Palace Museum to offer more flexible tickets

Beijing's Forbidden City keeps updating its pricing policy, and is now offering flexible ticket prices, free-of-charge days, and annual passes for frequent visitors. The new plan still aims to limit the number of visitors, relieving pressure on the museum.

In 2013 the Palace Museum welcomed about 14-million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world. And such massive crowds are a heavy burden on the staff and the facilities.

In response, the museum has issued a series of measures to balance the huge flow of visitors, encouraging tourists to come during off-peak seasons.

"We are not going to increase ticket prices to limit visitor numbers. We only plan to lower prices on the right occasions," director of Palace Museum Shan Jixiang said.

After conducting a thorough survey, the museum has created two types of annual passes: one that costs 200 yuan for 6 entries, and another that is 300 yuan for 10 entries, with a 50% discount for elders and students. The Forbidden City will also select two days a year with free admission, yet tickets would only be available online for advance booking.

Meanwhile, the Forbidden City will continue adjusting its pricing policy based on future feedback.