Meridian Gate to Golden Water Bridges. Start your tour at 9:00 AM in front of the Meridian Gate. After security, proceed along the central axis to the Inner Golden Water Bridges. Admire the five marble bridges and the view of the Gate of Supreme Harmony

Central Outer Court (Front Palaces). You will visit in order: Hall of Supreme Harmony (imperial ceremonies), Hall of Central Harmony (emperor’s preparation), Hall of Preserving Harmony (imperial examinations). Highlight: The grand layout of the Hall of Supreme Harmony square and the stone carving behind the Hall of Preserving Harmony

The Treasure Gallery. Your guide will lead you through the Treasure Gallery to unveil the hidden history and symbolism behind imperial artifacts. Highlight: Nine-Dragon Wall, gold-inlaid pearl celestial globe, Empress Xiaoduan’s phoenix crown

Central Inner Court (Rear Palaces). Enter the inner court via the Gate of Heavenly Purity. You will visit: Palace of Heavenly Purity (emperor’s residence), Hall of Union (empress’s ceremonies), Palace of Earthly Tranquility (empress’s quarters), Imperial Garden (rare stones and ancient trees)

Exit via Shenwumen & Light Meal. Exit north from the Imperial Garden through Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Might). Light meals are available nearby, or bring your own snacks. The morning tour of the Forbidden City ends here at around 12:00 PM.

If you select the Full-Day option, your tour continues at 12:30 PM. Jingshan Park is an artificial hill created from earth excavated for the Forbidden City's moat. It offers the definitive panoramic viewpoint over Beijing's Central Axis, acclaimed as the "highest point at the city's heart." You will visit: • Wanchun Pavilion (approx. 15-minute climb) for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s central axis. • Shouhuang Hall: Imperial ancestral temple on the west side.

Beihai Park is China's oldest and most completely preserved imperial garden. You will visit: • Qionghua Island: Ascend the White Dagoba (Tibetan-style stupa) for views of Zhongnanhai. • Yong’an Temple: Qing-era royal temple. • Lakeside Stroll: Pass Haopu Creek and Fangshan Garden. • North Shore Sights: Nine-Dragon Wall (colorful glazed tiles), Jingxin Studio (“Qianlong’s Small Garden”)

Conclude your day with a guided stroll from Beihai Park towards the Houhai area. This area represents the "living extension" of Beijing’s Central Axis, an ideal place to feel the simultaneous pulse of Beijing's profound history and its contemporary rhythm. It is also home to numerous time-honored restaurants. The entire tour ends at 5:30 PM. You can then explore the lakeside restaurants and bars at your own pace to enjoy the rest of your evening.