This 600-year-old imperial palace stretches across a staggering 720,000 square meters. It’s truly a place that takes your breath away. But let’s be honest — it also takes a lot of walking. And if you’re like me (or traveling with older family members), you’ll quickly realize something important: knowing where to find toilets in the Forbidden City can be a real lifesaver.
In this guide, I’ll show you where to find public toilets in the Forbidden City (yes, with a map!) and some insider tips that’ll make your visit a lot more comfortable.
Let’s dive in, because when it comes to sightseeing here, knowing the locations of Public restrooms in the Forbidden City is just as important as finding the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
1. A Quick Overview of Toilets in the Forbidden City
Here’s some good news — you won’t have to worry too much about finding a washroom inside the Forbidden City.
There are 11 modern public toilets spread across the massive grounds. Seven of them sit along the central axis, while two are tucked away on the east side and one sits quietly on the west. They’re easy to spot — each one has clear English signs that say Toilet.
Even better? All of them are free and come with accessible facilities for visitors with mobility needs.
Just one tip — bring your own tissues. Some bathrooms don’t offer toilet paper, and trust me, you don’t want to be caught off guard. I always carry a few small tissue packs. They’re light, cheap, and seriously handy.
Knowing the locations of the public toilets in the Forbidden City is great — but being prepared for them is even better.
💡Important Travel Tip:
During peak tourist seasons, be prepared for long lines at the Forbidden City’s restrooms—there are only eleven across the entire site, and the queues, especially for the women’s toilets, can be quite long. If you’re visiting during a busy time of year or during peak hours of the day, it’s wise to plan ahead and expect to spend a fair bit of time waiting in line for the bathroom.
2. The 11 Main Toilet Locations in the Forbidden City
I’ve walked the full route, and yes, I’ve tested most of them myself (when you travel with parents, you learn fast!). Below are the ten main public washroom locations I found — all easy to spot once you know where to look.
Let’s start from the southern entrance.
1) Meridian Gate Toilet (午门内左侧洗手间) — Your First Stop
Right after you pass security and enter through the massive Meridian Gate (午门内 Wumen), don’t rush in just yet.
On your left-hand side, tucked just west of the gate, walk a bit further and you’ll see a clear Toilet/WC sign. That’s the first Public restrooms you’ll encounter inside the palace walls.
I always stop here. After the lines, security checks, and excitement, it’s the perfect place to “lighten the load” before exploring. Trust me — once you’re deep inside the Forbidden City, it takes a while to reach the next bathroom.
So take a moment here. It sets you up for a much more comfortable start.
2) Wenhua Hall Toilet (文华殿洗手间)
After you pass through the Meridian Gate, continue straight until you reach the Gate of United Harmony (Xiehemen).
Look to the east side — that’s your right if you’re facing north. Just across from Wenhua Gate （文华门 Gate of Literary Glory), south of Wenhua Hall （文华殿 Hall of Literary Glory , you’ll spot the second public toilet.
It’s easy to miss if you’re not watching for it, but the Toilet/WC sign helps. This one feels a bit more tucked away and peaceful.
What I love about this spot? There’s a small rest area right outside. I usually take a short break here — sip some water, check the map, and let my legs recover.
If you’re exploring with family or older travelers, this washroom offers both relief and a moment to breathe. It’s clean, calm, and rarely crowded.
3) Neizuomen Toilet 内左门洗手间 — The Midway Lifesaver
After exploring the stunning Three Great Halls along the central axis, your legs might be tired — and your bladder too.
Keep walking until you reach Qianqing Men Square (乾清门广场). On the east side, just inside Neizuomen (内左门 the Inner Left Gate), you’ll find your next toilet stop.
This is one of the most important washrooms on the route. By this point, you’ve already covered a lot of ground, and the next bathroom is still a ways off.
I remember being so relieved (pun intended) when I spotted the Toilet/WC sign here. It’s clean, fairly large, and easy to reach without detouring off the main path.
If you’re wondering where to find public toilets in the Forbidden City as you move deeper in, this one is a must-know.
Take a moment here — refill your bottle, catch your breath, and continue your palace journey feeling refreshed.
4) Neiyoumen Toilet 内右门洗手间 — West Side Relief Along the Central Axis
Right after you’ve marveled at the Three Great Halls and stepped into Qianqing Gate Square, you’ll hit another decision point.
If you’re on the west side of the square, look out for the Neiyoumen Toilet ( the Inner Right Gate)— just opposite the Inner Left Gate washroom I mentioned earlier.
This one sits closer to the western edge of the central axis, so it’s a great option if you’re exploring that side. I actually found this one a little quieter, maybe because fewer people venture to the west.
The Toilet/WC signs are clearly marked, and again — no need to pay, but don’t forget your tissues.
When people ask me about the public restrooms in the Forbidden City, I always say it depends on where you are. These two washrooms — Neizuomen and Neiyoumen — make a perfect pair, one on each side of the square.
So just pick your side and go with it. Either way, you’re covered.
5 & 6) Imperial Garden Toilets 御花园洗手间 — Two Peaceful Options in the Palace’s Backyard
After walking through marble courtyards and golden halls, you’ll finally reach the Imperial Garden — one of my favorite spots in the Forbidden City.
It’s quiet, shaded, and beautifully landscaped. But best of all? It has two public toilets, one on each side of the garden.
Let’s start with the west side.
I found the first bathroom tucked inside the courtyard near Qianqiuting Pavilion (千秋亭). The path curves a little, so watch for the small Toilet/WC sign as you enter the pavilion yard.
Now, for the east side — just beside Jiangxue Pavilion (绛雪轩), there’s a long hall (a linked room) where the second washroom is hidden. It’s not immediately obvious, but if you follow the signs, you’ll get there.
Both bathrooms are convenient, especially after a full tour along the central axis. I always stop here before heading toward the exit. They’re peaceful, practical, and perfectly placed for a final break before wrapping up the visit.
7) Archery Pavilion Toilet 箭亭洗手间 — A Quiet Spot in the Southeast Corner
If you head toward the southeast area of the Forbidden City, near Jianting Pavilion ( 箭亭 Archery Pavilion), you’ll find a lesser-known gem — the Jianting Toilet.
I ended up here after spending time at the Wenhua Hall (Hall of Literary Glory ) and the Ceramics Gallery nearby. It’s the closest washroom in this section, and honestly, a nice surprise.
Unlike the main central-axis toilets, this one sees fewer visitors. That means shorter waits, a calmer atmosphere, and sometimes — actual peace and quiet.
It’s tucked just off the path, with clear Toilet/WC signs leading the way. I found it easily, and it felt like a much-needed break from the crowd.
So if you’re exploring the east wing of the Forbidden City, this is the public restroom you’ll want to remember. It’s clean, quiet, and not too far from the exhibits.
8) Treasure Gallery Toilet 珍宝馆洗手间 — Hidden Relief Near the Gate of Cultivation
If you’re planning to visit the Treasure Gallery (珍宝馆) , here’s a toilet you won’t want to miss.
Just north of the gallery, beside the Gate of Cultivation (养性门 Yangxingmen), you’ll find a public bathroom tucked away in a quiet corner. It’s easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention — but thankfully, signs marked Toilet/WC point the way.
After admiring sparkling crowns and ancient jade, I was ready for a break. This washroom came at the perfect time. It wasn’t busy at all, and the area felt calm, almost tucked away from the usual tourist route.
If you’re exploring the Treasure Gallery or nearby eastern halls, this is the most convenient option. Trust me, it’s a lot better than holding it while trying to enjoy ancient imperial bling.
9) Zhenfei Well Toilet 珍妃井洗手间 — A Quiet Break Near a Tragic Spot
After visiting the hauntingly famous Zhenfei Well (Pearl Concubine’s Well), I needed a moment — both emotionally and physically.
Thankfully, there’s a public toilet just to the northwest of the well. It’s not far at all. Just follow the nearby Toilet/WC sign, and you’ll find it tucked between the trees and ancient walls.
This spot is usually quiet. Not many people wander this far unless they’re diving deep into the Forbidden City’s darker history.
So, if you’re tracing history through the palace’s lesser-known corners, this one’s your go-to in the northwest of the east side.
10) Ice Cellar Restaurant Toilet 冰窖餐厅洗手间 — A Final Stop Near Food and History
Toward the western side of the central axis, near the Gate of Great Ancestors ( 隆中门 Longzhongmen), you’ll find the last key stop on my washroom tour.
Just across from the Ice Cellar Restaurant, there’s a public toilet that’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it. I stumbled on it while searching for lunch — and wow, perfect timing.
This is actually the only washroom on the west side of the central axis, so if you’re walking that path, remember it. The signs say Toilet/WC, and it’s right near where people rest or grab a bite.
I grabbed some noodles from the Ice Cellar, then ducked into the toilet before continuing my walk. It was clean, quiet, and not too crowded — especially compared to the main path restrooms. This one is a solid, strategic stop.
11) Wuying Hall Toilet (武英殿Hall of Martial Valor)
If you visit the Forbidden City in the west line, you may use this toilet when you visit Wuying Hall (武英殿Hall of Martial Valor) . It is located south of Ice Cellar Restaurant.
The Hall of Martial Valor (Wuying Hall) is a group of palace buildings originally constructed during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty. Located west of the Xihe Gate in the Outer Court of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the main hall faces south and features five bays across the front and three bays in depth. It is topped with a hip roof covered in yellow glazed tiles. The hall stands on a Sumeru pedestal surrounded by a white marble balustrade, with a projecting terrace at the front and a passageway leading directly to the Wuying Gate.
3. Practical Tips for Using the Toilets
After a full day wandering the Forbidden City, I picked up a few tricks for handling bathroom breaks like a pro.
First — plan your stops. On average, toilets are spaced about 300 to 500 meters apart. I found it helpful to check the map after each major hall. That way, I always knew where the next washroom would be before I really needed it.
Good news — all toilets here are wheelchair accessible. Just look for the universal accessibility symbol on the doors. If you’re not sure, don’t be shy — the staff are kind and helpful. I once asked where the nearest accessible toilet was, and they walked me right to it.
However, most of the accessible toilets in the Forbidden City are not separate facilities—they are integrated with the regular toilets.
Try to avoid peak times if you can. Around 10:00–12:00 and 2:00–3:30, the main toilets, especially along the central axis, get crowded. I often detour to smaller spots like the Jianting Toilet or Zhefei Well Toilet— much quieter!
Look out for benches near public restrooms too. They make great rest stops. You can also bring a folding stool — yes, they’re allowed!
And if you’re in a pinch? Just ask a staff member: “洗手间在哪里？” (Where’s the toilet?) — they’ll help with a smile.
I truly hope this little guide makes your journey through the Forbidden City easier and more enjoyable.
Knowing the locations of the toilets in the Forbidden City is not just about comfort — it’s about peace of mind. When you don’t have to worry about “small things,” you can focus on the real treasures: the palaces, the gardens, and the history that lives in every stone.
So, go explore with confidence. Take breaks when you need them. And if you’re ever unsure, just ask a friendly staff member — they’re always willing to help.
May your visit to the Forbidden City be filled with wonder, discovery, and plenty of happy memories — without the worry of finding the nearest restroom.
🌟Further Reading
How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets On‑Site: Maps & Travel Tips
Forbidden City in a Wheelchair: Accessible Paths & Toilets
Best Route to Visit Forbidden City: 3 Walking Routes & Maps
Where to See Caisson Ceilings in the Forbidden City
Avoid Crowds: When Not to Visit the Forbidden City
Eating Places inside the Forbidden City
Forbidden City Autumn Photography: Best Fall Color Photo Spots
Forbidden City Spring Blossoms: Best Photo Spots and Visitor Map
Forbidden City Night View: A Guide for Visitors
Forbidden City Turret and Moat Photo Tips
