Palace Museum Sightseeing Guide
Recommended Tour Routes
Highlights: Covers core buildings of the Palace Museum, experiencing imperial rituals and grandeur
- Meridian Gate → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony (Outer Court Area)
- Gate of Heavenly Purity → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Inner Court Area)
- Imperial Garden → Gate of Spiritual Valor
Highlights: Covers major buildings thematic exhibition halls, gaining in-depth understanding of Palace Museum culture
- Meridian Gate → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Hall of Literary Glory (Ceramics Gallery)
- Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Eastern Six Palaces (Treasure Gallery)
- Western Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Ningshou Palace Area → Gate of Spiritual Valor
Scenic Map & Convenience Services
Fig: Palace Museum Scenic Guide Map (Source: AI-generated)
Convenience Service Points
Tourist Service Center
Location: Left side of Meridian Gate Entrance, Right side of Gate of Spiritual Valor Exit
Services: Consultation, luggage storage (free, ID required), wheelchair rental (¥50/day, ¥500 deposit)
Medical Assistance Station
Location: East of Hall of Supreme Harmony, North of Imperial Garden
Services: Basic medical assistance (e.g., wound treatment, first-aid medicine), 24-hour on duty
Toilets & Mother-and-Child Rooms
Location: Marked near major buildings
Services: Free toilets , mother-and-child rooms (equipped with baby changing tables and nursing chairs)
Dining Points
Location: "Palace Museum Restaurant" ,West of Hall of Preserving Harmony, "Corner Tower Café" ,East of Imperial Garden
Services: Light meals, beverages, cultural and creative desserts (average consumption: ¥30-60)
Fig: Palace Museum Ticket Reservation Process (Source: AI-generated, DALL·E 3)
Ticket Tips: The Palace Museum implements "real-name reservation system" with no on-site ticket windows. Visitors must reserve tickets 7 days in advance via the official website of the Palace Museum or its WeChat official account. After successful reservation, please enter with your original ID card (foreign visitors with passport). Ticket Prices: Peak Season (April-October): ¥60/person; Off-Season (November-March): ¥40/person. Additional reservations are required for the Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery, each priced at ¥10/person.
Transportation Tips: Private vehicles are prohibited around the Palace Museum. Public transportation is recommended. Subway: Take Line 1 to "Tiananmen East" or "Tiananmen West" Station, then walk 10 minutes to Meridian Gate. Bus: Take Bus No. 1, 2, or 52 to "Tiananmen East" Station.