I am going to beijing from 3 - 8 sep 2015. When is the best date to visit forbidden palace?

Wow, I suggest you visit there on 8th (7th is Monday, and the museum will be closed), for there are V-day national parade activities in Tian’anmen Square, and the nearby scenic areas including the imperial palace will be closed in former days.

Hi we are also going to be in Beijing from 4th to 8th September. Is it possible to buy tickets for the attraction online and if so where from? I've searched for a website but just get tours coming up which we don't want to do. Is it possible to just buy tickets?

Of course, it is possible to book online and its official booking website is both for travel agency and tourists. The only problem is that only Chinese version is available. Do search for the correct URL through the official webiste of the imperial palace.

And online tickets are limited to 40,000, half of the total number. So it is possible to buy a ticket at sight. It is highly recommended to go early (at least an hour before open) to line up.

Hi Sarah, thanks for the recommendation!

Hi Susanne, heard of anyone purchase ticket successfully online? The website require to setup an account in order to buy the ticket. But was unable to as website does not allow me to submit, saying wrong phone number format. Not too sure if booking only applies to China citizen?

Oh, the website only accepts Chinese phone number for log in. If you don't have, i'm afraid you can only go there early to line up for a ticket on that day.