Tickets that sell out
The Forbidden City opens 7 days ahead, at 8 pm Beijing time.
- Forbidden CityThu 19 Nov · 12:00 your timeRemind me
- National MuseumThu 19 Nov · 09:00 your timeRemind me
- Great Wall, BadalingThu 19 Nov · first thingRemind me
- Terracotta ArmyThu 19 Nov · first thingRemind me
- Shaanxi MuseumSun 22 Nov · 09:00 your timeRemind me
- Chengdu pandasThu 19 Nov · first thingRemind me
- Temple of Heaven and Summer PalaceNo booking needed, buy on arrival
- Bring your original passport. Photos and copies are not accepted.
- The Forbidden City and many museums close on Mondays.
- If they sell out, guided tours usually have their own tickets.
Last checked October 2026 against official sources.
Questions about tickets that sell out
Which tickets sell out?
The Forbidden City, the National Museum in Beijing, the Terracotta Army, the Shaanxi Museum and the Chengdu pandas in high season. Book them as soon as they open, with your passport.
When do Forbidden City tickets open?
7 days ahead, at 8 pm Beijing time, on the official Palace Museum site or its WeChat mini program. In high season they go in minutes. It is closed on Mondays, except public holidays.
Why do they ask for my passport?
Each ticket is booked in your name with your passport number. At the gate they scan the original passport, photos are not accepted. If you renew your passport after booking, the ticket no longer works.
What if they are sold out?
Check again 5 to 30 minutes after release, when unpaid tickets come back, and the evening before, when refunds appear. If not, a guided tour usually has its own tickets.
Do I need to book everything?
No. For the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and most temples and parks, you can buy tickets on the day, at the gate or on your phone.
Do kids pay for tickets?
Many sights have lower prices for children, students and seniors, and little ones often go free. Still, book a place for them too and bring their passports, as they are checked.