5-Day Beijing Family Tour: Imperial Sites & Hands-On Culture

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to Beijing, the capital, for our 5-day family holiday! A local guide will meet you and your family and send you to your hotel in the city center to check in.

   Afterwards, you are free to explore at your leisure.

   Free Time Ideas:

   The best way to get to know a city is through its food. We’ll send your family a guide for seeking Beijing’s cuisines, leading you deep into the hidden alleys to discover some time-honoured restaurants.

   You can also pop over to the trendy Sanlitun district to browse international brands and chic shops.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing History
   Learn about Wonderful Chinese History with Your Kids

   Start your 5-day Beijing tour from Tian’anmen Square. It is the largest city square in the world and the centre of Beijing. Standing on the square, you will see the flagpole, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Zhengyang Gate and other iconic sites.

   

   From Tian’anmen Square, head to the Forbidden City, also called the Imperial Palace. This is a symbol of ancient China, where you can explore its rich history with your kids. Marvel at the majestic royal architecture and rare artefacts such as imperial furniture, porcelain, and paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

   In addition, you can engage your children with activities like visiting the Prince’s Library, the Archery Gallery, and the Clock Hall. Participate in a game about the nine sons of the dragon, where your children can learn about interesting Chinese mythology.

   At lunchtime, your guide will take you to enjoy the copper hotpot, featuring a clear broth. Freshly sliced beef or lamb is dipped in the broth for 8 seconds and served with sesame paste - it's absolutely delicious. During the meal, you’ll be treated to a hand-pulled noodle demonstration: the waiter will toss a long strand of dough into the air, making it dance like a ‘dragon’.

   Drive to Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD). Admire the modern buildings like CITIC Tower and CCTV Headquarters. Also, immerse yourself in stunning views of the city with your family.

   

   At the end of the day, transfer you to the hotel for rest.

   Optional Activity: Take your children to watch a spectacular acrobatics show. On stage, the performers stack chairs with remarkable steadiness or bowls spinning on the tips of their foreheads. With astonishing flexibility and balance, they push the limits of the human body.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall
   Combine the Great Wall and Olympic spirit for a relaxing family holiday

   Before exploring the man-made marvel of the Great Wall, head first to the Temple of Heaven, the largest ritual architectural complex in China. Whilst admiring the ritual buildings and the exquisite design, children can also learn more about ancient Chinese philosophical concepts such as ‘Heaven is round, and Earth is square’.

   In addition, you and your family can learn to practice Tai Chi in the nearby Temple of Heaven Park to relax both body and mind.

   

   Next, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Quieter and more lushly vegetated than Badaling, with gentler steps, it is ideal for families with children looking for a leisurely hike.

   Take the enclosed cable car directly to Watchtower No. 14, then stroll westwards to ‘Heroes’ Slope’ (No. 20) to take in the view of the surrounding mountains. On the return journey, walk to Watchtower No. 6 and take the toboggan down the mountain; you are free to control your own speed throughout.

   After the walk, return to the hotel. On the way, stop outside the 2008 Beijing Olympic venues to take some photos: the red ‘Bird’s Nest’ and blue ‘Water Cube’.

   For dinner, we have arranged the famous Peking duck for you. This renowned dish features tender, juicy duck with a crispy skin, served with thin pancakes, chopped spring onions and sauce. You and your kids will learn how to roll the duck meat correctly.

   

   Travel Tips：

   Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult when using the toboggan run. And it is not recommended for people aged over 60.

   The cable car and toboggan are not included in the tour; your guide can assist you with the tickets on site.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing’s Local Culture
   Explore the Summer Palace and traditional hutongs with cultural activities

   Today, continue your Beijing family tour. Spend your morning in the Summer Palace, known as a royal garden museum. You will witness the perfect combination of nature and royal architecture here. Climb the Longevity Hill to overlook the whole palace.

   Walk along the Long Corridor and admire classical Chinese paintings. Also, enjoy the scenery of Kunming Lake from the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

   

   In the afternoon, explore the traditional Beijing hutongs. Wandering through the alleys, see old buildings and visit a quadrangle which shows Beijing’s historical heritage and daily life.

   Optional Activities：

   You can board a distinctive dragon-shaped boat in Summer Palace and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

   To deeply experience life in old Beijing, your family can try some cultural activities like learning Chinese calligraphy, painting cute sculptures, and making dumplings.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
5. Day 5: Beijing Departure

   Today is the last day of your 5-day family tour of Beijing. The private driver will escort you to the airport or train station to your next destination. It is time to say goodbye to this family trip to Beijing!

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