Forbidden City Tour: Explore Imperial Beijing

Immerse yourself in Chinese history and explore the majestic Forbidden City on this private half-day walking tour. Discover the secrets of the Ming & Qing Dynasty emperors and visit the iconic Tiananmen Square. Beat the crowds and delve into the hidden halls of the palace.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Begin your journey from your hotel or meet at the designated Lash Tea House at Qianmen Branch near Tian’anmen Square. Accompanied by our certified Tour Guide, walk to Tian’anmen Square (following all security checks). You will view the historic Qianmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the…
What's Included
  • Entrance ticket to the Forbidden City
  • Reserve entry to the Tian’anmen Square
  • Private guide service fee (4 hours)
  • Uber between Forbidden City and other sights (if option selected)
  • No tour service if only Forbidden City Ticket is booked
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to the Forbidden City (If the Option for T Square W Forbidden city 4 hour Tour)
  • Meals (lunch & dinner)
  • Gratuity (for good service)
  • Transportation (hotel drop off)
  • Hotel Pick-up within 4th ring road (transportation to the Tian’anmen Square probably costs $50)
Additional Information

This private tour features the Forbidden City, with optional additional sights available.
Choosing only the Forbidden City tour provides a 4-hour experience. Opting for additional sights extends the tour duration.
A professional English-speaking tour guide will meet the group at a designated hotel in the downtown area or a set meeting point. The tour…

Location
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
West Changan Street, Dongcheng District,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(408 Ratings)
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1 star
Marjet2012
Jan 5, 2026
CATHERINE IS THE BEST - Dear traveller, I haven’t come across a tour agents as honest, cooperative, and service-minded as CATHERINE LU TOURS. I had quite a bit of hassle with my booking, but she managed to sort everything out efficiently and even ensured I received a full refund for my mistaken booking. Her communication is excellent, prompt, clear, and fluent in English. I’ve booked many tours over the years, and I can honestly say I cannot recommend her highly enough. I would even book more bookings with her in the next time. Spare yourself by going in a group. This will pay off. And even, extend other bookings with her instead :) THANK YOU For EVERYTHING
Review provided by Tripadvisor
425mariavirginias
Jan 3, 2026
Family tour of Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City - We spent a few hours in Beijing and wanted to take a tour of Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Our guide, Veronique, welcomed us very warmly. She was very punctual and friendly. The tour was conducted in French; she answered all our questions, and we loved her dynamism and warmth. It was truly a wonderful experience, and she helped us until the very end by finding us a taxi to return to the airport. We had a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_w
Jan 1, 2026
Our guide, Lena, was... - Our guide, Lena, was excellent, kind, knowledgeable and fun to be with. We would strongly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Yanac508
Dec 16, 2025
Forbidden City + Tiananmen in Winter - James was a great guide at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, I highly recommend him. His English is great and he quickly understood what we were interested in, sharing thoughtful, relevant insights along the way. He knows the city and its history well and helped us use the best entrances and picture spots, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Had a really nice time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Backpacker707354
Dec 2, 2025
Historical Tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - Our private tour guide Peter was excellent, he very knowledgeable and provided a fascinating tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Peter showed us a number of particularly interesting locations on the tour with deep insight to the associated History and Culture . It was a very cold day, and Peter adjusted the tour to keep us as much in the warm as possible and glad we had warm clothing as there are lots of open spaces ! Would recommend Peter without hesitation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moira_k
Dec 2, 2025
Walking tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - Our guide Peter was excellent, very knowledgeable and provided a fascinating tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Peter showing us a number of particularly interesting locations on the tour with deep insight to the associated History and Culture . It was a very cold day, and Peter adjusted the tour to keep us as much in the warm as possible and glad we had warm clothing as there are lots of open spaces ! Would recommend Peter without hesitation.
Review provided by Viator
Mackenzie_b
Nov 29, 2025
Great Private Tour! - Angel was fantastic! Every moment of the private tour was filled with interesting historical facts and really fun tidbits of information. It was great to experience the Square and the Forbidden City with such a knowledgeable and friendly guide! Definitely one of the highlights of our trip!
Review provided by Viator
H2605spdougm
Nov 28, 2025
Awesome - James was knowledgeable, great command of the English language and made the entire experience wonderful . November is a great time to visit
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Leosvelf
Nov 14, 2025
Private Tour Forbidden City - My wife and I had a great tour of the Forbidden city with Justin. He is very knowledgeable and Kind. He answered all of our questions about the Forbidden city and even daily life in Beijing. Great English too was the cherry on top. Highly Recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David
Nov 11, 2025
Great visit to Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square - Peter was a great tour guide. He picked me up from my hotel, took me to the line for Tian’anmen Square. Once we got in, Peter was a wealth of knowledge and information for the square and throughout the Forbidden City. He showed me little details I would have missed otherwise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $38
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).