Tours/Beijing/Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights
Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights
4.9(487)Beijing4–6 hours
VIATOR4.7(124)TRIPADVISOR5.0(363)
+14 photos
At a glance
Duration
4–6 hours
Price from
$90 / person
Location
Beijing, China
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 487 reviews
Languages
DE, EN, IT, FR
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Catherine Lu Tours
Description
This private tours includes the Forbidden city with the optional sights.
If you select only the Forbidden city tour then the tour contains 4 hours
If you select it with others you it has optional sights that will continue to go.
your professional English speaking tour guide will meet you at the designated hotel in downtown area or set meeting point and walk to visit the biggest city center square in the world - Tiananmen Square then walk to the largest Imperial Palace to understand the emperors in the Ming & Qing Dynasty. You also can learn more Chinese history from your guide.
Highlights:
- Visit the biggest square in the world: Tiananmen square;
- Efficient way to visit the Forbidden City beating the crowd;
- See the valuable exhibits and visit less-know halls of the palace;
-Optional other important highlights in Beijing such as Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace
If you only choose the Forbidden City Ticket service there is just Ticket Service. No Tour NO Pick-Up
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
17 times a day, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 10–80)
$90
Child (ages 5–9)
$35
Infant (ages 0–4)
Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $145.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 1:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:28 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Forbidden City W Summer Palace 6 hours
Duration: 6 hours: Day tour to the Forbidden city with Summer Palace with the entry tickets are included. Excluded meals.
Urber or subway : Take the urber or subway to go from the downtown hotel to the sights and pick up from the downtown area are included
Pickup included
Forbidden City W Temple Heaven 6 hours
Temple of Heaven : If you choose this option you will continue to visit the Temple of Heaven after the Forbidden city with our tour guide.
Private Tour : Private Tour
Duration: 6 hours: 6 hours tour including the visit to the Tian'anmen square Forbidden city and Temple of Heaven
Walking with Urber or Subway : Downtown hotel to the Tian'anmen Square (Urber or Subway)
Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden city (Walking)
Forbidden city W Heaven Temple: The Tour includes the visit the T-Square Forbidden city and Temple of Heaven with public Transportation (Urber & Subway)
Pickup included
4-HourT Square+Forbidden City 4 hours
Duration: 4 hours: Contains 4 hours tour to the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden city in all languages EN, ES, FR, DE, IT Guide
Walking route
urber or subway : You will go from the downtown hotel to the square with the public transportation by didi at your own cost
All Languages tour : We offer all the language : English, French, German, Spanish, Italian . with hotel pick up (Transportation Fee Not Included)
Pickup included
Forbidden city W Hutong Food 6 hours
Hutongs Food Tour : After Forbidden city you can visit the hutong and try the local hutong food cuisine and understand the food culture here
Private : This is private tour with lots of walking
Duration: 6 hours: 4 hours Tian'anmen Square Forbidden with 2 hours hutong food tour
Hutongs food lunch/dinner : You can take either morning Forbidden city tour with hutong food for lunch or afternoon Forbidden city tour with Hutong dinne
Public transportation: Downtown hotel picking up with subway or didi to get around
Pickup included
Forbidden city W Great Wall 8 hours
Optional sight to the Wall: Mutianyu wall with Forbidden city options with private transportations
Duration: 8 hours: 8 hours tour to the Forbidden city with Great Wall in all languages
Private transportation : car or mini van depending the number of the participants
Pickup included
Itinerary
Tiananmen Square
45 min
Depart at your own hotel or meet at the specific area called the Lash Tea house at Qianmen Branch near the Tian'anmen Square and walk to the Tian’anmen Square (after all the security check) with our certificated Tour Guide. You are going to see the ancient Qianmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s heroes and the Great Hall of the people from outside and your tour guide will share with you the history and stories behind all the mentioned architectures.
The Palace Museum
Admission included120 min
We’ll spend 2 hours wandering around this amazing example of Imperial architecture and learning about the history of the palace.
There is another option: Booking entrance ticket with us. Please bring your valid passport to visit and go to the spot on your own.
Forbidden City was the imperial palace from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. For around 500 years , it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government
The tour route : Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The northern section, or the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. You can take the central route or East Route or West Route depending your own interests or even visiting the Treasure house on the East route.
After the tour, taking the public transportation back to your hotel on your own.
Temple of Heaven
Admission included60 min
This is option that has the tour with Forbidden city. & Temple of Heaven.
After you finish the Forbidden you can continue go with our tour guide to take a didi or subway from the Forbidden city to the Temple of Heaven which used to be a place for worshiping for the God of Heaven in the Ming & Qing Dynasty. Nowadays it turns to a huge park where the locals use the grand space to do some Taiji or practice and you will see amazing ancient architectures and also understand how the emperors used to worship their ancestors and all the Gods.
What's included
Included
Reserve entry to the Tian'anmen Square
Private guide service fee (4 hours)
Entrance ticket to the Forbidden City
If you book only Forbidden City Ticket there is NO Tour Service
Urber between Forbidden city to other sights (If Forbidden city W other sights option selection)
Not included
Transportation to the Forbidden City (If the Option for T Square W Forbidden city 4 hour Tour)
Meals (lunch & dinner)
Gratuity (for good service)
Transportation (hotel drop off)
Hotel Pick-up within 4th ring road (transportation to the Tian'anmen Square probably costs $50)
Pickup Locations & Times
Our tour guide will pick you up at the hotel within 4th ring road at the downtown area or at the designated meeting place like the Lash Tea house at Qianmen Branch near the Square if you live far away from the downtown area or come from the airport.
Then you will take the public transportation or taxi on your own cost or just walk to the Tian'anmen Square.
Please book the tour one week before the travel date, otherwise we cannot guarantee that you will be able to get the tickets to the Forbidden City.
If you book only for the Forbidden city ticket there is no pick up service and it's just ticket service then.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
487 reviews
5
470
4
7
3
1
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7
How it compares in Beijing
No. 26 by number of reviews among 3,616 tours in Beijing
Starting price $90 is 33% below the typical $135 for tours of similar length in Beijing
Excurgo comparison of 3,616 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is smart casual
Please note: Forbidden City is closed every Monday, except the Chinese public holidays
Chinese citizens need to book the tour one week in advance
Tian'anmen square might be closed due to the political activities without announcement and if this is the case we will replace with Jinshan Park but there is no refund due to it is free anyway
Not recommended clients have walking problems for entering the Square
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights take?
Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights lasts about 4–6 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights cost?
Prices start at $90 per person for this Beijing experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $145. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 17 departures a day between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
How much does Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights cost for children?
Children aged 5–9 pay from $35, adults from $90. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Our tour guide will pick you up at the hotel within 4th ring road at the downtown area or at the designated meeting place like the Lash Tea house at Qianmen Branch near the Square if you live far away from the downtown area or come from the airport.
Then you will take the public transportation or taxi on your own cost or just walk to the Tian'anmen Square.
Please book the tour one week before the travel date, otherwise we cannot guarantee that you will be able to get the tickets to the Forbidden City.
If you book only for the Forbidden city ticket there is no pick up service and it's just ticket service then.
What languages is Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Children must be accompanied by an adult
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(487)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
sfswimming8
September 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Thanks for a great time, Bill
We had a great time even though the weather was not great. Bill made sure we were comfortable and shared lots of information and took great pictures of us.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind feedback!
We're delighted to hear that you had a great time despite the weather. It’s wonderful to know that Bill took such good care of you, shared interesting information, and helped capture beautiful photos to remember your day.
We’ll be sure to pass your compliments on to Bill. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back in the future!
S
S5101NLma_gorzatak
September 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Xixi was a wonderful guide!
Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Xixi was very helpful and attentive throughout the whole tour. She found great spots for us to take a break and rest, and she recommended lovely places to eat, which made the day much more enjoyable. She made sure we saw every attraction on our plan, without rushing us. She also took fantastic photos of us, and they are now some of our favourite memories from the trip. She kept asking what else we wanted to know, and she answered all our questions with patience and real interest. It felt like she genuinely cared that we had a good time.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful review!
We are delighted to hear that everything went smoothly from start to finish and that Xixi helped make your day so enjoyable. It is especially rewarding to know that her attentiveness, thoughtful planning, and genuine care made such a positive difference to your experience.
We're glad she was able to find comfortable places for you to rest, recommend great local dining spots, and ensure you could enjoy every attraction at a relaxed pace. It is also wonderful to hear that the photos she took have become some of your favorite memories from the trip.
Most importantly, we are touched to know that Xixi's patience, enthusiasm, and sincere interest helped you feel welcomed and well cared for throughout the tour. We will be sure to share your kind words with her, and we know she will be thrilled to hear them.
Thank you again for your support and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable journey in China in the future!
R
R6229XMfranciscom
September 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Song Wang was our guide and he was truly spectacular, very charismatic, good facts, and good conversation. Great command of the language and facts, both for the Forbidden City and for the rest of our trip! 100% recommended.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!
We are delighted to hear that Song Wang made your visit so memorable. It is especially rewarding to know that his charisma, insightful explanations, and engaging conversations added so much to your experience.
We are also pleased that his Spanish language skills and knowledge not only enhanced your visit to the Forbidden City but also helped you gain a deeper understanding for the rest of your journey in China.
We will be sure to share your kind words with Song Wang. Thank you for your recommendation and support. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable adventure in China!
B
brianhF4248VX
September 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour, definitely recommend!
I definitely recommend this tour! My guide Cactus/Xian was great, very knowledgeable and helpful. She picked me up at my hotel, knew how to best avoid lines, and even added an extra stop for free since it was my birthday!
N
nino4ka_fominykh
September 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour in Beijing with my friends
Just a week ago me and my friends were on a tour in Beijing organized by Catherine Lu Tours and this was an amazing experience. I have to say huge thank you to our guide Xi Xi. She made us feel so comfortable during our two-day trip. She knows all the spots for cool pictures and she is a very skilled photographer. She provided us with all historical information and fun facts about the places we visited. We didn’t have a lot of time considering how much you want to see when in Beijing but we took the most of every second. Overall organization of the tour is 10 out of 10 - the pick up, the cars, the drivers, the choice of the restaurant, the schedule, the route. I can say nothing but thank you for this amazing experience, we really had time of our lives there!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that Cactus took good care of you and made your birthday tour extra special. It was our pleasure to add the extra stop for you. We will pass your kind words to Cactus. Hope to welcome you back to China again soon.
4
447ghassann
September 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A wonderful day trip with Xixi! Highly recommended!
Excellent day trip with Xixi! She was very knowledgeable and helpful in giving us all the information about the trip and went above and beyond in making this a memorable and informative trip. Thank you for a wonderful day!! Highly recommended!
Operator response
Thank you so much for this lovely review! We are thrilled to hear you had an excellent day trip with Xixi. It means a lot that she went above and beyond to create such a memorable and informative tour for you. We will pass your kind compliments to Xixi. Hope to welcome you back on another adventure in China soon!
M
Mobile57409554832
September 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
We had a great day and would highly recommend this trip. Cindy was an excellent guide who provided a large amount of very useful and interesting information. 5 stars.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are thrilled that you had a wonderful day with us. It’s fantastic to hear Cindy delivered lots of useful and interesting information during your tour. We will pass your compliments on to Cindy. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
P
Prashanna_V
September 17, 2026 · via Viator
Private solo tour - great experience
Great experience. Michael was really helpful, well-versed, informative and kind. I learned a lot about the history of China in general. Glad I did the private tour as I felt I was able to personalise things for me and ask tons of questions.
Operator response
Your kind words about Michael made our day! We are so happy that our private tour allowed you to tailor the experience and freely ask questions. Michael puts great effort into bringing Chinese history to life for every guest. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to meet you again in China.
F
Fearless48027988591
September 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Magnificent visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square with our excellent guide Nana. She is as competent as she is friendly. Highly recommended
Operator response
Merci infiniment pour votre avis élogieux ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé une merveilleuse visite de la Cité Interdite et de la Place Tiananmen avec Nana. Elle sera ravie de découvrir vos compliments. Votre recommandation est une belle récompense pour toute notre équipe. Nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau lors d’une prochaine visite en Chine.
R
Ronald_C
September 13, 2026 · via Viator
Great, highly recommended
Magnificent experience with Nana, competent and very friendly. Perfect French, we learned many things.
