Only the Meridian Gate (Wumen) accepts entry
Since July 2, 2011, all Forbidden City visitors enter only through the south Meridian Gate (Wumen). The East Gate (Donghuamen) and North Gate (Shenwumen) are exit-only; the West Gate (Xihuamen) is closed to the public. To reach the Meridian Gate, walk north through Tiananmen Square and the Tiananmen Gate Tower along the imperial axis - about 800 metres from the southern Tiananmen Square entrance.
- Getting there: Tiananmen Square to Meridian Gate: 10-min walk; security 30-45 min
- Reading time: 4 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Crowds: Tiananmen Square security is the slowest part
- Best for: First-time visitors planning the entry walk; Anyone confused by the four gates
- Less ideal for: Travellers already familiar with the entry
The four Forbidden City gates
| Gate | Direction | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian Gate (Wumen) | South | Entry only (since July 2, 2011) |
| Shenwumen | North | Exit only |
| Donghuamen | East | Exit only |
| Xihuamen | West | Closed to public |
Why Meridian-only since July 2, 2011
The Palace Museum centralised entry to streamline the ID check, security, and ticket scan into one gate. The Palace Museum operates a one-way south-to-north visitor route: enter through Meridian Gate and leave through the North or East Gate.
- One-way south-to-north visitor route.
- Centralised security at one gate.
- Tightened crowd flow and ticket control.
- East and North Gates are exit-only under that route.
Tiananmen Square security buffer
Allow 30-45 minutes from the Qianmen / Tiananmen subway exit through the square's south security perimeter to the Meridian Gate. Tighter on holiday weekends.
- Tiananmen south entry: passport check + bag scan.
- Walk north 10 min.
- Holiday weekends: 15-30 extra min.
What gets checked at the Meridian Gate
Passport (must match the booking name), ticket QR code on phone or printout, and bag scan. The check takes 5-10 minutes once you're in line.
- Passport name check.
- Ticket QR or printout.
- Bag scan.
- 5-10 min in line.
Common entrance mistakes
Going to the East Gate to enter
Exit only. You'll be turned around and walked 1.5 km around to the south.
Wrong name on the passport
Booking name must match. Spelling differences trigger 10-15 min re-check.
Forgetting the Tiananmen buffer
Square security adds 30-45 min; don't show up at Meridian Gate without it.
Forbidden City entrance FAQ
- Only through the south Meridian Gate (Wumen) since July 2, 2011.
- No - exit only.
- Walk north through Tiananmen Square; 800 m, 10 min after the square's security.
- Coat check / luggage storage available near the Meridian Gate. Better to leave bags at the hotel.
- No - all visitors use Meridian Gate.
- No - exit only via North or East.
Plan the entry walk
Our private Forbidden City day handles the Tiananmen security buffer and brings you straight to the Meridian Gate at the right ticket slot.
If you want detail on the Meridian Gate itself (history, photo angles), the next page covers it.
Plan a guided Forbidden City dayMeridian Gate (Wumen) detail
