New Unprecedented Access at Forbidden City & Ongoing Improvements

Exciting news: almost all portions of the Beijing’s Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, will be opened to the public after decades of many sections being off limits for visitation. 

Starting in 2020, 80% of the popular site will be open (up from the current 65%), with a goal of 85% in the long-term. 

This is a major change from the previous 30% accessibility, just over 10 years ago. Several areas of historic architecture are being restored in preparation for the wider opening, and previously private ancillary facilities are being revamped to use as display areas for thousands of pieces of Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture and artefacts. 

In addition, parking spots and car lots that are currently located within the Palace Museum grounds will be moved to outside the walls of the museum, making the area completely pedestrian only and further protecting the relics housed in this historic site. 

These changes are all in addition to other efforts made recently to reduce overcrowding and improve guest experiences at the Palace Museum (such as online ticket purchases, limited number of visitors per day, ongoing restorations and new exhibits, and better signage and accessibility.