🎫 How to Book Tickets to the Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) — A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign

#springitinerary If you’re planning to visit the iconic Palace Museum (故宫博物院) in Beijing — one of the most historic and breathtaking sites in China — it’s essential to book your tickets in advance, especially as a foreign traveler. Based on my personal experience, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly. ✅ Important Tip: Tickets open for booking 7 days in advance, and they sell out fast — especially during weekends and holidays. 🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Book Tickets Online 1. Go to the Official Website at 8pm Visit the Palace Museum’s official English website: 2. Click on “Ticket” You’ll find the “Ticket” button either on the homepage or in the menu. 3. Choose the Date and Time Slot You’ll need to select: • A date (available up to 7 days in advance) • A time slot: either Morning (8:30–12:00) or Afternoon (12:00–16:30) 4. Select “Standard Ticket” • Choose Standard Ticket for regular admission. • You can book up to 10 tickets at a time. 5. Fill in Visitor Information For each ticket, enter: • Full name (as in passport) • Passport number ✅ This information is used for ID verification at the entrance. 6. (Optional) Add Special Exhibitions You can also purchase tickets for special exhibitions like: • The Clock Gallery • The Treasure Gallery 📝 These can be added during the booking process or bought on-site. We chose to buy them online together with our admission ticket — this saved us time and let us skip the long queues at the museum. 7. Confirm and Proceed to Payment Double-check all the information and proceed to payment. 8. Payment Options The website supports: • Alipay • MasterCard • Visa 💡 We used a Visa card without any issue. ⸻ ✅ On the Day of Visit: Just head to the entrance and scan your passport — no need to print anything or pick up tickets at a counter. It’s fast and efficient! ⸻ 📌 Final Tips: • Bring your original passport — it’s required for entry. • Arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid crowd buildup. • Download a map of the Forbidden City in advance — the area is vast! • If you’re visiting in peak season (spring, national holidays, etc.), book as soon as the 7-day window opens. ⸻ Visiting the Forbidden City was an unforgettable experience — walking through ancient courtyards and imperial halls felt like stepping into a living history book. I hope this guide makes your journey a little easier and a lot smoother! #travel #myitinerary #china #solotrip