Reading the Forbidden City map
The Forbidden City is rectangular, oriented south to north, with the central axis running from the Meridian Gate (south entry) through the Three Great Halls, the Inner Court, the Imperial Garden, and out the North Gate. Total area 720,000 m^2 (72 hectares). Four gates: Meridian (south, entry-only since 2014), Shenwumen (north, exit), Donghuamen (east, exit), Xihuamen (west, closed to public). Two main wings flank the axis - the Western and Eastern Six Palaces, each a cluster of smaller courtyards once used by imperial concubines.
- Drive time from Beijing: n/a
- Typical visit style: Reading: 5 min; walking the map: 2.5-3 hr
- Difficulty: Easy navigation - one-way axis flow
- Crowds: Axis crowded; side palaces quiet
- Best for: Visitors planning the route in advance; Anyone confused by axis vs side palaces; Photographers planning shots
- Less ideal for: Travellers already familiar with the route
12 map points by location and time
| Point | Location | On the axis? |
|---|---|---|
| Meridian Gate (Wumen) | South | Yes - entry |
| Golden Stream bridges | South of Outer Court | Yes |
| Hall of Supreme Harmony | Outer Court centre | Yes |
| Hall of Central Harmony | Outer Court mid | Yes |
| Hall of Preserving Harmony | Outer Court north | Yes |
| Gate of Heavenly Purity | Outer-Inner Court threshold | Yes |
| Hall of Heavenly Purity | Inner Court south | Yes |
| Hall of Union + Earthly Tranquility | Inner Court centre | Yes |
| Imperial Garden | Inner Court north | Yes |
| North Gate (Shenwumen) | North | Yes - exit |
| Treasure Gallery | Northeast (off-axis) | Side gallery |
| Clock Gallery | Central-east (off-axis) | Side gallery |
Reading the south-north axis
The central axis is a single straight line connecting the most important buildings - it was sized to symbolise the emperor as the axis between heaven and earth. You walk it from south (Meridian Gate) to north (Shenwumen exit). All major halls are on the axis; less important palaces and galleries flank the wings east and west.
- Axis = the formal ceremonial line.
- South entry, north exit.
- All major halls on the axis.
- Side palaces in wings east and west.
Where the Treasure Gallery is
Northeast corner of the complex, accessed via the Hall of Imperial Supremacy area. Walk the central axis to the end (Imperial Garden), then detour east to reach the Treasure Gallery before exiting. Add 60-90 min to your visit. Separate 10 RMB ticket required.
- Northeast corner.
- Access: detour east from Imperial Garden.
- 60-90 min extra time.
- 10 RMB extra ticket.
Where the Western vs Eastern Six Palaces are
Two clusters flanking the Inner Court's central axis. Western Six Palaces (yikun gong, chuxiu gong, etc.) sit between the central axis and the west wall - smaller courtyards used by imperial concubines. Eastern Six Palaces mirror them on the east side. Both can be detoured from the Inner Court axis; add 30-45 min for one cluster, 60-90 min for both.
- Inner Court flanking clusters.
- Western Six Palaces: between axis and west wall.
- Eastern Six Palaces: mirror to the east.
- 30-45 min per cluster.
Common map-reading mistakes
Trying to walk north to south
The flow is one-way south to north. North Gate is exit-only.
Missing the side palaces by accident
If you want them, plan a detour. If you don't, the axis flow misses them naturally.
Confusing the Treasure Gallery with the main route
It's off-axis northeast. You need a separate detour.
Looking for the West Gate (Xihuamen)
It's closed to the public. Use East or North to exit.
Forbidden City map FAQ
- Rectangular, oriented south to north, with a central axis running through the Three Great Halls (Outer Court) and Inner Court palaces, ending at the Imperial Garden and North Gate.
- 72 hectares (720,000 m^2), with ~980 surviving buildings. The central axis is about 1 km long from Meridian Gate to North Gate.
- South: Meridian Gate (Wumen, entry only). North: Shenwumen (exit). East: Donghuamen (exit). West: Xihuamen (closed to public).
- Yes - audio guide rentals at the Meridian Gate include a small printed map. Larger fold-out maps are sold in the gift shops inside.
- Yes - the central axis runs in a perfectly straight south-north line, the cosmological centre of imperial Beijing. The same axis extends south through Tiananmen Square and north through Jingshan.
- Four points: near Meridian Gate, after the Three Great Halls, near the Inner Court, and at the Imperial Garden.
Walk the map with a guide
Our private FC day takes the central axis route and adds one side palace detour (Treasure Gallery or Hall of Mental Cultivation) based on your interest.
If you want to read the route in detail first, the route guide below covers all 12 axis points hall-by-hall.