How much is a ticket to Forbidden City (Palace Museum)?

Adult, peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): CNY 60. Adult, off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31): CNY 40. Treasure Gallery or Gallery of Clocks: CNY 10 each. Optional add-on. Student: CNY 20.

Do I need to book Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in advance?

Official Palace Museum website or WeChat mini program. Tickets are released at 20:00 seven days before the visit; real-name booking and the original passport are required.

What is not included in the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) ticket?

There is no ticket window for walk-in visitors. Book the date you want as soon as the seven-day window opens. Check the official page for the full inclusion list before paying.

Beijing · Palace museum · checked 2026-10-22

Forbidden City (Palace Museum) tickets

The imperial palace at the centre of Beijing. Tickets are sold by name and released seven days ahead; there are no same-day tickets and the museum is closed on Mondays.

By Charlie Simmon, Founder and editor · Reviewed 22 October 2026

Prices

Forbidden City (Palace Museum) ticket prices
Ticket	Price	Note
Adult, peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31)	CNY 60	—
Adult, off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31)	CNY 40	—
Treasure Gallery or Gallery of Clocks	CNY 10 each	Optional add-on.
Student	CNY 20	—

Checked against the official source on 2026-10-22. The official page wins if it disagrees with this table.

Booking and visiting

Official price source: Official Beijing government page ↗
Attraction website: www.dpm.org.cn ↗
How to book: Official Palace Museum website or WeChat mini program. Tickets are released at 20:00 seven days before the visit; real-name booking and the original passport are required.
Opening hours: 08:30–17:00 peak (last entry 16:00); 08:30–16:30 off-season (last entry 15:30).
Closed: Mondays, except statutory holidays.
Last verified: 2026-10-22

Before you book

There is no ticket window for walk-in visitors. Book the date you want as soon as the seven-day window opens.
The Treasure Gallery and Gallery of Clocks are separate CNY 10 tickets; the main admission does not include them.
Entry is at the Meridian Gate. Bring the passport used for the booking; the name must match.

Questions

How much is a ticket to Forbidden City (Palace Museum)?: Adult, peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): CNY 60. Adult, off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31): CNY 40. Treasure Gallery or Gallery of Clocks: CNY 10 each. Optional add-on. Student: CNY 20.
Do I need to book Forbidden City (Palace Museum) in advance?: Official Palace Museum website or WeChat mini program. Tickets are released at 20:00 seven days before the visit; real-name booking and the original passport are required.
What is not included in the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) ticket?: There is no ticket window for walk-in visitors. Book the date you want as soon as the seven-day window opens. Check the official page for the full inclusion list before paying.