Do I need a ticket for the Forbidden City to do this walk?

No, you do not need a Forbidden City entry ticket for this route. This self-guided walk explores the exterior walls, the moat, and the surrounding public parks (Imperial Ancestral Temple, Jingshan, and Zhongshan), which are much easier to access.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

The best time is either early morning for clean light on the eastern walls or an hour before sunset at Jingshan Park. The 'Golden Hour' provides a spectacular glow on the yellow roof tiles of the palace.

Is this walking route difficult?

The walk is rated as moderate. Most of the path is flat and paved, but the ascent to the top of Jingshan Park involves a steep climb up stone stairs which may be tiring for some.

Can I see the Forbidden City without going inside?

Yes, you can get excellent views of the palace from the moat level and a complete bird's-eye view from the top of Jingshan Park. This route is designed specifically to showcase those external perspectives.

Are there security checks on this route?

Yes, because this route is adjacent to Tiananmen Square, you will pass through at least one security checkpoint. You must have your passport with you to pass these checks and to purchase park tickets.

Is this walk family-friendly?

Yes, the parks offer plenty of space for children to move around, and the moat is a peaceful area away from heavy traffic. However, be prepared for a lot of walking; strollers are manageable except for the Jingshan hill climb.

What should I wear for this Beijing walk?

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will cover several kilometers. In summer, bring sun protection and water; in winter, wear windproof layers as the area around the moats can be quite breezy.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the heart of the Middle Kingdom with this self-guided walking route through Beijing's imperial core. This neighborhood stroll focuses on the architectural grandeur and historical depth of the Ming and Qing dynasties, centered around the world’s largest palace complex. Unlike a traditional guided tour Beijing offers to those in large groups, this independent walking route allows you to linger under the ancient cypress trees and capture the perfect reflection of the watchtowers in the imperial moat at your own pace. The journey begins at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, a site of profound spiritual significance where emperors once honored their predecessors. From there, you will trace the towering red walls of the Forbidden City, exploring the massive Meridian Gate and the serene waters that have protected the palace for six centuries. As you wander along Beichizi Avenue, you’ll witness the intersection of imperial history and modern local life, where red-walled corridors meet quiet residential pockets. The highlight for many on this walking tour Beijing exploration is the ascent of Jingshan Park. This man-made hill offers the most iconic panoramic view in the city, revealing the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City stretching toward the horizon. The walk concludes in the peaceful gardens of Zhongshan Park, providing a quiet space to reflect on the architectural mastery of the Central Axis. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the best light on the vermilion walls or a history buff eager to decode the symbolism of imperial motifs, this audio walk provides the context you need to appreciate Beijing's royal heritage without the rush of a scheduled group.

Highlights

The massive Ming-era architecture of the Imperial Ancestral Temple

The U-shaped grandeur of the Meridian Gate

The picturesque reflections along the Forbidden City moat

Panoramic 360-degree views of Beijing from Jingshan Park's summit

The ancient cypress trees and 'Five-Colored Soil' of Zhongshan Park

Photography opportunities of the iconic corner watchtowers

Tour Stops (6)

Imperial Ancestral Temple

Welcome to the Taimiao, or the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this was the most sacred site in imperial Beijing, even outranking the Forbidden City in spiritual importance. Here, emperors performed elaborate rituals to honor their ancestors, seeking their blessing for the empire's prosperity. Notice the architecture; the main hall sits on a three-tiered marble base, a feature usually reserved for the highest-ranking buildings. The massive columns are made of Phoebe zhennan wood, a rare timber hauled from the jungles of southwestern China. Today, the surrounding park offers a peaceful atmosphere where ancient cypress trees, some over 600 years old, stand as silent witnesses to the rise and fall of dynasties.

Meridian Gate

Standing before the Meridian Gate, or Wu Men, you are looking at the primary entrance to the Forbidden City. Its unique U-shape design, topped by five pavilions known as the 'Five Phoenix Towers,' was intended to inspire awe and project absolute power. This gate was the site of important imperial ceremonies, such as the proclamation of the lunar calendar and the inspection of victorious armies. While legends often suggest this was a place of execution, it was actually where officials were sometimes subjected to 'court beating' for displeasing the emperor. The central arch was reserved exclusively for the Emperor, with the sole exception of the Empress on her wedding day and the top three scholars of the imperial examinations.

Forbidden City Moat

The Forbidden City is encircled by a moat 52 meters wide and 6 meters deep. Beyond being a defensive barrier, the moat creates a stunning visual frame for the palace. If you look toward the corners of the walls, you will see the Watchtowers, or Corner Towers. These are architectural masterpieces featuring 9 beams, 18 pillars, and 72 ridges—numbers chosen for their auspicious and structural significance. The reflection of these towers in the still water of the moat is one of the most photographed scenes in China. This perimeter walk allows you to appreciate the scale of the palace complex, which contains over 900 buildings, without needing to navigate the interior crowds.

Beichizi Avenue

As you walk along Beichizi Avenue, you are traversing the line between the imperial and the everyday. To your west are the high red walls of the palace; to your east are the traditional hutong neighborhoods where Beijingers have lived for centuries. This street was once part of the Imperial City, an area surrounding the Forbidden City that housed court officials and warehouses. Look for the small doorways leading into courtyards and notice the contrast between the grand imperial scale and the intimate human scale of the residential architecture. It is a perfect spot to observe the rhythm of modern Beijing against a backdrop of ancient history.

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park, or 'Prospect Hill,' is an artificial mound created entirely from the soil excavated to build the Forbidden City's moat. In accordance with Feng Shui principles, a palace should be built with a mountain to the north to block evil spirits and cold winds. Climb the steps to the Wanchun Pavilion at the summit. From here, you are standing on the highest point of Beijing’s historic Central Axis. The view is unparalleled: to the south, the golden-tiled roofs of the Forbidden City stretch out in perfect symmetry; to the north, you can see the Drum and Bell Towers. It is the best place to visualize the grand design of the city.

Zhongshan Park (West Gate 1)

Our walk concludes at Zhongshan Park, formerly the Altar of Land and Grain. While the Imperial Ancestral Temple was for the emperor’s family, this site was dedicated to the gods of the earth and harvest. The centerpiece is the Altar of Five-Colored Soil, featuring earth from different regions of China—yellow, red, white, black, and blue—symbolizing that all land under heaven belonged to the emperor. In 1914, it became Beijing's first public park and was later renamed in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the father of modern China. It remains a favorite local spot for tulip displays in spring and quiet contemplation year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full circuit of the Forbidden City's perimeter moat takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes at a leisurely pace. This specific route, which includes stops at Jingshan and Zhongshan Parks, typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours total.