Visiting Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is probably at the top of the list for any travel enthusiasts. This unique complex, which consists of nearly 1,000 buildings, is a perfect place to learn more about Chinese culture and its contributions to the world. You can check out historical artifacts and enjoy the stunning architecture.
However, in order to make your visit to Forbidden City memorable for good reasons only, you should look to avoid some common mistakes that most of the 19 million tourists a year who visit usually make. Check them out.
Using Credit Card to Pay for Entrance Fee
You can pay the entrance fee with your credit card, but only a few booths process this kind of payment. The lines can get long and things complicated if you don’t speak Mandarin. To avoid this, simply bring cash and save yourself the trouble.
Getting There at Noon
If you don’t want to deal with crowds and a swarming river of tourists, avoid getting to Forbidden City around noon. Instead, make it your first stop early in the morning. Be there as soon as it opens (or even earlier) and enjoy the uninterrupted exploration.
Not Wearing Proper Shoes
Since the place is huge, you’ll probably spend up to four hours checking out all the major points. This means a lot of walking, and anything other than comfy shoes on your feet will result in blisters and a bad time.
Not Bringing Food and Drinks
There are some food and drink joints inside the Forbidden City, but they are almost always packed and have high prices. Just toss a sandwich and a bottle of water in your backpack to save yourself the hassle.