Visiting Beijing’s iconic landmarks is high on many travelers’ bucket lists, but navigating ticket lines and managing time can be daunting. We’ve looked into a popular tour offering advance tickets for the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, designed to streamline your experience and reduce the hassle.
What makes this tour stand out? First, guaranteed entry, which means no wasting hours in long queues. Second, the flexibility of booking separate or combined tickets, perfect for tailoring your day. And third, the supportive, knowledgeable guides — as many reviews highlight — who help make the visit smoother and more insightful. The only consideration? If you’re not comfortable with English or don’t have WhatsApp, WeChat, or email access, this might not be the best fit.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a stress-free way to explore these symbols of Chinese history, especially when time is tight or language barriers make on-site ticketing tricky. It’s also perfect for those who value advance planning, transparency, and direct entry without fuss.
Good To Know

- Official tickets ensure guaranteed access and skip long queues.
- Flexible options cater to those wanting either just Tiananmen Square, only the Forbidden City, or both.
- Advance booking provides peace of mind, especially in busy seasons or last-minute plans.
- Supportive communication via WhatsApp, WeChat, or email simplifies the process.
- Expert guides and well-organized tours enhance understanding and comfort.
- Price point at $3 per person is exceptional value for such iconic sights.
Our review of this tour reveals a straightforward, well-priced way to visit two of Beijing’s most famous sites—the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square—without the usual stress. The ticketing process stands out because it’s designed to be simple, transparent, and efficient. You can skip the long lines, which is particularly valuable given the crowds that flock to these attractions, especially during peak season.
The cost of $3 per person for guaranteed tickets is astonishingly affordable, considering the significance of these sites. Many travelers, including those who previously struggled with booking or waiting hours, have appreciated the peace of mind and time saved. Plus, the support team, led by the helpful guide Larry, receives praise for quick responses, clarifications, and assistance when questions arise — a real boon in a foreign country.
The tour offers three options: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or a combo ticket for both sites. This flexibility lets you customize your day based on your interests or time constraints, which is ideal for different travel styles. For instance, if you’re short on time or want to avoid the hassle of queues, booking a combo ticket to see both in one day is a smart move.
However, it’s worth noting that Tiananmen Square entry requires security checks and can involve queuing, especially during busy hours. One reviewer shared waiting over two hours, which highlights the importance of arriving early or being prepared for crowds. If your schedule allows, the advance reservation helps bypass some of these frustrations.
Stop 1: The Forbidden City (The Palace Museum)
Once inside, you’ll find yourself wandering through grand courtyards, golden-roofed halls, and secret gardens. The Palace Museum, home to 24 emperors, is a sprawling complex that offers a feast for the senses. Thanks to the skip-the-line tickets, you won’t waste precious time in queues, giving you more moments to appreciate the intricate architecture and atmospheric grounds.
Travelers often note the size and grandeur of this site. Federico described it as “very big and nice place, and the beauty of the place is amazing.” The experience of walking through centuries of imperial history is enhanced by the well-preserved structures and the chance to explore at your own pace.
Supportive guides can enrich this experience further — most reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, like Jimmy, who provide excellent insights and recommendations, making the visit more meaningful. Expect to spend roughly 3 hours here to get a rundown.
Stop 2: Tiananmen Square
Just a short walk from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square and a symbol of modern China. Your reserved ticket allows you quick access, but be aware that security checks are necessary, and crowds can be intense. Several visitors, like DaiDee, shared experiencing over two hours of queuing, so arriving early or choosing less busy times can make a difference.
Once inside, you’ll find impressive monuments like the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and surrounding buildings such as the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum. The atmosphere is palpable, and many find it a deeply moving experience to stand in such a historic space.
The guided commentary helps put the site into context, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese history or politics. Many travelers, like YANNICK, appreciated the helpfulness of organizers who checked in closer to the date, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
The simplicity of advance booking stands out. Many reviewers reported how tickets were provided ahead of time, letting them skip the hassle of on-the-spot purchasing or uncertain availability — a huge plus during busy periods. The process is straightforward, requiring only basic English and communication via WhatsApp, WeChat, or email.
The value for money is remarkable. Paying just $3 per person for guaranteed entry to two of China’s most famous sites is not only affordable but also smart, especially considering the costs and delays associated with on-site ticketing elsewhere.
The support from guides and organizers like Larry adds genuine value. Their responsiveness and clear instructions help reduce confusion and make the entire experience more comfortable. Several reviews mention how helpful and friendly the team is, ensuring you feel supported from booking to the visit itself.
The quality of the sites is undeniable. The Forbidden City’s architectural splendor and the iconic stature of Tiananmen Square are visually stunning and historically significant. Travelers often describe the places as “big,” “beautiful,” and “fascinating,” emphasizing the emotional and educational impact.
The flexibility to choose between just one site or both allows travelers to customize based on time, interest, or energy levels. And if you’re worried about long queues or security, the advance tickets help you sidestep much of the frustration.
- Arrive early at Tiananmen Square if you want to avoid the longest queues, especially during peak hours.
- Book tickets in advance through this service to enjoy guaranteed entry and avoid disappointment.
- Prepare your passport and ensure you have WhatsApp, WeChat, or email access since communication is required for the booking confirmation.
- Allocate enough time — roughly 3 hours for the Forbidden City and 1 hour for Tiananmen Square — to really take in the sites.
- Consider the weather; if it’s rainy or very hot, plan accordingly because much of the experience is outdoors.
- Factor in security checks, especially at Tiananmen Square, which can involve waiting in lines.
This ticketing option offers a cost-effective, convenient way to visit Beijing’s most iconic sites without the hassle of long queues and confusing local booking processes. The supportive communication, combined with guaranteed entry and the option to explore either site or both, makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a smooth experience.
It’s especially suited for those who value time efficiency, reliable tickets, and guidance that enhances understanding. Whether visiting for a quick cultural fix or a deeper dive into Chinese history, you’ll appreciate the value and simplicity this tour provides.
While it’s important to be prepared for crowds and security checks, the overall experience promises impressive sights and peace of mind. For a modest fee, you’re gaining access to some of China’s most celebrated landmarks, making this a smart addition to any Beijing itinerary.
Do I need to print my tickets?
No, paper or QR code isn’t necessary. You can enter directly with your passport, as the tickets are linked to your identification.
Can I choose to visit only one site?
Yes, you can select tickets for just the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square. The combo option is also available for visiting both in one day.
What if the Forbidden City tickets are sold out on my date?
If the Forbidden City ticket option isn’t available, only the Tiananmen Square entry might be shown, indicating the Forbidden City is fully booked for that day.
Are these tickets suitable for Chinese passports?
No, these tickets are not accessible for Chinese passports or IDs. They are designed for international travelers with supported communication methods.
How much time should I allocate for each site?
Plan for around 3 hours for the Forbidden City to explore comfortably and approximately 1 hour for Tiananmen Square, including security checks.
Is English required to use this service?
Basic English reading and communication are needed, as the process involves messaging via WhatsApp, WeChat, or email to confirm your booking.
This tour setup makes it easier and more affordable to witness two of Beijing’s most important landmarks without stress. Whether you’re eager to explore historical grandeur or simply want a hassle-free visit, these tickets deliver on both practicality and value.
More City Tours in Beijing
- 9 to 10 Hours Beijing Great Wall and City Night Tour
- 4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
- T-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights
- Beijing Historic City Guided Walking Tour + Calligraphy Creation
- Beijing Private 2-Day Tour Including Great Wall and Forbidden City
- Private Beijing City Skyline Tour by Night With Local Guide
More tours and activities we've covered in Beijing
More Tickets in Beijing
- 4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
- Red Theater Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets Booking
- Mutianyu Great Wall Tickets with Chairlift and Toboggan
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall 1-Day (Tickets Included)
- Beijing Kungfu Opera Ticket
- Beijing Summer Palace Admission Tickets Booking(With Options)
More Tour Reviews in Beijing
- 9 to 10 Hours Beijing Great Wall and City Night Tour
- 4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
- Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour with Options
- Layover Trip With English Speaking Driver
- T-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights
- Beijing Historic City Guided Walking Tour + Calligraphy Creation
Looking for something different? Other Beijing activities we've written about
- 4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
- Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour with Options
- Layover Trip With English Speaking Driver
- T-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights
- Beijing Historic City Guided Walking Tour + Calligraphy Creation
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private
- BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces
- BusDa-Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Full-Day Group Tour
- Red Theater Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets Booking
- Mutianyu Great Wall Tickets with Chairlift and Toboggan
- The Hutong Experience by Bike
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour
