon Lady." This screen symbolizes the subtle yet powerful role played by the empress dowager in imperial governance during the Qing Dynasty. As you explore this historical site, our guide will delve into the intriguing details of these events, offering insights into the complex dynamics of power and influence within the Forbidden City. Discover how decisions were made and policies shaped behind the scenes, illuminating a pivotal chapter in Chinese history. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of the cultural and political legacy preserved within the walls of this renowned UNESCO World Heritage site.

Next, we'll make our way to Jingshan Park, a serene royal landscape garden located just behind the Forbidden City. As we trek up Jingshan Hill, which was once known as Wansui Hill or Meishan Hill, you'll discover its rich historical significance and stunning natural beauty. Covering an expansive area of 57 acres, Jingshan Park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of bustling Beijing. At the summit, the highest point in the city, you'll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy a bird's-eye perspective of the entire Beijing skyline, with the majestic Forbidden City prominently in view. Our guide will enrich your visit with stories of the hill's evolution through history, its importance in imperial times, and its transformation into the beloved public park it is today. Prepare to be captivated by both the historical depth and the stunning vistas that Jingshan Park has to offer, making it a memorable highlight of your Beijing exploration.

After the enriching tour, our priority is your convenience and comfort. You'll have the option to be escorted back to your hotel or dropped off at Beijing Train Station, ensuring a seamless conclusion to your day of exploration. At "Travel like a local," we embrace the philosophy of experiencing destinations authentically and with ease. We wish you continued enjoyment and discovery on your travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on future adventures. Safe travels!

Price Per Person in US Dollars