The Forbidden City, the former residence of Chinese emperors that has been converted into a museum, will only allow 80,000 visitors a day from June 13, the news agency Xinhua reports.
The large number of visitors to the heritage site are hampering the conservation work on the majestic palace complex whose architecture and relics are beginning to show signs of wear and tear.
The new limit will require local tourists to buy entrance tickets using documents of identification while foreigners will have to produce their passports.
Museum authorities also urge people to make online bookings on the museum's official webpage (dpm.org.cn) to prevent long lines and ensure they are able to visit the complex.
The Forbidden City, located in the historical and geographical heart of the Chinese capital, was the centre of power for 24 Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years between 1420 and 1911.
It attracts more than 15 million visitors each year, according to official data.
