Forbidden City opening hours: when to arrive and what "last entry" really means

When does the palace actually close?

The last entry is not the same as closing time. The gate closes and no new visitors are admitted, but visitors already inside can stay until the actual closing time. In high season, the last entry is 16:00 and the palace closes at 17:00. In low season, last entry is 15:30 and the palace closes at 16:30. That gives you an extra hour, but the staff are ushering people out and the pace shifts.

In practice, last ticket check happens around 15:40 in high season. After that, staff stop admitting people deeper into the palace and begin closing sections.

What is high season and low season?

High season is April through October. These are the months when the weather is good and the tourists come. The palace is at its busiest.

Low season is November through March. The weather is colder, the leaves are gone, and fewer people come. But it is also when you can actually breathe inside.

Is the palace closed on Chinese national holidays?

No. It stays open on Chinese national holidays, which is when you should expect the absolute worst crowding. The palace hits its 80,000-a-day cap regularly during Spring Festival, National Day, and the week-long golden weeks in autumn. If you are flexible, avoid these dates.

How much time do you need?

Three hours is the honest minimum for the central axis at a normal pace. Arriving at 10:00 and leaving by 16:00 is achievable. Arriving at 14:00 and expecting to see everything is not. If you arrive late, you will be rushed, and the palace deserves more than that.

In low season, the palace is less crowded at closing time. You have more space to move. In high season, even at 16:30, you will see crowds pushing toward the exit.

Frequently asked questions