Two exit options
The Forbidden City has two visitor exit gates: the North Gate (Shenwumen) and the East Gate (Donghuamen). North Gate is the most common - it exits onto Jingshan Front Street with the entrance to Jingshan park (the famous sunset viewpoint) directly across. East Gate exits toward Wangfujing pedestrian street, Beijing's main shopping district, about 1 km east.
- Drive time from Beijing: North Gate: 5-min walk to Jingshan; East Gate: 15-min walk to Wangfujing
- Typical visit style: Reading: 3 min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Crowds: North Gate busier at FC closing; East Gate quieter
- Best for: Visitors planning what to do next; Photographers heading to Jingshan; Shoppers heading to Wangfujing
- Less ideal for: Anyone confused on which exit to use - just pick North for default
Exit options
| Exit | Next destination | Walk time |
|---|---|---|
| North Gate (Shenwumen) | Jingshan park sunset view | 5 min cross street |
| North Gate | Beihai Park | 15 min walk west |
| East Gate (Donghuamen) | Wangfujing pedestrian street | 15 min walk east |
| East Gate | National Museum of China | 15-20 min via Tiananmen |
When to use North Gate
Default choice. Use North Gate (Shenwumen) when (1) you want the Jingshan rooftop view - the entrance is across the street; (2) you're heading back to a central Beijing hotel; (3) it's late afternoon and you want sunset. Most guided tours exit here.
- Default exit.
- Jingshan park 5-min walk.
- Central Beijing hotels.
- Sunset timing.
When to use East Gate
Use East Gate (Donghuamen) when (1) you're heading to Wangfujing for dinner or shopping; (2) you skipped the Imperial Garden and turned east through the Hall of Mental Cultivation; (3) Jingshan is closed (rare, but possible during state events). Walk east 15 min to Wangfujing.
- Wangfujing dinner / shopping.
- After Hall of Mental Cultivation.
- Jingshan closure backup.
- 15-min walk east.
Can I exit Meridian Gate?
No. Since 2014, Meridian Gate is entry-only. You must exit North or East. If you walk south thinking you'll loop back, staff will redirect you.
- No - entry only since 2014.
- Use North or East.
- Staff redirect southbound walkers.
Common exit mistakes
Walking back south to Meridian Gate
Exit-only since 2014. You'll be turned around.
Missing the Jingshan window
Park closes at 9 PM but the rooftop view needs daylight - aim for 30 min before sunset.
Walking to Wangfujing in the wrong direction
East from East Gate, not north.
Forbidden City exit FAQ
- North Gate (Shenwumen) is the default - exits to Jingshan park for the sunset view. East Gate (Donghuamen) for Wangfujing shopping or dinner.
- No - it's entry-only since 2014. Use North or East.
- Xihuamen is closed to visitors.
- Plan to leave by 5 PM peak / 4:30 PM off-season. Staff start clearing 30 min before closing.
- Yes - exit North Gate, cross the street, enter Jingshan park (2 RMB ticket), climb 20 min to the summit.
- North Gate has the better pickup zone. East Gate works too but is more chaotic.
Plan the post-FC walk
Our private FC day exits North Gate to the Jingshan park sunset climb - the classic Forbidden City finale.
If you want detail on the Jingshan walk, the next page covers the 5-min crossover and the 20-min summit climb.