Beijing:Forbidden City Ancient Costume Tour+Must-See City Sights
Active
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a private Forbidden City tour and immerse yourself in imperial China with an exclusive Hanfu experience! We handle all pre-booked Forbidden City tickets—no queuing or hassle—so you can step into the grandeur in elegant Hanfu or regal Imperial Robes for an authentic imperial vibe. Choose from 4 tailored packages, including combined explorations of Beijing’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, all must-see landmarks in the city. Your knowledgeable private guide will share vivid, in-depth historical insights at every stop, breathing life into these ancient treasures, and curate the best photo spots throughout your journey to capture stunning, one-of-a-kind shots—crafting a Beijing experience that stands out from the ordinary. Opt for our packages with round-trip private transfer for a seamless, comfortable adventure, and savor this unique, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience with every detail taken care of.
Available options
P3: Add Temple of Heaven
P3: Add Temple of Heaven: 6-hour Forbidden City&Temple of Heaven tour with an English-speaking guide&private car; costume rental&lunch at your own cost<br/>Pickup included
P1: 4H Forbidden City on Foot
P1: 4H Forbidden City on Foot: Includes 4-hour Forbidden City tour with hotel pick-up (guide on foot), transportation & costume rental at your own cost.<br/>Pickup included
P4: Add Summer Palace
P4: Add Summer Palace: Includes a 6-hour Forbidden City&Summer Palace tour with English-speaking guide&driver; costume rental&lunch at your own cost<br/>Pickup included
P2: 4H Forbidden City+Transfer
P2: 4H Forbidden City+Transfer: 4-hour Forbidden City tour with English-speaking guide&round-trip downtown hotel transfer, costume rental at your own cost<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Entrance fee to the Forbidden City
Private tour
Professional guide
Private Transfer if you choose option 2, 3 or 4
Detailed itinerary
1
We offer four tailored packages for this Hanfu experience tour:
Package 1 is a Forbidden City guided tour with only a professional guide and no transportation;
Package 2 adds round-trip driver transfer on the basis of Package 1;
Package 3 covers a Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven combined tour with a guide and round-trip transfer; Package 4 is a Forbidden City & Summer Palace combined tour with a guide and round-trip transfer. Please check the details of your preferred package below for full inclusions, exclusions and tour arrangements.
2
Stop 2
Package 1: Forbidden City 4-Hour Guided Tour - Transportation fee at your own cost
Your guide will pick you up from your downtown Beijing hotel first, then take you to the costume studio for Hanfu selection and hair/makeup styling. After that, you’ll head to the Forbidden City for a 4-hour guided tour—your guide will lead you to the best photo spots and provide detailed historical commentary on the Forbidden City and Beijing’s central axis throughout the visit.
Inclusions: Professional guide service (downtown hotel pick-up)
Exclusions: Transportation fees (at your own cost), Hanfu rental fee (180-580 RMB, paid on-site)
Package 2: Forbidden City 4-Hour Guided Tour including Round Trip Hotel Private Transfer
Same itinerary as Package 1 but with hotel pick up and drop off by private car
Inclusions: Professional guide service, round-trip driver transfer (downtown hotel pick-up & drop-off)
Exclusions: Hanfu rental fee (180-580 RMB, paid on-site)
3
Package 3: Combined Tour – 6-Hour Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven with round trip private transfer
Your private driver and guide will pick you up from your downtown Beijing hotel and drive you to the costume studio for Hanfu selection and hair/makeup styling first. Then you’ll visit the Forbidden City—your guide will lead you to the best photo spots and explain its rich history. After the Forbidden City tour, the driver will transfer you to the Temple of Heaven, where your guide will continue to provide historical commentary and photo spot guidance. The driver will take you back to your hotel after the whole tour.
Inclusions: Professional guide service for both sites, round-trip driver transfer (downtown hotel pick-up & drop-off), Hanfu selection & hair/makeup assistance, admission tickets to both sites, historical commentary
Exclusions: Hanfu rental fee (180-580 RMB, paid on-site)
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Package 4: Combined Tour – 6-Hour Forbidden City & Summer Palace
Your private driver and guide will pick you up from your downtown Beijing hotel, then drive you to the costume studio for Hanfu selection and hair/makeup styling. You’ll first visit the Forbidden City, with your guide offering detailed historical commentary and leading you to the best photo spots. After that, the driver will transfer you to the Summer Palace, where your guide will continue to share its history and point out the most scenic photo areas. The driver will send you back to your hotel once the tour ends.
Inclusions: Professional guide service for both sites, round-trip driver transfer (downtown hotel pick-up & drop-off), Hanfu selection & hair/makeup assistance, admission tickets to both sites, historical commentary, best photo spot guidance for both sites
Exclusions: Hanfu rental fee (180-580 RMB, paid on-site)
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Exclusive Hanfu Experience Highlight
Elevate your imperial Beijing tour with authentic Hanfu or Imperial Robe rental—our team assists with all styling to help you immerse in ancient Chinese culture. You can take photos with your own mobile phone for free; an extra fee applies for professional photography services (payable directly to the costume studio on-site).
Perfect Hanfu Photo Backdrops
All selected sites are world cultural heritage sites with strong imperial charm, ideal for Hanfu photography:
Forbidden City: Ming and Qing imperial palace with grand red walls and golden roofs, the ultimate backdrop for royal-style Hanfu photos
Temple of Heaven: Ancient imperial ritual complex with unique blue-glazed roofs, adding solemn grace to your Hanfu shots
Summer Palace: Classical royal garden with lakes, corridors and pavilions, creating poetic Chinese painting-style Hanfu photos
What's not included
Gratuities
Transportation fee if you choose option 1
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Forbidden City entry is via passport scan with the registered passport number—please provide your valid, exact passport number for ticket booking.
We offer 4 tailored tour packages with different inclusions; select the one that best fits your travel needs and schedule.
Hanfu/imperial robe rental fees vary by costume style and are not included in the tour price—simply pay the costume studio directly on-site.
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• To Ride a Bike Minimum age is 14 years
About Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.
Historical
Half day to full day
¥40-80 (depending on the section)
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Historical
2-3 hours
¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.
Historical
3-4 hours
¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)
Hutongs
Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission
Must-Try Local Dishes
Peking Duck
A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.
Main Course
Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)
Jianbing (Savory Crepes)
A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
Breakfast
Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)
Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)
Popular Activities
Hiking the Great Wall
Rock climbing in the Huairou District
Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing
Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses
Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park
Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces
Visiting temples and religious sites
Best Time to Visit
September to October, April to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin Chinese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots
Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
- • Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators
Getting there
By air
- Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
- Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center
By train
Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station
By bus
Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dongcheng
Xicheng
Chaoyang
Haidian
Shijingshan
Day trips
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.
The Great Wall at Simatai
120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.
Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)
Pro tips
- Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
- Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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