Forbidden City Tour: Explore Imperial Beijing

Immerse yourself in Chinese history and explore the majestic Forbidden City on this private half-day walking tour. Discover the secrets of the Ming & Qing Dynasty emperors and visit the iconic Tiananmen Square. Beat the crowds and delve into the hidden halls of the palace.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Begin your journey from your hotel or meet at the designated Lash Tea House at Qianmen Branch near Tian’anmen Square. Accompanied by our certified Tour Guide, walk to Tian’anmen Square (following all security checks). You will view the historic Qianmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the…
What's Included
  • Reserved entry to Tian’anmen Square
  • Private guide service fee (4 hours)
  • Entrance ticket to the Forbidden City
  • Uber between Forbidden City and other sights (if option selected)
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to the Forbidden City (If the Option for T Square W Forbidden city 4 hour Tour)
  • Meals (lunch & dinner)
  • Gratuity (for good service)
  • Transportation (hotel drop off)
  • Hotel Pick-up within 4th ring road (transportation to the Tian’anmen Square probably costs $50)
Additional Information

This private tour includes the Forbidden City with optional additional sights.
If only the Forbidden City tour is selected, it lasts 4 hours. If combined with other sights, the tour will continue with additional options.
A professional English-speaking tour guide will meet the group at the designated hotel in the downtown area or a set meeting point. The…

Location
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
West Changan Street, Dongcheng District,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(304 Ratings)
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1 star
Eric_l
Jan 5, 2025
Amazing and seamless... - Amazing and seamless experience. Sonia met us at the pickup location and even brought us to grab a coffee since it was so cold out. It was a short walk to the ID check-in point (don't forget your passports) before entering. Sonia had a breadth of knowledge and was able to answer all of our questions. She was able to show us some secret parts as well that the larger group couldn't. 10/10 experience, thank you Sonia!
Review provided by Viator
Maurocarmona
Jan 4, 2025
Excellent experience! - It was a very pleasant tour. Our guide Arturo speaks perfect Spanish and explained the history of the forbidden city and the summer palace, we were always watching. Also take very good pictures! We highly recommend this tour and Catherine was always very attentive to us. Everything was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U1445vnoliviac
Jan 3, 2025
Forbidden city - Very interesting. Enjoyed our time with Lisa from Catherine Lu tours of Tiananmen Square and Forbidden city. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber306428
Dec 28, 2024
Short notice and very accomodating - Highly suggest Catherine Lu tours. Was able to book on short notice. Tour guide (Jenna) was amazing. This is the tour company you want. Best experience in Beijing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
10bernadettet
Dec 27, 2024
Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square - Justin Wan, a superb tour guide. He is extremely knowledgeable in Chinese history. He made the 4-hour walk inside the Forbidden City interesting and enjoyable with his stories and remarks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rangpat
Dec 27, 2024
Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City Private Walking Tour - The tour includes all places of the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square. The tour is private so all your queries will be answered. Jenny is very knowledgeable about every part of the place. She explains it clearly as a story about each event linked to the structures. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Micheline_s
Dec 27, 2024
Book it - Wonderful experience. Our guide May was exceptional. We learned so much from her. She picked us up from the hotel and we took the Subway there. Lots of walking. Wear comfortable shoes.
Review provided by Viator
Naomicserneh
Dec 27, 2024
Great one-day city tour! - We have a great day with Lisa with Catherine Lou tours! She has shared interesting facts and useful Information, even showing us somewhat less touristy places which we really enjoyed. We learned a lot about history, Chinese symbolism and food during this tour! She even took photos for us which is a nice plus. We highly recommend choosing this tour for your visit in Beijing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Backpacker696350
Dec 27, 2024
Great day in Beijing! - We had a great day with our tour guide Lisa, she is really kind and informative. The attractions were beatufiul ! I highly recommend this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lydia_y
Jan 4, 2025
It was easy to enter to... - It was easy to enter to the places by scanning our passport but the queue was way too long. We didn’t manage to walk the entire place or sit in any of the cafe (if there is any?). Was quite rush overall.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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