Private tour
Forbidden City, Tiananmen and Jingshan Tour
This is the Beijing classic, but the order matters. Start with Tiananmen if access works, walk the Forbidden City from south to north, then climb Jingshan for the view that makes the whole palace layout click.
Private pickup, flexible pace, clear route advice
- Duration
- Approx. 5-7 hours
- Style
- Private city sightseeing with ticket-aware timing
- Best for
- First-time visitors, history lovers and guests who want one strong city day
- Pickup
- Central Beijing hotels, with custom pickup on request
What to expect
The palace day most people wish they had planned better
The Forbidden City is huge, flat and easy to underestimate. A clean south-to-north route saves energy, keeps the story readable and ends with the best photo angle over the golden roofs.
Tiananmen timing handled with security checks in mind
A palace route that follows the main axis without backtracking
Jingshan viewpoint for the must-have Forbidden City panorama
Optional Qianmen, hutong or tea stop if you still have energy
Sample flow
A practical palace day
The exact start time depends on ticket availability, security checks and your hotel location.
- 1
Meet your driver or guide at your hotel and transfer toward the Tiananmen area.
- 2
Pass security and visit Tiananmen Square when access and timing allow.
- 3
Enter the Forbidden City and follow a south-to-north route through the main palace axis.
- 4
Add selected side courtyards or quieter corners based on your interest and walking pace.
- 5
Exit near the north gate and continue to Jingshan Park for the palace panorama.
- 6
Return to your hotel or continue to an agreed nearby food, hutong or shopping stop.
Good to know
- Forbidden City tickets can sell out, especially during holidays and peak seasons.
- Bring your passport because many ticket and security checks require identity documents.
- The route involves a lot of walking on stone surfaces, so comfortable shoes matter.
- Jingshan has stairs, but the view is usually worth the short climb if weather is clear.
Included
- Private route planning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Beijing
- Vehicle arrangement quote
- Ticket timing advice
- Optional guide quote on request
Not included
- Forbidden City tickets
- Jingshan Park ticket
- Meals and drinks
- Guide service unless quoted
- Personal expenses
FAQ
Common questions
A few quick answers before you send your inquiry.
Do I need to book Forbidden City tickets early?
Yes. Ticket availability can be limited. Send your travel date as early as possible so the route can be planned around available entry times.
Is Tiananmen Square always included?
It depends on access rules, security arrangements and your confirmed entry time. We keep the route flexible if access changes.
Can this be a half-day tour?
A shorter version may be possible, but the Forbidden City is large. A relaxed visit usually needs at least half a day plus transfer time.
Have dates already?
Send your hotel, group size, travel date and the route you are leaning toward. We will reply with what works, what is tight and what to adjust.