The Forbidden City, former home of emperors and now the Palace Museum will extend its opening hours to make it more convenient for tourists.

The square of the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwu Gate) will open in the evening to visitors with parking facilities available so that people can get a taste of the Forbidden City culture after work. The Meridian Gate (Wu Gate) Digital Exhibition Hall will also be open to visitors at night.

More area of the Forbidden City will also stay open to visitors this year as it marks its 90th anniversary. After its renovation work is completed nearly 65 percent of the Palace Museum will be open to visitors.

For those unable to get to central Beijing, there will be an opportunity to visit the "Digital Forbidden City" through apps shortly to be made available. The apps will give users a tour of the history of the palace and the clothing worn by different emperors through the ages. This will also allow users to access areas of the Forbidden City currently closed to public.

Unique Experiences

Puccini dreamed about the Forbidden City, but never visited, for centuries all but royalty and dignitaries were barred from entering its gates, and even in this modern era much of the grounds are off-limits to the public. So what more fitting finale and privilege for your VIP guests than a dinner in one of the Temples within the Forbidden City Grounds.