Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: March 9, 2026
The first time I spent a full day exploring the Forbidden City, I quickly realized something many visitors discover the same way—after hours of walking through courtyards and halls, you’ll probably start wondering where to eat.
The palace is breathtaking, but food options inside are fairly simple. Knowing the eating places in the Forbidden City ahead of time helps you plan your day much more comfortably.
Today there are a few convenient cafés and small restaurants scattered inside the palace grounds. Places like the Ice Cellar Restaurant, the Palace Museum Restaurant, and the Corner Tower Café near Shenwu Gate offer basic meals and drinks.
The food is straightforward—noodles, rice bowls, snacks, and coffee—but after several hours of sightseeing, even a simple meal can feel like a welcome break.
In this guide, I’ll show you the main eating places in the Forbidden City, what to expect, and a few practical tips to keep your visit smooth.
1. Palace Museum Restaurant: A Warm Stop Near the Hall of Clocks and Watches
The first time I stopped at the Palace Museum Restaurant, I had already been walking through the Forbidden City for several hours. By the time I reached the area near the Hall of Clocks and Watches, I was ready for a break. That’s when the smell of hot noodles drifting from the restaurant caught my attention.
Palace Museum Restaurant sits quietly in this corner of the palace grounds and is one of the most convenient eating places in the Forbidden City if you want a warm meal without leaving the complex.
Inside, the atmosphere feels casual and practical. You’ll see trays of fried rice, steaming noodle bowls, soups, and a few simple snacks. It’s not a place for gourmet dining, but after hours of exploring vast courtyards, even a basic meal can feel surprisingly satisfying.
I’ve noticed that on colder days, this spot becomes especially welcoming. Sitting down with a bowl of hot soup noodles or fried rice while resting your feet can be exactly what you need before continuing your visit.
Meals here usually cost around 40–50 RMB, which is quite reasonable considering you’re inside one of China’s most famous landmarks.
One small tip from experience: try to come before 11:00 a.m. or after about 1:30 p.m. Around noon, the lunch crowd can grow quickly and lines often stretch outside the door.
2. Ice Cellar Restaurant 冰窖餐厅
What is it like to eat in the ice cellar of the Forbidden City more than 300 years ago? The “Ice Cellar” restaurant, is a stone cellar near the famous Cining Palace ( 慈宁宫 ). Since the ice cellar is a semi-underground building, from the outside, it looks like a huge and low old house.
The History of Ice Cellar
The ice cellar of the Imperial Palace was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. There are 4 existing, north-south, semi-underground arch cave buildings. The rammed earth between the wall and the arch roof and the roof tiles are very thick, and the heat insulation is very good.
The Layout of Ice Cellar Restaurant
The Ice Cellar Restaurant is mainly divided into three parts: a book bar, a cafe and a restaurant.
The book bar and the coffee are opposite each other in the same courtyard, and the book bar sells books and cultural and creative products from the Palace Museum Press.
The Cafe environment is simple and fresh, sitting inside looking at the outside of the red walls and green tiles, light and shadow mottled, bamboo shadow dancing.
How to Get to the Restaurant
Just follow the red wall from the Cafe, then walk to the restaurant.
The ice cellar restaurant also develops creative products with the cultural characteristics of the Forbidden City according to the cultural connotation of the ice cellar.
For example, the packaging design of ice cream with palace characteristics is derived from the imperial ice of the Qing Dynasty, which is full of cultural characteristics of the Forbidden City.
After the introduction of cold drinks, ordinary visitors can also enjoy the “Royal ice storage”, so that visitors can enjoy quality services at the same time, through cultural creativity to understand the ancient palace summer methods and ice system.
1.The ice cellar restaurant of the Forbidden City is in the direction of Cining Palace ( 慈宁宫), or you are most likely to be Lost in the Forbidden City!
2, The ice cellar restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 to 16:00, but basically 3:30 p.m. no more dinner.
It is closed every Monday.
3, There is no mobile phone signal in the ice cellar due to the heavy masonry,. You can turn on the WIFI.
Hours: Daily 10:30–14:30
Avg. cost: ¥70 per person
3. The Corner Tower Cafe 角楼咖啡
Actually, the Forbidden City Corner Tower Cafe is located on the left side of the outside Shenwu Gate ( Gate of Divine Prowess, or the North Gate) when you finish your visit on your south-north visiting path. So when you go out of the north gate to Forbidden City, just turn left and take a break to immerse yourself in the Palace Musuem’s Cafe culture.
On December 1, 2018, the Palace Museum Corner Tower Coffee was officially opened, and visitors can enjoy coffee and feel the culture of the Palace Museum without having to be in the ” the palace”. With partitions, gray bricks, wooden chairs and other coffee shop interior furnishings, antique, and wall wallpaper, the Corner Cafe is now a tourist attraction itself in Beijing. In November 2020, it was selected into the list of the first Beijing Internet celebrity punch card (100 in total).
The “Palace” flavor is full of “The palace Selection” menu list: heart-nourishing coffee, three thousand beauties milk tea, Buddha’s hand tea, a ride of red dust concubine smile – Lychee black tea and other special drinks.
Address: Shenwumen West Room, Palace Museum, No.4 Jingshan Qianjie, Beijing
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08:30-17:30
After a few hours inside the palace, most visitors eventually start looking for a place to sit down and recharge. The eating places in the Forbidden City may be simple, but they offer a welcome break during a long day of exploring courtyards, halls, and museums.
My usual advice is to plan a short rest around midday. A quick bowl of noodles, a cup of coffee, or even just a cold drink can make the second half of your visit much more enjoyable.
Before you go, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sun protection, and pace yourself—the Forbidden City is much larger than many travelers expect.
Most importantly, take your time and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk slowly through the courtyards, notice the details in the architecture, and remember that you’re standing inside a palace that has witnessed more than six centuries of history.
About the Author
Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.
Further Reading
How to Visit Forbidden City: Maps, Tickets, Walking Routes & Tips
Forbidden City Autumn Photography: Best Fall Color Photo Spots
Forbidden City Spring Blossoms: Best Photo Spots and Visitor Map
Where to See Caisson Ceilings in the Forbidden City
Forbidden City in a Wheelchair: Accessible Paths & Toilets
Toilets in the Forbidden City: Locations, Map & Tips for Visitors
Best Route to Visit Forbidden City: 3 Walking Routes & Maps
Forbidden City Night View: A Guide for Visitors
Forbidden City Turret and Moat Photo Tips
Eating Places inside the Forbidden City
Avoid Crowds: When Not to Visit the Forbidden City
