Clock Gallery (Hall of Clocks and Watches)
Why visit here?
The Clock Gallery is located inside the Forbidden City's Hall of Ancestral Worship (Fengxian Hall). The Palace Museum now holds over 1,500 Qing-dynasty timepieces. Most of them were made in the 18th to early 20th centuries. The gallery displays around 120 representative examples. Some were made in the imperial workshops in Beijing. Others came from Guangzhou and Suzhou. Still others were imported from Britain, France and Switzerland. The display is grouped by origin, with each section highlighting distinct design styles and mechanical features.
Pros & Cons
- East-West Mechanical Fusion – Chinese clocks imitate traditional architecture and use figurines for auspicious scenes. British and Swiss clocks feature pianos, water fountains and bird calls. The Qing “Night Watch Clock” combines Western Roman numerals with a traditional Chinese “geng” (watch) system that adjusts by season.
- Multisensory Mechanical Theater – These clocks do not simply tick. Figures emerge to strike bells. Birds flap their wings and sing. Water jets flow and music plays. Emperors enjoyed them as performance art.
- Hidden Sound & Motion – One clock features a tiny organ. Another contains a waterfall mechanism. The machines run for a short time on full wind. This is why the gallery suggests visitors stand at the demonstration spots at scheduled moments.
- Separate Ticket Required – The Clock Gallery requires an additional ¥10 ticket. You must purchase it together with your main Palace Museum entrance ticket through the official WeChat mini-program. Tickets are not sold on site. Book up to seven days in advance.
- Closes on Mondays – The Palace Museum is closed on Mondays, except for national holidays. The Clock Gallery follows the same closure.
- Last Entry Is Early – In peak season (April 1 to October 31), the gallery closes at 4:10 PM. In off season (November 1 to March 31), it closes at 3:40 PM. Arrive well before those times.
- One-Way Route – Visitors enter through the Meridian Gate (south gate). The Clock Gallery sits on the eastern side of the inner court. The Forbidden City is a one-way route, so plan your path ahead.
Contact a Travel Specialist to Start Your Custom Tour
Your Trip is 100% Tailor-Made
Your personal travel expert creates a journey perfectly matched to your vision, handling every detail from destinations to unique experiences.
Expert Local Consultant Assigned
You'll connect directly with on-the-ground experts who know China inside out. They offer real insider advice most travelers miss.
Dedicated Guide & Transfers Included
Your journey is led by an expert local guide, with your group's exclusive private transport ensuring hassle-free travel between attractions.
Best Price, No Middlemen
You'll link directly with local China travel experts. As a China-based operator, we handle nationwide ground services efficiently.