Forbidden City Entry: What to Bring When You Booked Online but Got No QR Code (2026)
Bring the original passport you used to book; that is the only document you need to enter the Forbidden City 故宫. The Palace Museum's ticketing system is fully real-name and digital, so a QR code is not required. Staff at the Meridian Gate scan your passport, match it against the booking record, and let you in. The booking name and passport number must match exactly, including the order of given names. If you booked through the official site at bookingticket.dpm.org.cn, no email confirmation is needed at the gate. Tickets cost 60 yuan in peak season (April 1 to October 31) and 40 yuan off-peak; the Treasure Hall and Clock Museum each cost 10 yuan extra. Slots release 7 days in advance at 8 p.m. Beijing time and sell out fast on weekends and holidays. The museum closes Mondays except on public holidays. Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your booked entry slot since security at Tiananmen Square 天安门 takes 20 to 60 minutes. Large suitcases are not allowed; use the storage office near the gate. If the system cannot find your booking, walk to the on-site ticket office near the entrance with your passport and the booking confirmation email saved on your phone for backup.
- Show the original passport used at booking; it is the ticket. No QR code or printed confirmation is needed at the Meridian Gate.
- Booking name and passport number must match exactly; mismatched given names cause gate rejection.
- Peak ticket is 60 yuan (April 1 to October 31); off-peak is 40 yuan. Slots release 7 days ahead at 8 p.m. Beijing time.
- Closed every Monday except on public holidays; arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for the Tiananmen Square security check.
- Save the booking email on your phone as backup; if the system fails to scan, the ticket office near the entrance can verify.
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