About Forbidden City Beijing Tours
Forbidden City Beijing Tours is an independent guide to visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing — focused on the one thing that actually stops you getting in: the ticket. We compare the tours so you can book the right one at the right price.
Who I am
I’m Lena Chen. I was born in Dongcheng, ten minutes’ walk from the palace moat, and I have been a licensed Beijing tour guide for nine years. I walk the Meridian Gate to Shenwumen route several times a week. I spend more of my working life explaining the booking system to confused arrivals than explaining the Ming dynasty, which is why this site exists. I have opinions grounded in repetition, not superlatives.
What this site does
I research the Forbidden City tours available on GetYourGuide, read through traveller reviews, and write up honest, practical guidance on which tour suits which traveller. I’m not a tour operator and I don’t sell tickets. When you’re ready to book, I send you to GetYourGuide, a licensed reseller, to complete your booking.
How I’m funded
I earn a small affiliate commission when you book through my links, at no extra cost to you. That’s what keeps the site free. It never changes which tours I recommend — see my affiliate disclosure for the full picture.
Questions or corrections? Get in touch.