Itineraries for Your Trip to Beijing
3 Days in Beijing for Families
Beijing may not seem like an obvious choice for families with kids, but the massive capital of China offers a wide range of options that will appeal to kids of all ages, from zoos with cute and cuddly giant pandas to amusement parks and dazzling acrobatic and kung fu shows. Plus, kids will appreciate visiting the Great Wall of China, especially if a toboggan is involved. You can plan your sightseeing experience so that key landmarks like the Forbidden City are made as kid-friendly as possible.
Here’s how to make the most of three days in Beijing while traveling with a family.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Beijing experiences four distinct seasons—it can get cold in winter and hot and humid in summer: Pack layers and an umbrella.
The Forbidden City is a must-see in Beijing. It’s also massive, so opt for a skip-the-line ticket to save time. A private tour can be customized to make the visit more family-friendly. Nearby Jingshan Park and Beihei Park are good places to let the kids run around. Or head to Chaoyang Park to take advantage of seasonal activities like boating in summer and tubing and ice skating in winter.
In the afternoon, visit the hutongs, or the traditional courtyard houses of Beijing. A rickshaw ride will appeal to kids and make it easier to explore further. Combine it with a food tour to sample local dishes.
No visit to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. The Mutianyu section is the most family-friendly option, with a cable car you can take up and toboggan you can take down, which will appeal to kids of all ages. Book a tour that includes transfers for a hassle-free experience.
In the evening, entertain the entire family with a dazzling acrobatic performance or a Kung Fu show. Book a tour with transfers and a Peking duck dinner for a complete experience.
There are several amusement parks in Beijing that will provide a day of fun. Options include Shijingshan Amusement Park, Beijing World Park, and Beijing Happy Valley. Book a private tour with transfers to streamline the experience.
Alternatively, if your kids are into animals, visit the Beijing Zoo. Not only is it one of the largest zoos in China, but it’s also home to eight giant pandas. Or head to Beijing Wildlife Park to go on a safari or to Beijing Ocean Park or the Pacific Underwater World to see a wide range of marine creatures.
