The Forbidden City is large, so make sure you wear your walking shoes and allow for 3-4 hours. Don't walk too fast straight through, there are a couple of side gardens with interesting halls to explore. The grounds are under restoration, presumably for the Beijing Olympics, so you can't get great views of two of the main halls due to... more
Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)
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Traveler Photos & Videos
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15 Forbidden city - 06 army training
(2 votes) From: adamandeva's Blog at TravelPod.com0 min 13 sec -
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Video Clip of the Imperial Garden
(1 vote) From: matthewgoodwin's Blog at TravelPod.com0 min 12 sec -
Video Clip of Open Area in the Forbidden City
(2 votes) From: matthewgoodwin's Blog at TravelPod.com0 min 18 sec -
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Distance in: mi km
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Distance in: mi km
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
#6 of 166 attractions in Beijing
Traveler Description:
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated...
more »
Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century.
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Attraction type: Castle,
Historic site,
Architectural building,
Landmark/point of interest
Activities:
Group tours/walking tour
Address:
Beijing 100009
China
China
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TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Jun 15, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful
Alright, a lot of people have expressed their disappointment in the Forbidden City. I went to study the architecture but even I got tired of the uniformity of the buildings. If I was going to do it again this is the route I would take: Start from the south center and walk up through the center buildings (note: the Hall... more
Feb 14, 2008
2/3 found this review helpful
A place you must visit, but a word of warning-- ignore all handouts that will be forced upon you. Especially bus tours. They are all too good to be true, and you will be dissapointed. more
Jan 1, 2008
7/7 found this review helpful
I visited the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City) in December of 2007. Several of the more well-known buildings were, unfortunately, undergoing renovations at this time in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. However, there was still enough to see that would ensure a full-day's worth of sightseeing. Before entering the Imperial Palace, you will be harassed by a number of Rolex salesmen,... more
Nov 4, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful
Historically, this is a must place to go to. It is huge BUT there are only buildings to see. There is a clock museum which is worth visiting and a few shops but all the buildings are closed and you spend a lot of time walking through the "city". The Queen's garden was a disappointment as well, but we are... more
Nov 1, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful
I went to Beijing during April 2002 with my mum and younger sister. We travelled on a package tour with Chan Brothers Travel Agency. It was Spring then. The china tour guide brought us around some of the places within the palace like the imperial court, exam halls, emporer, empress and concubines' premises, imperial garden, etc. He explained about the... more
Sep 23, 2007
0/1 found this review helpful
Made a visit to the forbidden city in August (26th) we were a little disappointed because quite a few of the important bulidings were closed due to them being restored in time for the olympics, also the weather did not help it was the only day of our trip that it rain. We still enjoyed the rest of the walk... more
Aug 2, 2007
1/3 found this review helpful
Our July, 2007 China Spree tour left the hotel at 9:30a.m. and arrived in Tianamen Square at 10:00a.m. We made 4 stops + a bathroom break. We were at the far end of the Forbidden City at 11:30a.m. We took the center gates all the way through. Two of the gates were being renovated. We were not given any time... more
Jul 29, 2007
0/3 found this review helpful
Walking through the Forbidden City gave us a sense of its incredible expanse and beauty. The roof tops alone are worth the visit. It's not to be missed. more
Jul 16, 2007
3/5 found this review helpful
I just returned from Beijing and I have to say, it was a major disappointment! Everything that is depicted in postcards and photo of the Forbidden City is under construction!!! I wish somebody had told me about this before I left, b/c it was a major major downer. If you are planning to visit Beijing, do it after the Olympics....everything... more
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