Option 1: Ticket + Optional Guide: You can enter independently anytime between 10:30 and 15:30, or meet the guide at the meeting point at 12:30.
Option 2: Ticket+Private Guide : Private guide will meet you in hotel lobby at 12:30 AM and accompany you to Forbidden City (one-way taxi included).
Book at least 8 days in advance to secure tickets online. You'll still pass security, but it saves time since on-site lines are long.