Forbidden City Tour and Mei Lanfang Peking Opera

Beijing, China
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesRussian, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Forbidden City Small Group Tour (English/Russian/Spanish Guide)

【Meeting time】 : 8:30 AM / 12:30 PM
【Meeting point】 : Donghuamen (East Prosperity Gate), Forbidden City

Tour details: Enter via Wumen (Meridian Gate), walk along the central axis, and see the grand halls. After the tour, your guide gives you a ticket for a Peking Opera performance at Mei Lanfang Memorial (valid 7 days; daily at 5:00 PM, ~50 min), including imperial snacks & tea tasting.

【Find Your Guide】 : Your guide (English/Russian/Spanish) will contact you by 6:00 PM the day before via phone/WhatsApp/email with meeting time, flag color, and guide's phone number.

Note for Chinese citizens: Must book when online tickets are available. Once sold out, you cannot join. According to Palace Museum rules, Mainland Chinese citizens can only book using their ID card number and Chinese name.

What's included

  • Peking Opera performance at Mei Lanfang Theatre
  • Forbidden City admission ticket (pre-booked, no extra purchase)
  • Imperial-style snacks and Chinese tea tasting during the opera
  • 3-hour guided tour in English / Russian / Spanish by certified experts
  • Hotel accommodation and transportation

What to expect

  1. The Antiquarium of The Palace Museum
    20m · Admission ticket included
    Your guide meets you at the Treasure Gallery entrance in the Ning Shou Gong complex. Admire the Nine-Dragon Wall, then explore four halls with over 400 Qing treasures—gold, silver, jade, and gem carvings. See iconic pieces like the Golden Wine Cup, the Empress's phoenix crown, and the 5‑ton jade carving "Yu Taming the Flood." Visit restored halls (Yangxing, Leshou, Yihe Xuan) to glimpse imperial living quarters. Your guide shares stories of the imperial workshops, the craftsmanship behind these masterpieces, and their use in court rituals and daily life—bringing 600 years of history to life.
  2. Mei Lanfang Memorial
    50m · Admission ticket included
    You will enter the historic Mei Lanfang Memorial, a traditional Beijing courtyard where the legendary Peking Opera master once lived. Here, you will watch a live Peking Opera performance in an intimate setting, featuring classic excerpts and elaborate costumes. During the show, you will also enjoy a selection of traditional Chinese snacks and tea, just as audiences did a century ago. Your host will explain the stories behind the makeup, gestures, and music, giving you a deeper appreciation of this UNESCO-recognized art form. A truly cultural evening in the heart of Beijing's hutongs.
  3. The Palace Museum
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Your expert guide will meet you at the Meridian Gate (Wumen), the main entrance to the Forbidden City. Together you'll walk through the Gate of Supreme Harmony and enter the world's largest ancient palace complex. You will visit the three great halls where emperors held ceremonies, then explore the inner court including the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Imperial Garden. Your guide will share stories of Ming and Qing dynasties, explain the symbolism of roof animals and red walls, and help you imagine life inside this forbidden palace. You'll also have time to take photos at the iconic Nine-Dragon Wall and learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site has survived for over 600 years.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Subway: Take Line 8 to Jin Yu Hutong Exit C, walk 10 min on Donghuamen St to meeting point. Taxi: Get off at Wangfu Century Building, walk 5 min. Your guide will contact you via WhatsApp/email the day before with exact meeting spot.

End point

Enjoy a performance of Peking Opera, a national treasure of China [including imperial snacks and Chinese tea tasting]

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Ronghui Cultural Tourism · Booked through Viator
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