East Asia · China

Forbidden City, Beijing

Historic Full day difficulty: Easy with kids: yes

The vast palace of China's emperors in the heart of Beijing, with nearly a thousand buildings of golden roofs, enormous courtyards, and red walls. For centuries common people could not enter; hence its name.

With kids

Look for the little ceramic animals lined up on the eaves of the roofs
Count the bronze lions guarding the gates
Cross one red-and-gold courtyard after another
Imagine how a child emperor lived here, surrounded by servants

Accessibility: All ages; it's huge and you walk a lot — plan rest stops

With family

Follow the palace's central axis from gate to gate
Climb the hill in the nearby park to see the roofs from above
Discover the imperial garden at the back, more intimate and green
Talk about why this city was called 'forbidden'

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Forbidden City, Beijing. ← All destinations