Forbidden City Visit without Reservation for Foreigner (Jun 2025)
Visited the Forbidden City today and was able to buy a ticket WITHOUT a reservation (took about 20m total to wait in line, get the ticket, and go through security). I think this process is *technically* for those that don't have a smartphone / internet access, so I would still recommend booking in advance as your 1st option AND pay with a credit card (not your smartphone lol) in case they become more stringent about this.
- Started from the Donghuanmen gate and walked towards the Meredien gate https://maps.app.goo.gl/QKyZUmwYudCRciUK6 (this way you don't have to pass through Tiananmen Square, which you also need a reservation for OR a ticket to the Forbidden City to get through)
- Once you get to Meridien gate, there is a security/entry area on the right and on the left there is an area with booths that say "Ticket Service" (it's next to "The Palace Museum Visitor Service Center" see photo)
- They make you sign a form that says you're not part of a tour group, you don't have a smartphone, and you don't have a Chinese phone number. You give them your passport and it's 60 CNY per person.
Side note, once you are inside, they have official English tour guides that you can get, but they're pretty pricey IMO unless you're in a bigger group (4-5). (see photo for prices)
Hope this helps anyone traveling that forgets to get a reservation! (or in my case booked the wrong place entirely)
Posted Jun 28, 2025, 10:14 AM UTC