Forbidden City Guide: 3 Routes, 7 Free Stamp Spots & Tips

I. Pre-Trip Essentials: Preparation & Entry

1. Prohibited Items

• Strictly Banned: Tripods and camera stabilizer rigs.
• Restricted: Selfie sticks (there are length restrictions).
• Tip: Check your bag before leaving home. Don't waste time at the security checkpoint checking items, as it delays your entry.

2. Entry Strategy

• Sole Entrance: The Meridian Gate (Wu Men/South Gate).
• Early Bird Wins: It is strongly recommended to wake up early and queue. If you beat the large tour groups, you’ll get through security faster and might capture photos of an empty Hall of Supreme Harmony square.
• Meridian Gate Trivia:
  • Not an Execution Ground: Contrary to popular belief, people were not beheaded here. In the Ming Dynasty, offending officials were flogged here; in the Qing Dynasty, the Emperor distributed calendars here.
  • Gate Etiquette: The central archway was reserved exclusively for the Emperor (and the Empress once on her wedding day). The top three scholars from the Imperial Exam (Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, Tanhua) could exit through it once. Officials and relatives had to use the side gates.

II. The Core Zone: The Central Axis

This is the "main artery" of the Forbidden City. Walking north from the entrance, you will see the most essential architecture.

1. The Outer Court: The Peak of Power

• Gate of Supreme Harmony Square
  • Golden Water Bridges: There are five bridges. The center one was for the Emperor, the flanking ones for the royal family, and the outer ones for officials.
  • Bronze Lions: These are the largest pair in the palace.
  • ⚠️ Photo Trap: The lions are majestic, but do not stand directly under them for a photo. The lion's claws are resting on a ball, so standing below looks like you are being "held down" by the claw—bad symbolism. Take a photo of the lion alone instead.
• Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian / The Golden Throne Hall)
  • Function Myth: The Emperor did not hold daily meetings here. This hall was strictly for grand ceremonies like enthronements, weddings, and conferring titles.
  • Standing Order: During ceremonies, civil officials stood on the East, and military officials stood on the West ("Wen Dong Wu Xi").
  • Side Halls:
    • East (Tiren Pavilion): Formerly the Silk Storehouse.
    • West (Hongyi Pavilion): Formerly the Silver Storehouse (Internal Affairs vault).
• Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghedian)
  • Function: The Emperor's "VIP Lounge." He rested here before grand ceremonies while waiting for officials to assemble.
• Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohedian)
  • Function: Since the reign of Qianlong, this was the site of the "Palace Exam"—the highest level of the Imperial Examination system.

2. The Inner Court: The Emperor’s Private Life

Cross the Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qianqingmen) to enter the living quarters.

• Qianqingmen Details:
  • Grand Council (Junji Chu): Located to the West, the hub of power in the Qing Dynasty.
  • Unique Lions: The lions here have drooping ears and eyebrows covering their eyes. This warned the harem: "Don't listen to what you shouldn't hear, don't look at what you shouldn't see".
• Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqinggong)
  • Security Design: The Emperor had 27 beds here to prevent assassins from knowing his exact sleeping location.
  • "Fair and Just" Plaque (Zheng Da Guang Ming): Behind this plaque, the Emperor hid the secret decree naming his heir.
  • Miniature Golden Shrine: Next to the bronze crane and turtle stands a tiny golden temple (the smallest in the palace). It symbolizes that the "Jiangshan" (Empire/People's livelihood) must always be the priority.
• Hall of Union (Jiaotaidian): Housed the 25 Imperial Seals.
• Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunninggong): The Ming Empress's residence, later used for Shamanistic sacrifices and the Emperor's wedding chamber.

III. West Route: Empresses & "Zhenhuan" Spots

Head west from the Qianqing Palace square to see where the Empress Dowagers and concubines lived.

• Cining Palace & Shoukang Palace: Built by Kangxi for his grandmother (Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang). This is also where "Zhenhuan" (Empress Dowager Chongqing) lived. A must-visit for fans of the show Empresses in the Palace.
• West Six Palaces:
  • Chuxiu Palace: Empress Dowager Cixi lived here for over 20 years (her son, Emperor Tongzhi, was born here). It retains the decor from her 50th birthday.
  • Yongshou Palace, Yikun Palace, Taiji Hall: Visit these along the way.
• Duanhong Bridge: Features many stone lions. Look for the famous "Crotch-Covering Lion," which has a funny expression and pose.

IV. East Route: Treasures & Clocks (Highly Recommended!)

If this is your first visit, you must save time for the Treasure Gallery (Ningshou Palace area). It requires a separate ticket but is worth every penny.

• Nine Dragon Wall: One of only three ancient Nine Dragon Walls in China.
  • 👀 Spot the Difference: The belly of the third white dragon from the left is made of wood! A piece was broken during firing, and the craftsman replaced it with painted wood to save his life. It reportedly fooled the Emperor.
• Treasure Gallery (Ningshou Palace):
  • This was actually built as Emperor Qianlong's "Retirement Home".
  • Leshoutang: The only royal living room you can enter to see the interior decoration. It features a stunning two-story "Fairy Tower" design.
  • Zhenfei Well: The spot where Concubine Zhen was thrown into a well (the current wellhead stone is not the original size).
  • Must-sees: Gold, silver, jade, and the Phoenix Crown.
• Yanxi Palace: Located in the East Six Palaces. It features an unfinished Western-style "Crystal Palace" (which looks like a ruin), great for photos.
• Clock Gallery: Displays exquisite antique European clocks collected by the Qing court.

V. Imperial Garden & Exit

• Imperial Garden: The royal family's private garden. The main building, Qin'an Hall, honors the Taoist God of Water (Zhenwu), aligning with Jingshan Hill to the north.
• Arrow Pavilion: Where Emperors practiced archery. The nearby shop sells the famous "Mythical Beast Ice Cream" for photos.
• Shenwu Gate: The North Gate and the only exit.

🎁 Special: Free Stamp Collection Guide

For stamp collectors, bring a notebook or buy the "Forbidden City 100" book inside. Here are 7 locations mentioned in the video for free stamps:

1. Baohedian Northeast Corner (Hanzi Hall): 4 free stamps. Note: Books bought here usually must be stamped here.
2. Kunninggong Northeast Corner (Gift Shop): 5 free stamps.
3. Next to Chuxiu Palace (Gift Shop): 3 free stamps.
4. Ice Cellar Bookstore (Bingjiao): South of Cining Palace. 3 free stamps. The stamps look like imperial memorials (folded booklets), offering a fun "approving documents" experience.
5. Treasure Gallery Exit Shop: 3 free stamps.
6. Outside Shenwu Gate (Corner Tower Cafe): Left side after exiting. 2 free stamps.
7. Outside Shenwu Gate (Forbidden City Creative): Next to the cafe. 2 free stamps.

🚶‍♂️ Three Recommended Routes (Screenshot This)

Route 1: The "Special Forces" Full Tour (Approx. 1 Full Day, 30k+ steps)

• Best for: Visitors with high energy who want to see everything.
• Path: Meridian Gate → Central Axis (Outer Court) → Qianqing Gate → Central Axis (Inner Court) → West Route (Cining, Shoukang, West Six Palaces) → East Route (Clock Gallery, Treasure Gallery, East Six Palaces) → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate.

Route 2: The Classic Half-Day (Approx. 0.5 Day)

• Best for: Visitors who want to see the highlights and treasures without exhaustion.
• Path: Meridian Gate → Central Axis → Kunning Palace → Jingren Palace & Yanxi Palace → Clock & Treasure Galleries → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate.

Route 3: The Energy-Saver (Approx. 2 Hours)

• Best for: Seniors, children, or those with limited time.
• Path: Meridian Gate → Central Axis (Walk straight to Kunning Palace) → Chuxiu Palace → Imperial Garden → Shenwu Gate.