Peking Duck
Lacquer-skinned duck carved tableside. Book ahead or queue with the locals — both worth it.
Siji Minfu Roast Duck · Beijing
Palace#Culture
The Forbidden City
Beijing5.03 hr 30 min9.9k saved
980 surviving buildings along a single imperial axis, home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Entry is only through the south Meridian Gate (Wumen) and you exit north at the Gate of Divine Prowess — so walk it south-to-north and let the crowds thin as you reach the quieter eastern palaces and the Treasure Gallery. Book the timed ticket days ahead with passport; it caps daily numbers and sells out.
Good to know
- Closed Mondays. Closed Mondays (except statutory/public holidays).
- Book ahead. MANDATORY 7-day-advance online real-name reservation, NO same-day; passport required to book and enter (one ticket per passport/day); tickets release
- Best time — early morning — Right at 08:30 beats tour groups and heat; you flow north with the crowd.
- 08:30 open daily.
- Book timed tickets online days ahead with passport
- Enter at Meridian Gate, exit north
- Veer east for the quiet courtyards and clocks
Insider tip — Exit north at Shenwumen, cross to Jingshan Park's hilltop pavilion for the classic panorama over the palace roofline; add the separate-ticket Treasure Gallery (NE).
Photo: __ drz __ · Unsplash License
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