The Palace Museum has confirmed and tightened the mechanics of its real-name entry system: every visitor passes identity verification at the gate, assisted by facial-recognition devices used for real-time comparison only, and the museum has publicly restated that it authorizes no third party to book or resell tickets. For foreign visitors the practical rule is simple: book with your passport, carry your passport, and don't try shortcuts.

Who this affects

All foreign visitors to the Forbidden City — but especially: travelers whose passports were renewed between booking and travel (the number changes), families splitting into "one person books for six," and anyone tempted by online "ticket agents" promising sold-out slots.

What changed

From the museum's official visitor notice and booking rules (dpm.org.cn):

  • Entry is real-name verified at the Meridian Gate, with face-recognition equipment used to speed up checks; the museum states facial data is compared in real time and not stored.
  • Foreign visitors book with a passport number and must present the original physical passport — one ticket per passport per day. Copies and phone photos do not pass verification.
  • Tickets cannot be transferred, re-dated or re-timed after purchase; the person named is the person who enters.
  • Cancellation and no-show rules: unused tickets can be cancelled via the original booking channel before 24:00 the day before the visit with no penalty; cancelling on the visit day (before 20:00) counts as one "strike"; no cancellation after 20:00 on the visit day. Three strikes within 180 days locks the account out of bookings for 60 days.
  • The museum states it has never authorized any agency or individual to resell tickets or book on visitors' behalf; scalped bookings are at real risk of being voided at the gate. Authorities in Beijing have been actively prosecuting scalpers who bulk-book free and paid museum slots for resale.
  • Release rhythm is unchanged: tickets go out 7 days in advance at 20:00 Beijing time on the official mini program and website.

What to do

  1. Check your passport validity and number now if you booked weeks ago; renewals invalidate the booking match. Rebook with the new document.
  2. Carry the original passport of every traveler, including children — one bag check saved is not worth a denied entry.
  3. Book only through the museum's official channels; anything resold can be cancelled without recourse.
  4. Plans changed? Cancel before 24:00 the night before to keep your account clean — strikes are per account and add up.

Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Confirm details with official channels before you travel.