The one path that works
- Open bookingticket.dpm.org.cn (switch to EN if you see Chinese).
- Click Book tickets. Booking opens at 20:00 Beijing time, 7 days before the visit — there are no same-day tickets.
- Sign in with email + verification code (no Chinese phone, no WeChat required for foreigners).
- Add each visitor with their passport name and number (one ticket per passport per day; up to 10 per order).
- Pick morning or afternoon. Morning sells out first; morning check-in by 12:00, afternoon check-in from 11:00.
- Pay, then bring the same passport to the Meridian Gate (Wumen).
Official sources: Palace Museum visit / booking pages on dpm.org.cn. We verified the English booking flow on 5 Oct 2026 and stopped before entering personal data or paying.
Pitfalls: Ignoring the 20:00 release; trying WeChat login as a foreigner; buying from third parties the museum says it has not authorised; assuming a same-day window will save you.
Prices (check live)
Standard tickets were listed as CNY 60 (1 Apr–31 Oct) and CNY 40 (1 Nov–31 Mar). Senior / student discounts appear on the booking site for eligible passport holders — confirm on the day you book.
Full Forbidden City booking guide →
FAQ
What time do Forbidden City tickets go on sale?
At 20:00 Beijing time (UTC+8), 7 days before your visit date. There are no same-day tickets on the official site.
Can I book without a Chinese phone number or WeChat?
Yes. The official English site signs you in with an email verification code only. The red WeChat banner is for Chinese ID-card holders.
Do I need my passport at the gate?
Yes. Enter only through the Meridian Gate (Wumen, south) with the same passport used for booking.