In this confusing pandemic era where rules and restrictions are set on everything, what are the protocols for traveling around Beijing? Here is a guide to making your journey around China’s capital as easy as possible.

天安门 Tiananmen Square

1. Remember to reserve your spot here or here at least one day before your trip, as there is a limit on the number of guests who are allowed to enter.
2. Bring the form of identification you used to reserve your spot with you！
3. You need a negative PCR test within 72 hours visible on Health Kit to enter.

Tickets: Free. You don’t need to buy tickets.
Hours: 5am-10pm
Subway: Line 1

故宫 Forbidden City

1. Remember to buy your tickets beforehand here, as a limited amount of guests are allowed.
2. Bring the form of identification you used to buy your tickets with you！
3. You need a negative PCR test within 72 hours visible on Health Kit to enter.

Tickets: RMB 40
Hours: 8.30am-5pm
Subway: Line 1

颐和园 Summer Palace

1. Access the QR code to buy tickets here
2. Bring the form of identification you used to buy your tickets with you！
3. You need a negative PCR test from within 72 hours visible on Health Kit to enter.

Tickets: RMB 60
Hours: 6am-8pm (7pm no more entry)
Subway: Line 4

八达岭长城 Badaling Great Wall

1. Order tickets beforehand through WeChat mini programs by scanning this picture
2. Bring the form of identification you used to buy your tickets with you！
3. You need a negative PCR test from within 72 hours visible on Health Kit to enter.

Tickets: RMB 80
Hours: 9am-4pm
Bus: Line 877

Pictures: Unsplash, pexels

When I think of the Summer Palace, I always picture palatial royal gardens, magnificent palaces, and watching the sunset at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥 shí qī kǒng qiáo). But an online search taught me that the Summer Palace had suffered the same fate as Yuan Ming Yuan (圆明园 yuán míng yuán)- it has been burned down by the British and French armies, then by the eight-power Allied forces (八路军 bā lù jūn), and again by the Nationalists.

Origins and Fu Lu Shou

It had been built for Empress CiXi in her twilight years as an “old people’s house,” as she promised Emperor GuangXu he could be in charge of the government and that she would no longer interfere. Given this genesis, it’s not difficult to see that the symbolism of “Fu Lu Shou” (fortune, prosperity, and longevity) crops up everywhere in the design: The palace is full of pine trees, a symbol of authority and long life; there’s a big stone called 寿星石 shòu xīng shí because it has the vague shape of the god of longevity; behind the throne at the RenShou Palace (仁寿殿 rén shòu diàn) is a mirror-screen that’s full of the character 寿 shòu. And allegedly, an aerial view reveals that the Summer Palace looks like a giant longevity-peach (寿桃 shòu táo), another symbol of long-life.In ancient China, dragons represented males and patriarchy whereas phoenixes represented females and matriarchy. An interesting fact is that since Empress CiXi wanted to demonstrate her power and control, she deliberately switched the position of the dragon and phoenix statues at the palace so that the phoenix sits at the center and the dragon by its side.

Peking Opera

A US painter named Katherine Cole once came to the Summer Palace to paint a portrait of Empress CiXi, staying at the residence for a month which was an unprecedented honour. Cole wrote in her diary about how prosperous and luxurious it was that the rich were being carried in 轿子 jiào zi from one place to another within the Summer Palace. The Empress also invited her to watch Peking Opera at DeHe Garden. At that time, they already had the advanced technology to hoist actors up into the air to perform. And Empress CiXi’s passion for Peking Opera largely spurred its popularity across the country.

The Long Corridor

The Summer Palace is also famous for The Long Corridor, one of the longest in all the Chinese royal gardens. The corridor plays an important role in connecting the whole scenic area. The distance of each pavilion in the corridor is 300 steps, which is believed to be an ideal walking distance for people. I went to the Summer Palace on a Saturday afternoon and tried it myself, I used 203 steps. There are around 14,000 beautiful paintings at the sides of the corridor known as Su-style painting (苏式彩画 sū shì cǎi huà), which includes Chinese idioms, landscapes, and images from classical Chinese literature.

QingYanfang

What I find most attractive amongst all the unique architecture is a giant wooden boat called QingYanfang, built in 1755. Emperor Qianlong had it constructed because it reminded him of the famous Qing Dynasty quote, “水能载舟，亦能覆舟 (shuǐ néng zǎi zhōu ， yì néng fù zhōu) water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.” This reminds descendants that the Qing Dynasty is as solid as a rock and can’t be overthrown. However, another interpretation I found is that Qianlong built this as a reminder to stay loyal to his people and not be corrupt since the citizens are the “water” that could determine his fate as ruler.

Suzhou Street

Suzhou street (苏州街 sū zhōu jiē) was built because Emperor Qianlong fancied the busy streets of Suzhou, thus they copied them into the Summer Palace. Whenever the emperor was there, his eunuchs and servants would pretend to be buyers and sellers as if Qianlong was at Suzhou. There are also other beautiful spots in the Summer Palace that have a rich history behind them.

Since it’s summertime, I strongly recommend you pay a visit to the Summer Palace!

KEEP READING: The Old Summer Palace Scavenger Hunt!

Images: Rachel Bu

Shh… did you hear traffic? No? We didn’t either! It’s the quietest time to be in Beijing and with most of the city gone for Chinese New Year, those of us who stayed behind get to take advantage of the empty subways and empty streets. Just imagine it, a clear shot from CBD to Haidian in 30 minutes or less, plus unfettered access to all the holiday pizzazz lighting up the city. To help you make the most of the season, we’ll be posting daily recommendations for the best deals and coziest places in town, as you and your family usher in the marvelous, magical, and sure to be majestic… Year of the Rat!

It’s the middle of Spring Festival and we hope you’ve been having a wonderful time, traipsing around the city, taking in the sights and smells of this fabulously festive time of year. What’s more, we hope our recommendations and insights are helping you and your family make the most of your time off, ’cause there’s only a few more days of rest and relaxation before the Year of the Rat really kicks into high gear.

To be sure though, we are still basking in vacation bliss, and here at beijingkids, we certainly haven’t exhausted our litany of must-sees and must-dos. So keep checking in with us each day at 10am to get the latest on everything CNY-related.

Without a doubt, a Beijing winter wouldn’t be complete without a little frozen fun. And no, we’re not talking about Elsa, Anna, and Olaf (actually, we do talk about them a little further down). We’re talking about skiing and ice skating!

From indoor resorts to outdoor hot springs, here’s a list of everything you need to turn this city into your own private snow globe.

It should be noted that if you will be partaking in any of the below activities, it’s safe to assume that you may find yourself in a crowded area, and thus you should take an abundance of caution to protect your family against a nasty virus infection. That means plenty of sanitizer, hand wipes, and protective masks to keep you free of germs.

Snow Movies

Given the unpredictable and ever expanding scope of the coronavirus, we thought it necessary to offer some alternative indoor fun for those of you who would rather avoid crowds and hunker down at home. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of some snow-related movies so that you can enjoy the season, without the risk of getting sick.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Although it’s not about snow in the strictest sense, it may be the most famous movie with snow in the title. Enjoy this beautifully animated classic with your family. Extra points if you can remember all the dwarfs’ names before re-watching!

Frozen – We’d probably lose quite a few younger readers if we didn’t include Frozen in this list. If you haven’t already seen Frozen 2, now is a perfect time to brush up on the first so you don’t miss any inside jokes and Easter eggs that show up in the second. Or, if you have recently seen Frozen 2, then go back and revisit the original! Maybe you’ll notice something you missed the first time around.

Ice Age – Luckily, in Beijing we only have to deal with icy temperatures for a few months out of the year. But imagine if we all lived in a perpetual frozen tundra. No, thank you. Even still, get a glimpse of that world with some whacky shenanigans to boot in Ice Age.

Snow Day – Though the previous three films are doubtlessly classics, Snow Day is not without its merits. After all, this movie has Iggy Pop. How many kids’ movies can say that?! Lest you’re worried that your children may try to hijack the city’s snowplows hoping to institute a forever-snow day, then we highly recommend enjoying this chuckle-fest with the whole family.

Ski Resorts

With the 2022 Winter Games rapidly approaching, China, and Beijing specifically, has been pumping money into winter sports facilities including ski resorts, both indoor and outdoor. While the vast majority of us aren’t olympians in the strictest sense, that doesn’t mean we can’t reap the benefits of those that will descend upon the capital in two years’ time. Below are a list of a few places where you can slide and glide into the New Year.

For a more comprehensive profile, check out our article from December’s issue of the magazine.

Beijing Snow World (Xueshijie) Ski Resort

At a mere thirty minutes drive from downtown Beijing, Xueshijie (which literally translates to Snow World) Ski Resort is perfect for a quick day trip. It’s located along the Golden Tourist Route, which takes commuters past the Ming Tombs, Juyongguan Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall, so if you have friends or family in town, or if you haven’t been to these spots yourself, you could knock out a couple of sites throughout the day.

In addition to its five slopes, Beijing Snow World Ski Resort has two snow playgrounds for sledding and tubing, in case you or your little one aren’t so ski- or snowboard-inclined. Additionally, if any in your party happen to be less experienced, fear not, the park has ski coaches for beginners and kids at RMB 220 per hour.

RMB 30 – RMB 1360 depending on equipment rentals, day and length of time. 8am-5pm. Xiaogongmen, Shisanling Town, Changping District.

Qiaobo Ice and Snow World

Conveniently located in Shunyi, Qiaobo, also known as the Ski Dome, is a behemoth of indoor skiing and sledding, covering an impressive 40,000sqm. Built in 2002 at the behest of world speed-skater champion, Ye Qiaobo, this eponymous facility is made possible by the snow-making equipment and refrigeration technologies shipped over from Canada. It has two ski runs for novice and advanced athletes, as well as a Children’s Snow Paradise and a snowboard park. Additionally, it’s housed next to a Holiday Inn complete with restaurant, swimming pools, billiards room, KTV, and sauna services, just in case you want to make a staycation out of it.

RMB 150 — RMB 480 depending on length of time. 8am-11pm. 6 Shun’an Road, Shunyi District.

Beijing Huabei International Ski Resort

Huabei International is the largest ski resort in Beijing, boasting an impressive 5,100m of ski trails and a massive drop of 238m. Between its seven slopes, one is reserved for the most seasoned skiers, three go to the intermediate, and a whopping four trails are available for those still trying to find their snow legs. If you count yourself among the latter bunch, ski and snowboarding lesson packages are available for between RMB 220 and RMB 1,700, depending on sport, lesson length, and amount of people in your party.

RMB 38 – RMB 198 depending on equipment rentals, day and length of time. 8.30am-9pm. No. 548, Hefangkou Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District.

Ice Skating

Summer Palace – CLOSED

With an area of 700,000 square meters, the Summer Palace ice rink is considered to be the largest natural ice rink in Beijing. In fact, during the time of the Qing Dynasty, the royal family enjoyed “冰嬉” (ice plays/performances) during winter time.

For a more comprehensive history of ice skating at the Summer Palace, check out our article here.

The best thing about the ice skating rink at Summer Palace is that you can have plenty of space to zip around without collisions. Summer Palace management office staff announced that Kunming Lake ice rink is divided into three areas this year, namely the main lake, Suzhou Street Lake and the upcoming west embankment ice slide area. All the ice sports are suitable for people of all ages to participate in.

There is rental gear available, such as single or double sleds (RMB 50/100 for the whole day), electronic boats (RMB 100 for 20mins), electronic bumper cars (RMB 100 for 25mins), and skates (RMB 50).

RMB 50 above. Daily until Feb 4, 8.30am-4.30pm. Qinglongqiao Jiedao, Haidian District. 颐和园,海淀区青龙桥街道.

Solana’s Outdoor / Indoor Rink

If you’ve ever been ice skating and thought to yourself, this is cool, but it would be a lot cooler if I were surrounded by neon lights, then Solana’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rink is for you. Tucked beneath the tropical trappings of their annual Light Festival, skaters can step outside the hustle and bustle of Beijing, and into a winter wonderland fit for Ice Kings and Queens.

If you’d rather opt for a more traditional setting, then Solana’s Indoor Rink has you covered. Located in Solana mall, this charming indoor rink is popular with families and even offers private lessons (in Chinese only) from national skating team coaches.

Outdoor: RMB 80 per person or RMB 120 for one parent and one child (Saturday and Sunday), RMB 50 (Monday-Friday). 10am-10pm. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District.

Indoor: Open year-round. Daily, 10am-9.30pm. RMB 50 for an hour and a half. Lessons cost RMB 135 for 40 mins. 1/F, Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District.

Zhongshan Park (Forbidden City) – CLOSED

There are 8,400sqm at Houhe rink in Zhongshan Park next to the Forbidden City, which opens late Dec to Feb every year. You can pay RMB 10 to get in and walk on the ice, add an extra RMB 20 to get a cart for the family, or rent skating shoes and skate.

RMB 10. 8.30am-11am, 6-8.30pm. 4 Zhonghua Lu, Dongcheng District.

Shichahai  (popularly known as Houhai)

Glide across the ice with hutong rooftops as your backdrop. Nothing else will ever give lifelong laowai skiers such a simultaneous taste of both home and abroad. The naturally frozen lakes of Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai are separated into a skating area and an ice carting area.

RMB 30 per hour, Sat-Sun RMB 35 per hour. 8.30am-8.30pm.  Qianhai, north side of Beihai Park, Xihai Beiyan, Xicheng District.

Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

While Beijing has no shortage of skating rinks, there’s just something that lights a fire inside when you’re skating at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube where the world’s greatest athletes once competed for Olympic gold back in 2008. And with statues of Bing Dwen Dwen, the winter Olympic mascot, amongst other Olympic collectibles and characters, the competitive hype for gold is already in the air.

The Cube Outdoor Rink will be open until February 8 from 10am-6pm and 10am-8pm on weekends and holidays. As a safety precaution, the rink will be closed for operations if the weather conditions are determined unsafe for children. We recommend calling in advance just to be sure. Click here for more information.

To learn more about the Cube Outdoor Rink, check out this article.

RMB 90 (Saturday and Sunday) and RMB 70 (Monday-Friday). For information, call Candice 155 1230 8913. 10am-6pm (weekdays), 10am-8pm (weekends and holidays). No. 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District.

Hot Springs

There are few things in this life more relaxing than snowfall and spa days, so when you get the chance to combine the two, you know you’re in for a real treat. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll be granted a wintry wonderland at these hot spring resorts (controlling the weather is not something beijingkids has mastered as of yet), we promise that they’ll exfoliate both your body and soul.

For a more comprehensive list of hot springs in Beijing, check out this article.

Jiuhua Resort and Convention Center

Located in Changping District, Jiuhua Hot Spring Resort is one of China’s major ancient natural hot springs, with a convention center, over 2,300 rooms, ten restaurants, sports facilities, a kids’ play zone, a shopping center, and a medical center. The resort has hot springs in different themes, indoor and outdoor. The outdoor hot spring is surrounded by traditional architecture and courtyards. Other facilities include saunas, massages, a hydrotherapy center, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultation, and mud baths.

RMB 128 above. Daily 8.30am-11pm. 1/F, Bldg A, Jiuhua Heights, 75 Shunsha Road, Xiaotangshan, Changping District. 九华山庄温泉度假村：昌平区小汤山顺沙路75号九华山庄1区1层 (6945 2889)

Chun Hui Yuan Resort

Covering about 180,000sqm, Chun Hui Yuan Resort in Shunyi includes hotel accommodations, meeting rooms, shopping, dining, and a hot spring club. The mineral-rich water of its hot springs wells up from 1,800m under ground and stays around 40 degrees Celsius. Both indoor and outdoor pools with remedies like rose, milk, and red wine. Chun Hui Yuan is best for a quiet high-end weekend getaway.

RMB 173 above (weekends and holidays), RMB 108 above (weekdays). Daily 9.30am until midnight. 37 Yuzhuanduan, Gaosi Road, Shunyi District 春晖园温泉度假酒店：顺义区高泗路于庄段37号 (6945 4443)

Nangong Hot Spring Resort

Famous as “China’s No.1 Geothermal Village”, Nangong Hot Spring Resort is the first five-star hotel in Beijing’s rural areas. This hot spring resort features a large children’s zone, hot spring massage pools, sauna, sports facilities, and a dining and shopping area. In addition, it has a World Geothermal Expo Park in the resort.

RMB123 above. 1pm until midnight (weekends), 10am until midnight (weekdays). Nangong Hot Spring Resort, 39 Fugong Road, Wangzuo Town, Fengtai District. 北京市丰台区王佐镇福宫路39号南宫温泉度假酒店 (8331 5565).

Photos: Pixabay, Wikipedia, eBay, Wikimedia, rogerebert.com

It’s the perfect time for getting out on the ice again! The massive outdoor ice skating rink in Summer Palace is now open to the public until February 4! Don’t worry if you’re a wobbly ice skating beginner or don’t have your own skates, Summer Palace’s ice skating rink has a variety of activities on ice for you to skate away without a fear of falling on the hard ice.

Professional skaters in historical garb at the Summer Palace

The History of the Ice Skating Rink at the Summer Palace

With an area of 700,000 square meters, the Summer Palace ice rink is considered to be the largest natural ice rink in Beijing. Since the Qing Dynasty, the royal family had the tradition to have a “冰嬉” (Ice play/performance) in wintertime.

At that time there were three types of ice play for the royal family to watch: race skating (a speed skating competition), acrobatic skating (throwing darts on the ice, playing with knives, and forming human pyramids), and playing football on ice. These ice sports added a lot of festive atmosphere for the upcoming new year that time.

In the 1980s, the ice rink on Kunming Lake was opened to the public for the first time. But due to management difficulties and other aspects, the ice skating rink was closed for the entire 1990s, until in 2014 it was opened again.

Nowadays, this park’s Qing Dynasty architecture makes for a fantastically exotic background that skaters can enjoy while gliding across the massive lake.

People enjoying ice gliding on Kunming Lake

What to do there

The best thing about the ice skating rink at Summer Palace is that you can have plenty of space to zip around without collisions. Summer Palace management office staff announced that Kunming Lake ice rink is divided into three areas this year, namely the main lake, Suzhou Street Lake and the upcoming west embankment ice slide area. All the ice sports are suitable for people of all ages to participate in.

There is rental gear available, such as single or double sleds (RMB 50/100 for the whole day), electronic boats (RMB 100 for 20mins), electronic bumper cars (RMB 100 for 25mins), and skates (RMB 50).

Ice Skating Rink at the Summer Palace

RMB 50 above. Daily until Feb 4, 8.30am-4.30pm. Qinglongqiao Jiedao, Haidian district. 颐和园,海淀区青龙桥街道 (6288 1144).

Photos: Linda, Shaoqing Hou via the Beijing News, news.163.com

Beijing consists of 16 districts containing over 21 million people. In this series, we will be focusing on seven neighborhoods in four separate districts, which have become the most popular among Beijing’s expat community. While these aren’t the only areas that are home to waiguoren, these are the most accessible and offer, in our opinion, the best Beijing experience depending on your tastes and preferences.

Haidian District is located in the northwest part of the city. In this district, you will find Chinese areas rich in culture and affordable in price as well as more foreigner-friendly hubs. There is a good reason why Haidian is known as the education district: the vast majority of the city’s universities are located here including Peking and Tsinghua — the Chinese equivalents to Oxford and Cambridge. In addition to several of China’s famous tourist attractions, Haidian is also home to Zhongguancun, a subdistrict often dubbed “China’s Silicon Valley”. Further west of the city’s main thoroughfare Chang’an Avenue and just before the West Fourth Ring Road is Wukesong roadway interchange, an affluent area full of family-friendly fare including many night markets and restaurants.

Pros

+ Rich in Chinese culture

+ Significantly more affordable than most parts of Chaoyang District

+ Offers a variety of international restaurants

+ Close to many Beijing-based universities

+ Plenty of green spaces to play

Cons

– Relatively far from many prominent International schools

– Not tailored to affluent expat living

– Haidian is a very large, expansive district, not a neighborhood

– Not very close to major international hospitals

Old Summer Palace

Residential Compounds

Huaqingjiayuan is a sprawling apartment complex located in the heart of Wudaokou. Popular with foreigners, this complex has its own swimming pool, kindergartens, and a modest import store. Hongshan International Apartments is another option as this complex is right next door to a Holiday Inn and a stone’s throw away from Qinghuadongluxikou station, on Line 15. Up the road, Liudaokou offers a cheaper alternative to Wudaokou. Furunjiayuan, a sought-after compound, is located seconds away from Line 15’s Liudaokou station and is within walking distance of a number of grocery stores.

Schools

Both Muffy’s International Kindergarten and Eduwings Kindergarten have Haidian branches. For older children, Tsinghua International School offers education for students aged 6-18 (Grade 1-12). There is also the option of Beijing Kaiwen Academy, a private bilingual school for children in Grade 1-12. Over in Qinghe, Saint Paul American School is situated close to a beautiful canal and provides schooling for children aged 13-18 (Grade 7-12). Meanwhile, Haidian Foreign Language Academy offers a comprehensive one-stop service for children aged 3-18.

Shopping

No Haidian shopping guide would be complete without mentioning D-Mart. Best described as Haidian’s answer to Jenny Lou’s, this store is well-stocked with imported food, beverages, skincare items, and cleaning products. There is also a well-established Carrefour in Zhongguancun. In terms of shopping for non-consumable items, the array of malls peppered across the district has that area well covered. Golden Resources Shopping Mall, often nicknamed “Great Mall of China”, is located near the Fourth Ring Road and was at one time the world’s largest mall. Although it no longer holds this title, the sheer scale of the place with its 1,000+ shops means that one is almost certain to find whatever they may be looking for here. Dreamport Mall is another renowned establishment. Here you will find high street stores such as Gap and H&M side by side more upmarket brands such as Ugg. For bulk buys one can make use of either Metro (an international Cash & Carry) or Sam’s Club.

Dining

In recent years eateries that were formerly found only on the east side of town have made their way over to Haidian. These include Blue Frog (Zhongguancun) and Element Fresh (Bagou). Owing to the relatively high number of foreigners residing in this area, Wudaokou has a large concentration of restaurants serving international cuisine. Eateries such as Lush, Tous Les Jours, and Steps have long been a part of the Wudaokou scene. There is also Ganges, Tube Station Pizza, and Khan Baba, a Pakistani restaurant with a good value weekday lunch buffet.

Get jurassic at the Paleozoological Museum of China

Where to Play

Where to begin? Haidian is a great base from which to explore the great outdoors. The Purple Bamboo Park, the Beijing Botanical Gardens, Fragrant Hills, the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace, and Haidian Park are a few of the well-known places of tranquility that call this district home. In the summer months, Liu Lang outdoor swimming pool offers lake-like pools and a designated children’s swimming pool with abundant engaging gadgets to keep them entertained.

This article appeared in the beijingkids June 2019 Home & Relocation Guide issue.

It’s easy to be content in our expat bubbles, as the staples of western convenience become more and more commonplace in every corner of the city. But you need to ask yourself, what’s the point of living in a city like Beijing and a country like China if you only remain ankle-deep in its culture and the ocean of possible experiences?

As it’s our job to know this city inside and out, especially when it comes to family-friendly activities, we decided to share some of our discoveries and experience to help you really dive deep into all that Beijing has to offer.

This was essentially the premise for us starting our Beijing Bucket List column on our blog. Every month we introduce an essential Beijing activity or location suitable to be shared with kids. We have since amassed a lengthy collection of suggestions, along with the contacts of the people who can make them more accessible to expat families.

While some of these prompts might be obvious and others might be a little strange, this list in our opinion is an excellent starting point for attaining a better appreciation of life in the capital, and will hopefully help to spark a little adventure in your weekly routine.

Experiencing the Wild Wall

We know the Great Wall is on every top-five Beijing listicle, but at some point when living in Beijing, you need to see the Wild Great Wall. While these portions don’t have the roller coasters or Burger Kings, and other commercial attractions, if you go with the right hiking group you can have a unique experience untarnished by what we’ll call the Disneyfication of one of the world’s greatest wonders. Hiking groups like Beijing Hikers and China Hiking both offer these rugged experiences weekly, and there are even overnight trips that allow you to camp on the wall’s watchtowers and keep watch for Mongolian invaders.

Peach blossoms in spring

If you are looking for some of the best family selfie opportunities this season, then the peach blossom blooms of Beijing are not to be missed. Starting in the middle of March, peach blossom season continues till the end of April. Immediately upon reading this, head to one of the many parks in and outside the city to experience the beauty of this highly significant flower in Chinese culture. At this time of year, the peach blossoms of Pinggu Valley spread as far as the eye can see, taking up a total 14,674 hectares. The peach orchard is so large that 300,000 tons of 200 varieties of peaches are harvested here each year. If you are looking for something a bit closer, then Jingshan Park near the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Botanical Gardens also have plenty of peach blossoms in bloom.

Take a foodie walk

All of us are aware of Beijing staples like Peking duck, dumplings, and baozi, but there are literally hundreds of other local dishes that aren’t on the radar for many foreigners just beginning to navigate these delicious treats. To get a grasp of some of these dishes we recommend checking out the food tours from UnTour. They have both breakfast and dinner hutong outings that take guests to at least six restaurants in a single session, and even make the experience accessible to those with dietary restrictions. These quick stops are also supplemented with the history of these delicacies from their friendly and helpful staff of expat foodies. We can say from experience and years of living in this city that these tour guides knew their stuff, and were even able to surprise us when it comes to Chinese food with excellent dishes and restaurants we’d never heard of.

Hutong exploration

With a history originating in the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1341), Beijing’s hutongs are an area that still echoes with the capital’s history. While there are many ways to explore these old quarters that exist in stark contrast to the megacity Beijing is now, we recommend taking a tour with one of the many local historians that host walks. On these tours, you’ll not only learn about this area’s significance but also hear some of the stories that make these gray alleyways come alive and meet the fantastic people that still call them home. Whether it’s a murder mystery tour inspired by Paul French’s Midnight in Peking from the folks at Bespoke Beijing, or a Dashilar Scavenger Hunt with Beijing Postcards, these tours will put you right in the middle of it all.

Guo‘an football game

Head over to the Workers’ Stadium for the spectacle that is a Guo’an game. As Beijing’s biggest football club, Guo’an’s stadium is the best place to experience the massive influence spectator sports have in modern Beijing. People are mad about football. So mad actually that yelling expletives at the top of your lungs at the opposing teams has become heavily regulated recently, which is excellent for families as these events just became much more kid-friendly. Seasons last from March to December, with a break in the summer heat, so make sure to check their schedule for upcoming games. The only official way to buy tickets for Chinese Super League matches is to order them days in advance, from a Chinese-only website, and wait for them to be delivered to you. So don’t be afraid to do what most people do, which is to buy from a scalper outside the stadium.

All ages. Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6501 6655 ext. 5033) 朝阳区工体北路

Peking Opera at Zhangyici Theater

This is a highly divisive recommendation, as many people (even locals) tend to shudder at the thought of two hours listening to shrill falsetto vocalists and the rapid clangs of Chinese Opera. Our suggestion, therefore, is to preface the experience with a screening of Farewell My Concubine, then go to one of the oldest theaters in the city specializing in this very dynamic art form. The entirely acoustic performance is incredibly intimate, almost exactly the same as it was presented in its heyday in the mid-19th century. This combined with the costumes, makeup, and atmosphere of a century-old theater make for an incredibly authentic Beijing experience. Zhangyici Theater’s Mei Lanfang Series features a collection of essential performances from one of Peking Opera’s most notable performers.

Ages 4+. 220 Xiheyan Dajie, Xuanwu District (8315 1649) 宣武区西河沿大街220号

Guyaju Caves

This cluster of cave dwellings north of Beijing offers an impressive testament to our Chinese predecessors’ cave-digging abilities. With 174 caves in all, the largest are more than 20 square meters, with multiple rooms. The caves were reportedly carved by an ethnic minority called the Xiyi during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Most of the caves are bunched together in two rock face villages, resembling ant farms for humans. Kids will enjoy wiggling into the smallest ones, which have just enough room to lie down in. At the peak, there is a great view of the lake and surrounding valley. Guyaju only takes one or two hours to tour, so this day trip can be combined with a visit to the nearby Longqing Gorge.

RMB 40, RMB 20 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 8am-4pm. Dongmenying Village, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing County (6911 0333) 延庆县张山营镇东门营村

Picnicking on Beijing’s ancient waterways

While we all know and love Houhai, but the eating options are a bit uninspired. The area is rampant with overpriced tourist trap Chinese food, fake Italian restaurants, and hookah bars. Actually, there are one or two good time-honored restaurants in the vicinity like Kao Rou Ji, but another option is to pack up a lunch of your own and hit the lake on a boat. Soak and snack, or play pirates in the middle of Beijing’s most famous imperial waterway. Another equally imperial option is to do the same but at Zizhuyuan Park (Purple Bamboo Park) in Haidian. Enjoy some baguettes, cheeses, and cured meats, while you cruise and eventually dock at the Summer Palace.

Panjiayuan Flea Market

The flea market concept is trending in the city of Beijing in a huge way, mainly providing a venue for local makers to sell their trendy accessories, craft soaps, and essential oils, which is all well and good. But what’s also up there on the fun meter is checking out Beijing’s original flea market at Panjiayuan to get your hands on some pretty cool relics from Beijing’s past. Some real, and some not so real, you can find a lot of cool knick-knacks to help give your home a more lao Beijing feel, or find the perfect gifts to bring back the fam during your next visit.

All ages. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 4.30am-6pm. West of Panjiayuan Qiao, Chaoyang District (6775 2405)  朝阳区潘家园桥西

This article first appeared in the beijingkids April 2019 Exploring Beijing issue.
Photos: Wikipedia, the Beijinger, Kipp Whittaker, Adobe Creative Cloud

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

BIBA Day, Sep 28
The community-wide celebration of BIBA Day has a theme of “Serving our Community, Honoring China,” to better the surrounding community and to recognize the National Holiday. Grade 3 students will organize a flea market at Shine Hills, in front of Uniqlo in the North Section, from 9.30am to 11.30am. BIBA parents and families are also invited to join the afternoon ceremony at BIBA’s main gym at 1.30pm. All ages. For more info about the event admission, visit this page. Activities start at 8.30am. Beijing International Bilingual Academy.

World Class: Filipino Artist Jensen Moreno’s 6th Solo Painting Exhibition, until Sep 28
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines presents World Class, featuring Filipino artist Jensen Moreno. This will be Moreno’s 6th solo painting exhibition in Beijing. Moreno’s previous exhibition, titled Hall of Fame, showcased her collection of portraits of the people she admires, including that of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. She donated the said portrait to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for the celebration of Rizal’s 157th birth anniversary. All ages. Free admission but a passport is required. 9am-5pm. Philippine Embassy, Jianguomen.

The ‘Midnight in Peking’ Walking Tour, Sep 29
Bespoke’s next Midnight in Peking Walking Tour is perfect for fans of the book, history buffs, and those looking for a Saturday night out with a difference. Paul French’s New York Times bestselling murder mystery captured imaginations across the world when it was released. Now, with the help of historian Lars Ulrick Thom, Bespoke brings 1930s Peking back to life through a walking tour like no other. As night falls, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the victim’s father, ETC Werner, as he frantically searched for his daughter, and learn about the shady characters implicated in her killing. Ages 18+. RMB 388 per person (buy tickets here). 6.30-9.30pm. (info@bespoke-beijing.com)

Imagine Adventure Camp (Golden Week Holiday), Sep 29-Oct 7
Imagine’s Golden Week Holiday camp gives kids a chance to participate in some of Imagine most iconic adventures: Civilisation Game, parkour, indoor climbing, indoor ski, and Adventure Park. The camp length can be at least 3 days from a total of 9 days. All ages. RMB 700-900 inclusive of transport. Get a 100 RMB discount per day by signing up with two more friends. Visit this page for more info. (WeChat ID: Imagine-china, 5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)

Summer Palace Tour, Sep 30
Enjoy one of the most beautiful Chinese imperial gardens before the maddening crowds fill it all for the Chinese National Holiday celebrations. Discover which special woman in his life Emperor Qianlong commissioned these amazing gardens for, take a stroll along the longest corridor in the world and let the stories behind the paintings inspire you. Adults. RMB 290 per person. See this page for more info about the itinerary. 1.30-3.30pm. Tours must be booked in advance. (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours.com, www.newmantours.com)

Let’s Leaf You to Temptation: Parwaaz’s South Indian Meal DInner, Sep 30
Parwaaz Spice Route Concepts hosts a traditional South Indian feast where dishes are served on a banana leaf. All ages. RMB 275 per person (scan the QR code on the poster to register). Dinner begins at 7pm. The Orchid Lodge, 66 Baochao Hutong.

Kids City – First Architectural Workshop For Kids, Oct 1
KidsCity! holds their first architectural workshop on October 1 with a team of designers and architects building a collective architectural model of Beijing with the city’s most iconic landmarks. Ages 7-12. RMB 350 (scan the poster for more info). 9am-7pm. Parkview Green Art 798 (751 D Park at 798 Art District).

October Holiday Signature Camp, Oct 1-5
Atelier will present a Signature Holiday Camp on the theme of The Middles Ages full of history, fun, and creativity during the October Golden Week. Full-day camp starting at the age of 6 years old. Half-day for Art and half-day for Fablab. Students will make- a castle, stained glass, drawbridge, trebuchet etc… Half-day option for the younger group (5 to 7 years old) for Art Camp. Locations will be in Atelier Sanlitun and Atelier Shunyi. All ages. RMB 1,800-4,000 (register here). 10am-4pm. Atelier. (WeChat ID: atelier_apas, 6416 1614, contact@atelier.cn.com)

Fashion Design Camp at Atelier (October Holiday), Oct 1-5
During the October Golden Week, Atelier will present a unique Fashion Design Camp on the theme of The Middles Ages. The students are going to design their own costume inspired by the medieval fashion style. It is designed and open to the students at the age of eight and plus. Students will discover medieval period and costumes and learn about the history of fashion design. It is an A to Z project where they will learn to make fashion design drawing, take measures of body shapes, make clothes pattern, dye DIY fabrics, and more. All ages. RMB 2,500. 1.30-4pm. Atelier Shunyi. (WeChat ID: ateliershunyi, 5686 4243, shunyi@atelier.cn.com)

Artistic Gymnastics – Recreational and Competitive Level, every Tue/Thu and Sat/Sun
Triple Gymnastics provide gymnastics training program for all ages including parent-kid group, kinder group, boys’ gymnastics, girls’ gymnastics, competitive team gymnastics, and adult gymnastics. Their courses are designed to enhance coordination and agility, body awareness and balance, develop posture and confident body movement, enhance creativity, and build self-confidence, strength, flexibility, and a healthy mind. All ages. RMB 150 per hour. 6-8pm (Tue/Thu), 9am-4.30pm (Sat/Sun). Dulwich College Legend Garden Campus-New Dome (Ricky Zhang: 134 3955 4192, ricky.zhang@triplegymnastics.com)

Photos: Courtesy of BIBA (featured photo) and event organizers

You might say that Beijing is an agglomeration of culture and future. There’s no shortage of appealing sights in China’s capital, especially when you can easily cross out six out of the country’s 53 World Heritage Sites in just three to four days of transiting through the city. Those six sites are among Beijing’s best travel sites and emblematic views, but you can add a few more ‘grams to your (digital) albums by exploring just a little more and getting ready to take quick snapshots. Don’t forget to bring a battery pack!

We continue our Beijing Bucket List, 6-Day Transit Visa Series and visit some of the most Instagrammable sights in the city. Sure, this is an ever-growing collection of visual vistas, so share your snaps with everyone by tagging us (@beijingkids or #beijingkids) and our sister brand, the Beijinger (@thebeijinger or #thebeijinger) on Twitter and Instagram!

Kunming Lake offers a breathtaking sunset view unlike any other in Beijing’s historical parks

Kunming Lake

Where to snap: The Summer Palace, then go to Guangrun Lingyu Temple on the southeast side of Nanhu Island.
Best time: Sunset regardless of the season. The temple faces the sunset and the mountainous region of Beijing

Spaceship?

Where to snap: The central roof of Galaxy Soho, viewed from the ground floor of the main building. This spaceship-looking mall is a sight to behold from the outside, but there’s nothing much to see but boutiques, stalls, and stores on the inside. However, the central roof is open to the bright sky above, and it looks like you’re truly inside a building from one of those sci-fi or futuristic flicks.
Best time: Whenever you visit this space-age mall!

Symmetry

Where to snap: The Crowne Plaza Hotel on Chaoyang Road. This is just one of the grand chandeliers in their ballrooms and reception halls.
Best time: If you’re visiting Chaoyang U-Town Plaza, which is beside the hotel.

Gloomy Great Wall

Where to snap: At the Great Wall, preferably in the Huanghuacheng (lakeside) section, on a polluted (or perhaps foggy) day. Yes, who says the Great Wall sucks on a smoggy day, which can possibly happen when you hike there? While you won’t be able to see the surrounding mountains, the fog gives a sense of mystery, akin to what the ancient tower guards might have seen in their wintertime duty.
Best time: In the afternoon when the smog/fog scatters the sunlight.

Fiery Beijing

Where to snap: Everywhere in Beijing, as long as it’s in the afternoon AFTER a thunderstorm. This snap is perhaps one of the most beautiful yet difficult to take because of the timing. Thunderstorms usually happen in the summer (May-July). I’m still waiting for the perfect time to catch this captivating scene on any of Beijing’s historical sites!

Beijing Memorabilia

Where to snap: Panjiayuan Antique Market, though most of the souvenirs sold here are not really antique but mass-produced memorabilia painted with bronze or gold to look like they’ve just been unearthed from somewhere.
Best time: Whenever you visit the market. Many of the vendors will let you take snaps of their items.

Photos: Andy Penafuerte III, courtesy of Emma Qi (fiery sunset photo)

Chinese authorities announced earlier this year a 144-hour (6-day) visa-free entry for international travelers in Beijing and the neighboring port city of Tianjin and parts of Hebei Province, and that’s great news for many people who want to catch a glimpse of this Asian cultural megalopolis.

Since this news came, I’ve told the people whom I’ve met in my international travels to visit Beijing. So in this edition of Beijing Bucket List, we stay true to the term, and list several options for you (and your visiting friends) to do and experience in the city.

World Heritage Path

China is home to 53 World Heritage Sites, the world’s second largest collection of humanity’s finest cultural wonders throughout the ages (Italy has one more!). You can easily cross out six sites when you’re transiting in Beijing, and depending on how long you’re staying, you can go to all six and experience more than the usual travelers (and city dwellers) do.

Day 1: Forbidden City Complex → Temple of Heaven

The left placard reads “Long Live the People’s Republic of China” (中华人民共和国万岁 Zhōnghuá rénmín gònghéguó wànsuì) while the right reads “Long Live the Great Unity of the World’s Peoples” (世界人民大团结万岁 Shìjiè rénmín dà tuánjié wànsuì)

The Forbidden City and its surrounding areas are China’s center of culture and politics. It was a sprawling imperial complex that served as the home of emperors of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) Dynasties. Colloquially known as Gùgōng (故宫, lit. “Old Palace”), the complex also houses the Palace Museum where you can see a selection from over 1.7 million artifacts, paintings, jewelry, bronzeware, and ceramics, dating from the Yuan (1271–1368) to the Qing dynasty – and that’s over 740 years worth. Before you enter the complex, you’ll have to pass through Tian’anmen (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), a national monument where Chairman Mao Zedong’s portrait is prominently displayed.

The complex is so huge that after a few hours inside you’ll soon think everything looks the same. Factor in the throngs of visitors, and you’ll feel exhausted. But don’t get me wrong – the grandiose halls and palaces have more history than you could ever imagine, and visiting the complex once isn’t enough to appreciate every single collection there. In my recent half-day quick tour, I explored only a quarter of the whole complex!

The Temple of Heaven became the Hall of Justice as DC Heroes descended on Beijing in October 2017

Your next destination is the Temple of Heaven, which isn’t in fact a single temple, but a group of prayer halls visited by emperors of ancient China for ceremonies worshiping the heavens. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the largest building in the complex and perhaps the most emblematic temple in Beijing. Other areas of interest include the Circular Mound Altar, a huge circular marble platform, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.

The Temple of Heaven complex is usually full of tourists by midday, and they gradually disperse after 3pm. There you can see an amazing sunset behind the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD). The temples are best viewed in the golden hours of the morning (around 8am) or afternoon (5pm), just before the park closes at 5.30pm.

Easiest transport option: By subway
Take Line 1 from Tian’anmen East (天安门东) station, head eastward to Sihui (四惠), then transfer to Line 5 at Dongdan (东单) station. Take the southbound train to Songjiazhuang (宋家庄) and get off at Tiantan Dongmen (天坛东门) Station Exit A2 (northwest)

If you have more time: Experience the Temple of Heaven at night, when the buildings are brightly illuminated and when there are no other pesky tourists blocking your view. There are exclusive and seasonal night tours offered at a slightly higher price. For more info, visit this article by our sister brand, the Beijinger.

Day 2: Great Wall → Ming Tombs → Summer Palace

These three locations are, in Beijing terms, pretty close to each other so if time’s an issue, you can visit them in just a day. I recommend renting a vehicle when doing this option because traveling by public transport is complicated and can be a big hassle, especially when you’re competing with hundreds of other (mostly Chinese) tourists.

The Badaling section of the Great Wall is accessible via public transport (train or buses)

Start early by visiting the Great Wall: two sections, Badaling (nearest to the city center at 50km), and Mutianyu (far north at 85km from the city center), both open around 8am. That means you’ll need to leave the city center at around 6am. Even though they’re very touristy, in the morning there are fewer visitors. I recommend going to Mutianyu as it offers a more spectacular sight of the wall, plus it has options for people with mobility issues: a two-way gondola chairlift and a slide on a metal track via a wheeled toboggan. You can stay for two hours at most because basically there’s nothing much to do but hike the endless length of the wall there. Badaling, meanwhile, is so commercialized that you might want to check if you’re really standing on the Great Wall.

The Changling Tomb, one of the three tombs in the Ming necropolis that is open to the public.

I suggest you eat brunch/lunch at Mutianyu (or Badaling) before heading to your next stop, the Ming Tombs, because it’ll be difficult to get food around the burial locations of the Ming Dynasty emperors. Before you get to the necropolis proper, make sure to visit anywhere along the 7km stretch of the Shéndào (神道, lit. “Spirit Way”), the ceremonial road along which officials would approach the tombs. Only three of the 13 tombs are open to the public, and one of them, the Dingling Mausoleum, has a tragic story of excavation. A maximum of two hours can be allotted to this site.

This peaceful vista overlooks the Longevity Hill.

By the time you reach your last stop, the Summer Palace, it will be around early or middle afternoon. This imperial garden built during the Qing Dynasty has an area of almost three square kilometers, three-quarters of which is covered by Kunming Lake. One of the main attractions is the Longevity Hill, dotted with ancient temples and Buddhist pagodas. After a relaxing afternoon stroll around the hill, head down to Nanhu Island and visit the 17-Arch Bridge where you can stay until the sunset comes. Let me tell you, the sunset vista on Nanhu Island is one of the most captivating natural sights you’ll ever see in Beijing.

If you have more time: Scrap the usual tour of the Great Wall and spend a whole day hiking (and camping). Great Wall hiking tours usually happen in the less-touristy sections of Jinshanling, Jiankou (the “wild”), or Huanghuacheng (the “Lakeside”). I visited the latter twice: camping overnight at a tower in July 2017 and touring around the submerged wall section in January 2017, and these experiences made me appreciate more of this ancient Chinese wonder.

Day 3: Zhoukoudian (Peking Man Discovery Site) → Shihuadong Rock Formations → Marco Polo Bridge

The last of the six World Heritage Sites in Beijing is perhaps the most difficult to get to because of its distance, but it is part of a wider geopark complex in the southwestern district of Fangshan. The major sites are accessible via public buses but the long travel and waiting times will make it more of a hassle than a proper trip. Renting a vehicle is your best option for this.

This sci-fi-looking architecture is actually a canopy that protects the excavation on the Upper Cave Man Site

Situated 85km southwest of the city center. Zhoukoudian is an extensive cave system and the discovery site of the specimens of Peking Man, believed by some to be ancestors of the Chinese people. Major parts of the cave system are closed for rehabilitation, including the Upper Cave Man discovery site of the first few Peking Man fossils. Fret not if you want to see more of the archaeological site, because the park ticket (RMB 30) includes a hike to the Longgu Hill where you can see replicas of the other mammalian species discovered in the site. The nearby Zhoukoudian Site Museum is open for public until 4pm every day except Mondays (RMB 30 entrance).

The Stone Flower Cave was originally called Qianzhen or Shifo Cave during the Ming Dynasty.

Whether or not Zhoukoudian is that optional item off your Beijing Bucket List, it’s still worth visiting as further north (around 30 min driving) will bring you to a fascinating destination: the Shihuadong or the Stone Flower Cave. The seven-layer underground cave system spans an area of 1.8 hectares and has spectacular halls full of different types of stalagmites, stalactites, and limestone pillars. Don’t miss the fourth underground layer where you can see the eponymous “stone flowers“, or newly formed stalagmites with needle-like appendages that resemble fresh snowflakes. Beyond that, the cave gets steeper. The cave is cool, at around 13-15 degrees Celsius all year long, so it’s a great destination during summertime.

The Marco Polo Bridge features ornamental marble lions on top of granite pillars, designed to “impress” travelers to the old imperial city

Before you head back to the city center, finish the day by visiting another location which has stood the test of time. The stone Lugou Bridge captured the attention of Italian explorer Marco Polo, who described it as a “beautiful” and “unique” bridge owing to its arched architecture; a fair observation since it was built in the late 11th century. The Marco Polo Bridge, as it’s now known, is closed for big vehicles but remains an important cultural passageway. In recent history, the bridge is known as a flashpoint where the Sino-Japanese War broke out. There are more points of interests in the area; just east of the bridge is Wanping town, where a giant lion is erected to commemorate the victory of the Chinese forces in the Sino-Japanese War.

Next in our Beijing Bucket List, Transit Visa Series: Get your cameras ready because we’ll take a look at some of the city’s Instagrammable sights.

Photos: 北京人说北京事儿 via Weibo (DC Heroes at Temple of Heaven), Zhangzhe0101 via Wikimedia Commons, Andy Penafuerte III