Reviewed · FORBIDDEN CITY TOURS

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional)

★ 4.1 · 3 reviews 1 - 3 hours From $3 Operated by Sister tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Beijing’s major sights are spread across a huge city, but this ticket service gives you a simple way to arrange entry to places such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven. You can choose among several starting points, then use the electronic guide map to plan your visit around the attraction you select.

I like the low starting price of $3.46 per person, especially for travelers who already know where they want to go. I also like the range of choices, from Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace to the Bell and Drum Tower and Imperial College. The catch is that this is not a full sightseeing tour: transportation, food, and a tour guide are not included, and the GetYourGuide QR code alone is not your admission ticket.

Key points to know before booking

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Key points to know before booking

  • Nine possible meeting areas: Options include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City’s Meridian Gate, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven South Gate, Lama Temple, and other central locations.
  • A broad choice of Beijing sights: You can arrange tickets for the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Prince Gong’s Mansion, and more.
  • Guozijian guided visit: One listed itinerary includes a guided walk of about one hour around the Imperial College area.
  • Passport information is required: You must provide your full name, passport number, date of birth, and gender before the booking can be completed.
  • No transport or meals included: You make your own way to the meeting point and between attractions.
  • Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.

What this Beijing ticket service really offers

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - What this Beijing ticket service really offers

This experience is best understood as a ticket-arranging service rather than a classic guided tour. You select an attraction or attraction option, provide the required passport details, and receive confirmation and practical help for entry.

That difference matters. A guided Beijing tour normally takes care of transport, timing, meals, and explanations on site. Here, you get more freedom, but you also carry more of the planning. You need to know which sight you want, how to reach it, and how much time to allow for security and walking.

The advertised duration is one to three hours, depending on the option you book. That is enough for a focused visit or a guided walk, but not enough to see all the listed landmarks. The Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven are separate sightseeing choices, not a realistic single afternoon itinerary.

The service includes an electronic guide map and information consultation. Those tools can help you get your bearings, but they are not a substitute for a live guide. If Beijing is your first stop in China and you have no experience planning visits there, a local guide may be a better fit.

More Forbidden City entries and walks:

Choosing between Beijing’s headline attractions

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Choosing between Beijing’s headline attractions

The attraction list covers many of the city’s best-known imperial and cultural sites. Each one offers a different kind of visit, so your choice should depend on your interests and the time you have.

The Forbidden City is the obvious pick if you want grand imperial architecture and a sense of Beijing’s old court life. It is also linked closely with Tiananmen Square, making the two natural companions for a first look at central Beijing. The Forbidden City option is described as optional, so check the exact booking choice carefully before paying.

Tiananmen Square is a major public space with strong political and historical importance. It works well as part of a central Beijing day, but it is not a short, casual photo stop. You should expect formal security procedures and walking around a large open area.

The Temple of Heaven offers a different mood. Its famous ceremonial buildings are among Beijing’s best-known examples of imperial design, and the South Gate is one of the listed meeting points. If you want architecture with a strong connection to ritual and ceremony, this is one of the most worthwhile choices.

The Great Wall of China is the biggest-name attraction in the group, but it also requires the most careful planning. The ticket service does not include transport, so you must confirm how the selected wall section is reached and what exactly the ticket covers. The listed one to three-hour duration should not be treated as the total time needed for a Great Wall outing.

The Summer Palace suits you if you want gardens, lake views, and imperial retreat architecture. Like the Great Wall, it is not naturally combined with every central Beijing sight in a short visit. Check the meeting point and timing before committing to other activities on the same day.

The Lama Temple offers a look at Beijing’s religious architecture and is conveniently represented among the central meeting options. Nearby, the Temple of Confucius and Imperial College provide a more scholarly side of the city’s past. The Guozijian option includes a guided sightseeing walk of about one hour, making it one of the clearest choices if you want some explanation rather than ticket collection alone.

You can also select the Bell and Drum Tower or Prince Gong’s Mansion. These are useful choices for repeat visitors or anyone who has already seen the biggest imperial sights and wants a more focused look at old Beijing.

The Guozijian walk and Imperial College area

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - The Guozijian walk and Imperial College area

The only itinerary detail provided as a set sightseeing program is a one-hour guided walk at Guozijian, the historic Imperial College area. You should expect a compact visit with walking and explanation rather than a full-day tour.

This option is likely to appeal if you want context about how Beijing developed as a center of government, education, and imperial administration. It also gives you a break from the larger crowds and wide spaces of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

A live guide is available on some selections. Mina is specifically associated with one Forbidden City experience, where the service included clear English and an enjoyable afternoon of historical explanation. If your booking includes Mina or another guide, confirm that detail before you arrive, since the general ticket service does not include a guide by default.

The Guozijian walk should be easy to combine with the Lama Temple or other nearby sights, but the exact plan depends on the meeting-point option you choose. Do not assume that every ticket includes this guided walk.

Meeting points and getting around Beijing

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Meeting points and getting around Beijing

You can choose from nine starting location options:

  • Tiananmen Square
  • Prince Gong’s Mansion
  • Meridian Gate, the main southern entrance to the Forbidden City
  • Jingshan Park
  • Asian Games Panda House
  • Temple of Heaven South Gate
  • KFC
  • China National Arts and Crafts Museum
  • Lama Temple

The range is helpful, but it also means you must read your selected option closely. The meeting point may change depending on the attraction you book. A ticket for the Temple of Heaven will not necessarily use the same meeting place as a Forbidden City option.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included. Public transport, taxis, and walking are your responsibility, and transportation between sights is not part of the price. For that reason, I would avoid booking two distant attractions back to back unless you have checked the travel time yourself.

Wear comfortable shoes. The service notes a moderate amount of walking, and the major palace, temple, and square sites involve large grounds. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially in warm or sunny weather. The tour operates in all weather, so a light rain layer can also be sensible.

A few more Beijing options to compare side by side

Is $3.46 good value?

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Is $3.46 good value?

The starting price of $3.46 per person is attractive, but you should read it as a starting price rather than the final cost for every sight. The amount is made up of three parts: the actual attraction ticket, a platform fee, and a purchasing fee.

That structure is common for ticket-arranging services, but it means the listed price may not match the total for every attraction or date. The Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Summer Palace may have different admission prices and booking conditions. Check the final amount before confirming.

The value is strongest when you want convenience without paying for a full private tour. Someone who has already arranged a hotel, transport, and daily route can use this service to handle admission tickets and reduce some booking work.

The value is weaker if you need a complete Beijing introduction. You will not receive hotel transport, meals, local transportation, or a guide as part of the general package. Once you add taxis, metro fares, and possibly a guide, the total cost will be higher than the headline amount.

The electronic map is a useful extra, particularly if you are visiting one attraction on your own. The information consultation may also help with practical questions, but you should still confirm the precise entry instructions and meeting location.

Passport details and ticket confirmation

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Passport details and ticket confirmation

You must provide your full name, passport ID, date of birth, and gender in advance. This is not optional, and the information is used to complete the reservation.

Allow enough time to submit those details accurately. If you do not provide the passport information in time, the booking can be canceled and a cancellation fee may apply. Double-check spelling and passport numbers before sending them.

The GetYourGuide QR code is not a valid attraction ticket. Do not go straight to the entrance assuming the booking screen is enough. You need to communicate through WhatsApp or wait for the confirmation email and follow the instructions provided there.

This is one of the most important practical points in the whole experience. Keep your confirmation accessible on your phone, and if the instructions say to meet someone first, do that before joining the admission line.

The service advertises skip-the-ticket-line access. That can save time at the ticket purchase counter, but it does not necessarily mean you skip every security check or entrance control. Beijing’s major sights can have their own screening procedures.

What the live guide option adds

The general product does not include a tour guide, but some choices may include guided service. That distinction is worth checking because it changes the entire feel of the visit.

With a guide, you can ask questions and understand why a palace gate, temple hall, or academic compound matters. The feedback connected with Mina specifically points to clear English and a pleasant afternoon learning about the Forbidden City. If you want more than photographs and basic entry, a guided option has a stronger case.

Without a guide, you set your own pace. You can linger over architecture, leave when you like, and avoid being tied to a group schedule. The tradeoff is that the electronic map and consultation service may not explain every building in the detail you want.

I would choose self-guided tickets if you are comfortable arranging transport and reading site information on your own. I would choose a local guide if you know little about Beijing, have limited time, or want the historical story to connect the buildings you see.

Who should book this experience?

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Who should book this experience?

This service suits independent visitors who want to select one or two sights and keep control of the day. It can also help repeat visitors who have already seen the main landmarks and now want a ticket for a specific temple, mansion, tower, or academic site.

It is less suitable for someone seeking a relaxed, all-inclusive day. You will need to manage transportation, food, timing, and navigation yourself. A first-time visitor with no guide may find the choices and meeting points harder to manage than expected.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the experience still includes a moderate amount of walking. Ask for the accessibility details of your chosen attraction if mobility needs are important to you.

The activity is not suitable for people over 95 years old. Pets, drones, alcohol, drugs, and fireworks are not allowed.

Booking and cancellation advice

Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional) - Booking and cancellation advice

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. That is useful when your Beijing schedule may change.

Do not wait until the last moment to send passport details. The flexible cancellation terms do not remove the requirement to complete the reservation information in time.

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. The sites are architectural and historical, so a camera is worthwhile, but plan for weather rather than relying on a perfect forecast.

Should you book these Beijing attraction tickets?

Book this if you want a low-cost way to arrange admission to a specific Beijing sight and you are happy to handle transport and sightseeing on your own. The wide choice of landmarks, electronic map, flexible cancellation, and pay-later option make it a practical tool for an independent itinerary.

Choose a guided option, especially one with a guide such as Mina, if you want the Forbidden City or Guozijian explained in clear English. If you know very little about Beijing and want one smooth day with transport and a full historical narrative, look for a separate guided tour instead.

The smart approach is to decide on the attraction first, check the final price and meeting point, submit your passport details promptly, and confirm that you are buying the ticket option you actually want. At this price, it can be good value, but only when you understand what is and is not included.

FAQ

What attractions can I book through this service?

Available options include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall of China, Bell and Drum Tower, Lama Temple, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Temple of Confucius, and Imperial College.

Is the Forbidden City included automatically?

No. The Forbidden City is listed as an optional attraction choice. Check the exact option before booking to confirm whether it is included.

Is a tour guide included?

No general tour guide is included. Some selected options may provide guided service, while the standard inclusions are attraction tickets, an electronic guide map, and information consultation.

Is transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, and transportation between attractions are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point depends on the option you book. Possible locations include Tiananmen Square, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Meridian Gate, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven South Gate, Lama Temple, and other listed locations.

What passport information do I need to provide?

You must provide your full name, passport ID, date of birth, and gender in advance so the reservation can be completed.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms.

More like this

Forbidden City Tours, compared.

The full Forbidden City Tours list →
Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 7,974 reviews· from $4

Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included

Read our review →
T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 4,446 reviews· from $17

T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private Tour

Read our review →
All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,873 reviews· from $128

All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

Read our review →
4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,863 reviews· from $15

4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets

Read our review →
Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,634 reviews· from $99

Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall

Read our review →
Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 1,288 reviews· from $4

Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours

Read our review →
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,263 reviews· from $9

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

Read our review →
Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Waking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 1,002 reviews· from $2

Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Waking Tour

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Beijing

Pick a wall, a palace or a lane.