Hours by season
| Season | Open | Close | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (April-October) | 8:30 AM | 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Off-season (November-March) | 8:30 AM | 4:30 PM | 3:30 PM |
| Mondays (regular) | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Mondays during holidays | Open same hours | Open same hours | Same as season |
| Treasure Gallery | 8:30 AM | Closes before the palace - check notices | 60 min before close |
| Clock Gallery + demos | 8:30 AM | 4:30 PM | Demos at posted times - check notices |
Why Monday closure?
The Palace Museum closes Mondays for routine maintenance of the centuries-old timber buildings and to rotate exhibits in the side galleries. Major Chinese national holidays can change that pattern. Holiday opening arrangements can differ from the normal Monday closure, so check the Palace Museum's current calendar for your date. On a normal Monday, plan the Great Wall, Summer Palace main park, Temple of Heaven, or a hutong / cultural experience instead.
- Normal Monday closure (check current notice) for maintenance.
- Holiday Monday exceptions can apply during major Chinese national holidays.
- Holiday opening arrangements can differ from the normal Monday closure — check the Palace Museum calendar for your date.
- Plan Monday for the Great Wall, Summer Palace main park, Temple of Heaven, or hutongs.
Holiday exceptions
Statutory holidays and specially announced openings can override the normal Monday closure. Holiday weeks are often the most crowded — book the first slot (8:30 AM) or skip and visit later, and confirm the Palace Museum calendar for your dates.
- Statutory holidays may open on Mondays when announced.
- Crowd levels rise during major holiday windows.
- Always confirm the Palace Museum calendar for your dates.
- Strategy: 8:30 AM slot or avoid these weeks entirely.
Last entry vs closing time
Last entry is one hour before closing - 4 PM peak season, 3:30 PM off-season. After last entry, the ticket gate closes and no new visitors can enter. Plan the exit around the published closing time at the North or East Gate. If you enter at last entry, plan for 60 minutes max on site - enough for the central axis but no side galleries.
- Last entry: 1 hour before closing.
- After last entry: gates closed to new visitors.
- Closing time ends the visit window.
- Last-entry visit: 60 min - axis only.
Common hours mistakes
5 PM arrival in peak season
Last entry is 4 PM. You won't get in. Plan a 1-2 PM start at the latest.
Monday surprise
Normally closed on Mondays except statutory holidays or other officially announced arrangements. Check your calendar; reschedule for Tuesday-Sunday.
Confusing last entry with closing
Last entry is 4 PM peak. Closing is 5 PM. The 1-hour buffer is the minimum on-site time after last entry.
Going on Chinese national holidays
Forbidden City is open but crowded beyond comfort during major national-holiday weeks.
Forbidden City opening hours FAQ
- Peak season (April-October): 8:30 AM-5 PM, last entry 4 PM. Off-season (November-March): 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, last entry 3:30 PM.
- No - normally closed on Mondays except statutory holidays or other officially announced arrangements, except when major Chinese national holidays change the calendar. Check the Palace Museum's current calendar for your date.
- 8:30 AM opening for the quietest crowds, or 1-2 PM if you can't do early. Last entry is 4 PM peak / 3:30 PM off-season.
- 2.5-3 hours for the standard central axis route. Full visit with side galleries: 4-5 hours.
- No - 8:30 AM opening year-round; closes 5 PM peak / 4:30 PM off-season.
- Reschedule for Tuesday-Sunday when possible. Monday alternatives: Great Wall, Summer Palace main park, Temple of Heaven, or a hutong / cultural experience. The National Museum of China is also normally closed Mondays except statutory holidays, so it is not a reliable Monday substitute.
Plan your visit around the hours
Booking the 8:30 AM slot gives you the quietest hour of the day. Our private guide takes you straight to the Meridian Gate and through the central axis before crowds peak.
If Monday is the only day available, swap to the Great Wall or the National Museum and book the Forbidden City for Tuesday morning.
Book a guided Forbidden City dayClosed on Mondays - alternatives
Visitor information checked
Visitor information checked: 9 August 2026. Source: Palace Museum official visitor and ticket information (intl.dpm.org.cn). Temporary closures and holiday arrangements can change - always confirm current notices for your date before you travel.
