1️⃣ Ticket Purchase 📍 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District (东城区景山前街4号) 🟢 Official WeChat Account of the Palace Museum, tickets released nightly at 20:00, 7 days in advance. 🎫 Minors cannot purchase tickets individually; each account can purchase up to 5 adult tickets.

🕙 Morning tickets stop entry at 12:00 PM. 💡 Remember to bring a power bank, as this is a large area.

👗 Dress code suggestion: Hanfu or traditional attire is highly recommended! Choose vibrant colors and elaborate styles for an authentic experience. 🎫 If tickets are sold out, you can always ask around!

2️⃣ Tour Routes 📌 2-hour "Central Axis" Quick Tour Gate of Supreme Harmony (午门) - Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) - Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿) - Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿) - Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门) - Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宫) - Hall of Union (交泰殿) - Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤宁宫) - Imperial Garden (御花园) - Gate of Divine Might (神武门) This is a straightforward route covering the core area of the Forbidden City, suitable for visitors with limited time.

📌 4-hour "Can't Miss" Regular Tour Same as above route with the addition of: Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门) - Hall of Clocks (钟表馆) - Hall of Treasures (珍宝馆) - Palace of Tranquil Longevity (储秀宫) - Palace of Eternal Spring (翊坤宫) - Hall of Mental Cultivation (永寿宫) - Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤宁宫) - Imperial Garden (御花园) - Gate of Divine Might (神武门) This extended route includes visits to the Hall of Clocks and Hall of Treasures, offering insights into the palace's history and treasures.

📌 8-hour "If You're Here, You're Here" Deep Dive Tour Same as above route with the addition of: Gate of Literary Glory (文华殿) - Hall of Literary Glory (文渊阁) - Arrow Tower (箭亭) - Hall of Clocks (钟表馆) - Hall of Treasures (珍宝馆) - Palace of Tranquil Longevity (储秀宫) - Palace of Eternal Spring (翊坤宫) - Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) - Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿) - Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿) - Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门) - Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宫) - Hall of Union (交泰殿) - Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤宁宫) - Imperial Garden (御花园) - Gate of Divine Might (神武门) For those with ample time, this route offers a thorough exploration of the Forbidden City without retracing steps.

3️⃣ Toilet Locations Toilets are located near the Palace of Preserving Harmony (保和殿), Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门), and north of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity (储秀宫).

4️⃣ Palace Cats Palace cats 🐈 are often spotted near the Hall of Treasures (珍宝馆), Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宫), and Hall of Mental Cultivation (永寿宫). Feeding time around 4:00 PM increases your chances of seeing them.

5️⃣ Stamp Collecting Collect stamps for free at 9 locations: Bookstore on the Gate of Supreme Harmony, Cultural and Creative Store in the Hall of Martial Valor, Icehouse Bookstore, Hall of Chinese Characters, Cultural and Creative Store in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Telephone Office in the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, Bookstore in the Imperial Garden, Cultural and Creative Store at the exit of the Hall of Treasures, and Cafe at the corner tower.

Estimated Cost:

• Tickets: 60 CNY (approximately $9 USD) per person
• Food: 150 CNY (approximately $23 USD) for the day
• Total: 210 CNY (approximately $32 USD)

Note: Costs may vary based on dining choices and length of visit.