CHNTrips
Book a Transfer

Home · Beijing · Day trip

Forbidden City & Tiananmen

Six centuries of imperial Beijing in one unhurried day — with the tickets, timing and back routes handled.

🕐 10 hours · 08:30 – 18:30 · flexible start🚘 Private car & driver🏨 Hotel pickup included💵 from $149 per car

The day

What This Day Feels Like

The Forbidden City rations entry with timed tickets that sell out days ahead — we pre-book yours, so your day starts at Tiananmen Square with everything already arranged. Enter the palace through the Meridian Gate as the morning crowd thins, then work through the great ceremonial halls to the quiet side courtyards most visitors never find.

After lunch in the hutongs, climb Jingshan Hill for the postcard view over the palace’s golden roofs, then wind down with a lakeside walk in Beihai Park and the snack stalls of Wangfujing.

Enquire About This TripWhatsApp Us

Good to know

Before You Go

  • Bring your passport — it IS your Forbidden City ticket
  • The palace is closed on Mondays
  • Around 5–6 km of walking over the day; comfortable shoes recommended
  • Tell us your preferred pace — treasure galleries and the Clock Museum are worth adding

Hour by hour

A 10-Hour Day, Planned to the Minute — and Flexible by the Minute

08:30

Hotel Pickup

Beat the queues — your driver drops you at the security check for Tiananmen Square.

09:00

Tiananmen Square

The world’s largest public square: the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the flag guard.

10:00

Forbidden City — Main Axis

Through the Meridian Gate and the three great Halls of Harmony, following the emperors’ ceremonial route north.

11:30

The Quiet Side Courtyards

The Six Eastern Palaces and the Nine-Dragon Screen — imperial life at human scale, away from the crowds.

13:00

Hutong Lunch

Zhajiang noodles or dumplings at a family spot near Nanluoguxiang.

14:30

Jingshan Hill

A short climb to the pavilion with THE view: the entire golden-roofed palace laid out below you.

15:30

Beihai Park

Imperial lake gardens — the White Dagoba, willow banks, and pedal boats in season.

17:00

Wangfujing

Beijing’s famous shopping street and snack alley for a browse before heading back.

18:30

Hotel Drop-Off

Done — with tomorrow’s plan sketched out with your driver if you like.

This is a private trip — every timing above flexes to your pace, your appetite and your energy.

The Essentials

What’s Included

Included in the Price

  • Private car and professional driver for 10 hours
  • Forbidden City timed-entry ticket pre-booking service
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Beijing
  • Tolls, fuel, parking and bottled water
  • WhatsApp, Email and WeChat Support

Not Included

  • Meals
  • Admission Fees
  • Tour Guide (Available on Request)

Groups & Vehicles

A Vehicle for Every Group Size

✓ Vehicles for Small and Large Groups of All Sizes ✓ Child, Elderly and Wheelchair-Friendly Touring ✓ English-Speaking Drivers Available, Subject to Availability
5-Seater Sedan (BYD Han)
5-Seater SedanBYD Han · 1–3 guests
7-Seater MPV (Buick GL8)
7-Seater MPVBuick GL8 / Denza D9 · 4–5 guests
9-Seater Van (Mercedes-Benz Vito)
9-Seater VanMercedes-Benz Vito · 6–7 guests
Toyota Coaster mini coach
18–23 Seater CoasterToyota Coaster · up to 21 guests
38-seater midi bus
38-Seater BusBig groups · 22–35 guests
45-seater touring coach
45-Seater CoachLarge groups · 36–42 guests
VehicleIdeal ForGuestsLarge BagsPrice · This Day Trip
5-Seater Sedan (BYD Han)Couples & solo travellers1–32$149
Luxury 5-Seater SedanExecutive travel1–32Quote on request
7-Seater MPV (Buick GL8 / Denza D9)Families & small groups4–55$179
9-Seater Van (Mercedes-Benz Vito)Premium group travel6–74$220
18-Seater Coaster (Toyota)Larger groups & tours13–1610$315
23-Seater Coaster (Toyota)Big groups & events17–2115$330
38-Seater BusBig groups & delegations22–3528$465
45-Seater CoachLarge groups & corporate36–4235$480
Check AvailabilityBook Now · Pay a DepositWhatsApp Us

All prices are per vehicle for this day trip and include highway tolls, parking, fuel and driver meals.

Keep exploring

More Days out in Beijing

Great Wall at Mutianyu

10 hrs · private · from $159 per car

Hutongs, Drum Tower & Duck Dinner

10 hrs · private · from $149 per car

Summer Palace & Temple of Heaven

10 hrs · private · from $149 per car

Book or Enquire

Check Dates & Prices for This Day Trip

Ready to Make It Your Day?

Tell us your date and hotel — we confirm your driver within hours. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.

Book Now · Pay a DepositEnquire NowWhatsApp Us
✆
Enquire About This TripWhatsApp