Book Tickets

Entrances, Exits & Palace Layout

Understanding the geography of the Forbidden City is key to a smooth visit. Learn about the mandatory one-way route and how the palace is divided into its legendary three axes.

Critical Information

The South-to-North Route

Since 2011, the Palace Museum has enforced a mandatory one-way visiting route from South to North. This means you must enter from the south and exit from the north. You cannot enter from the north or the side gates.

Entry: Meridian Gate

Mandatory entrance at the south end of the palace. It is accessible from Tiananmen Square or the East/West Flower Gates.

Exit: Gate of Divine Prowess

The main exit at the north end, directly opposite Jingshan Park. There is also an exit at the East Prosperity Gate.

Decoding the Palace

The Three Axes of Governance

The Central Axis

Housing the most important ritual and residential buildings: The Three Great Halls of the Outer Court and the Three Rear Palaces of the Inner Court.

The Eastern Axis

Home to the Hall of Ancestral Worship, the Treasure Gallery, and the residential palaces where the Emperor's mothers and concubines lived.

The Western Axis

Contains the Hall of Mental Cultivation (where most later Qing Emperors actually lived) and a series of smaller residential courtyards.

Social Structure

Outer Court vs. Inner Court

The Forbidden City is further divided horizontally into two distinct sections, separated by the Gate of Heavenly Purity:

The Outer Court (Southern Half)

The public face of the empire. This area consists of massive, sprawling courtyards and the grandest halls, designed to intimidate and impress visiting officials and foreign dignitaries. No person was allowed to sleep here.

The Inner Court (Northern Half)

The private residence of the Emperor and his family. The scale is more intimate, with gardens, living quarters, and smaller ritual spaces. Historically, this was the truly "forbidden" part of the city.

Plan Your Journey

Related Information

How to Get There

Transport to the entrance

Major Halls

Detailed building guides

Opening Hours

Seasonal timing and rules

Itineraries

Pre-planned walking routes