The short answer on hours
The Forbidden City is open 8:30 AM to 5 PM in peak season (April through October) with last entry at 4 PM, and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in off-season (November through March) with last entry at 3:30 PM. It is closed every Monday year-round except during major Chinese national holidays (October 1-7, Lunar New Year week). The complex starts clearing visitors 30 minutes before closing - plan to be at the North Gate by 4 PM peak / 3:30 PM off-season.
- Drive time from Beijing: n/a
- Typical visit style: Last entry to closing: 60 min minimum buffer
- Difficulty: n/a
- Crowds: Opening (8:30-9 AM) and last-2-hour (2-4 PM) are quieter
- Best for: Time-budget planning; Layover travellers checking last-entry windows; Anyone trying to avoid the Monday closure
- Less ideal for: Travellers wanting to start at 5 PM - too late
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 | 4:30 PM peak / 4 PM off | 60 min before close |
| Clock Gallery + demos | 8:30 AM | 4:30 PM | Demos 11 AM + 2 PM |
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. The policy applies year-round except when a Monday falls inside a major Chinese national holiday (October 1-7, Lunar New Year week, Labour Day week May 1-5). On those holiday Mondays the site opens; the following Tuesday becomes the closed day instead.
- Year-round Monday closure for maintenance.
- Holiday Monday exceptions: October 1-7, Lunar New Year, May 1-5.
- Tuesday becomes the closed day during those holiday weeks.
- Plan around it - move Monday to the Great Wall or National Museum.
Holiday exceptions
During October 1-7 National Day, the week of Lunar New Year (variable, late January or February), and Labour Day May 1-5, the FC opens every day of the week including Monday. These same weeks have the worst crowds of the year - book the first slot (8:30 AM) or skip and visit later.
- October 1-7: open every day; very crowded.
- Lunar New Year week: open every day; crowded.
- Labour Day May 1-5: open every day; crowded.
- 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. Inside, staff start clearing visitors 30 minutes before closing time, moving them toward the North or East gates. 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.
- 30 min before close: clearing starts.
- 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
Closed every Monday year-round. 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
FC is open but crowded beyond comfort. October 1-7 is the single worst week.
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 - closed Mondays year-round, except during major Chinese national holidays (October 1-7, Lunar New Year, Labour Day week).
- 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. Monday alternatives: Great Wall, National Museum of China (open Monday), Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven.
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 FC for Tuesday morning.
Book a guided Forbidden City dayClosed on Mondays - alternatives