OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Beijing
- Forbidden City
Forbidden City
Lying at the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu
Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing
dynasties. It is the biggest and best preserved complex of ancient
buildings in China, and the largest palace complex in the world.
Construction of the palace complex began in 1407, and for 500 years
this inner sanctum was off-limits to most of the world as the
emperors lived in luxury, secluded from the masses, surrounded by
their families, court officials, servants, eunuchs, concubines and
other members of court. The Forbidden City and its centrepiece, the
magnificent palace, have a permanent restoration squad, which
continually works to keep the 800 buildings and 9,999 rooms inside
the Forbidden City complex in top repair. The once Forbidden City
is now open to all visitors.
Information & Facts
Admission
¥60 (April to October); ¥40 (November to
March)
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
Opening Times
Daily 8:30am to 4:30pm (1 November to 31 March);
8:30am to 5pm (1 April to 31 October).
Time