About Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City holds over 1.8 million artefacts inside 980 surviving buildings across 72 hectares.
Founded in 1925, Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has been welcoming visitors for over 101 years. Today it draws approximately 17,000,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited palace & royal museums in the world. Located in Beijing, China, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 32,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Palace Museum (Forbidden City) ranks #19
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #19, Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: UNESCO World Heritage, AECOM #2 attendance.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–5 hours, planning your route through Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Hall of Supreme Harmony
- ◆Imperial Garden
- ◆Treasure Gallery
- ◆Clock Gallery
- ◆Nine Dragon Wall
- ◆Meridian Gate
Recognition & awards
Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 8:30–17:00 (winter until 16:30). Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is located in Beijing, China at coordinates 39.9163°N, 116.3972°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Palace Museum (Forbidden City) was established in 1925, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Beijing. With 17,000,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in China's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important palace & royal museums in the Asia region.
Other top palace & royal museums
If you enjoy palace & royal museums like Palace Museum (Forbidden City), you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #47Topkapi Palace MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #144Schloss CharlottenburgBerlin, Germany
- #196Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)Venice, Italy
More museums in Beijing
Beijing is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Palace Museum (Forbidden City) with these nearby institutions:
- #92National Museum of China🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Palace Museum (Forbidden City)?
Tue–Sun 8:30–17:00 (winter until 16:30). Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Palace Museum (Forbidden City)?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Palace Museum (Forbidden City) located?
Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is located in Beijing, China. The exact coordinates are 39.9163°, 116.3972°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Palace Museum (Forbidden City) known for?
The world's largest palace complex. Key highlights include Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, Treasure Gallery. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 32,000 reviews.
How many people visit Palace Museum (Forbidden City) each year?
Palace Museum (Forbidden City) receives approximately 17,000,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in China.
When was Palace Museum (Forbidden City) founded?
Palace Museum (Forbidden City) was founded in 1925, making it 101 years old. It is categorised as a palace & royal museum in our directory.
