Beijing’s Forbidden City Transformed by Its First Snow

Forbidden City snow
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Beijing’s Forbidden City Transformed by Its First Snow

Experience Beijing’s first snow at the Forbidden City. Discover stunning winter scenes, red walls and golden rooftops covered in snow, perfect for photography and travel.

On December 12th, Beijing saw its first snowfall of the season, and the Forbidden City instantly became the city’s top winter destination. White snow covers the red walls and golden rooftops, turning the ancient palace into a stunning winter scene.

Visitors hurried to capture photos, and on social media, these snow-covered courtyards quickly went viral. Posts about the Forbidden City under snow often rack up tens of millions of views and thousands of comments on Chinese social media platforms, with many users saying it looks like a painting or a scene from history. The first snowfall is more than just weather—it’s a chance to experience Beijing’s culture in a magical, photo-ready setting.

Moreover, the first snow brings a sense of excitement and celebration. Families, photographers, and tourists all come together to enjoy the view. Sharing photos online has turned this seasonal event into a popular ritual.

Whether you love history, photography, or just winter beauty, the Forbidden City in the snow offers a rare and unforgettable experience.

Beijing first snow
On December 12th, Beijing experienced its first snowfall of winter 2025, covering the Forbidden City in a blanket of white. (All photos from CNS)
the Forbidden City
Beijing’s first snow of winter 2025 transforms the Forbidden City.
the corner tower of the Forbidden City
People photograph the corner tower of the Forbidden City lit up in the snow.
The Forbidden City’s corner towe
The Forbidden City’s corner tower shines amid the snow.
snowmen
Visitors capture photos of snowmen.
snow at the Forbidden City
Visitors enjoy the snow at the Forbidden City. (File photo from CNS)
the snow-covered Forbidden City
People photograph the snow-covered Forbidden City from Jingshan Hill. (File photo from CNS)

If you liked this article, why not read: The Palace Museum at 100: A Century of Heritage and Innovation

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