2023 Summer Beijing 11-Day Family Trip

Finally reaching the 'age of no confusion,' I had a rare chance for leave. It was a chance to fulfill a long-held dream of my 10-year-old big treasure, and even more, my own dream of the capital. This was the first year after three years of pandemic restrictions, and everyone seemed to be traveling. At the end of July, my wife, the kids, and I embarked on the journey from Chongqing to Beijing. Big Clever and Little Cutie were beyond excited—their hearts pounding with joy, utterly thrilled.

D1 (July 28) High-speed train: Chongqing – Beijing

A seven-hour journey, but we'd loaded two movies onto a tablet in advance. The two kids watched their films and hummed tunes the whole way, arriving at Beijing West Station without much fuss. A colleague from the office helped us book a small hotel outside the Third Ring Road, only 320 yuan per night. A tip for friends heading to Beijing: you don't need to stay within the First or Second Ring Road—800–1,000+ yuan a night is hard to swallow. As long as your hotel is near a metro station, you're set. We relied entirely on the metro, quick and convenient to all the sights.

D2 (July 29): Tiananmen, Forbidden City

To let the kids experience the awe of the flag-raising ceremony up close, we didn’t sleep that first night. After dinner, we headed out around 9 p.m. to queue for the 5:10 a.m. ceremony. By the time we got there, it was already a sea of people. Folks from all corners of China had gathered at the entrance—it felt like the whole country had come to Beijing. Some stood, some sat; those with mats sprawled on the ground. Every posture imaginable, all aiming for a front-row spot. People were ready for an all-nighter and an 800-meter dash.

When they finally let us through, Big Clever sprinted ahead. I carried 4-year-old Little Cutie on my shoulders and ran like mad, Mom lagging behind. By the time we dashed into Tiananmen Square, the front row was taken, but we ended up around the third row—not bad. Soon we were hemmed in seven or eight layers deep, impossible to count. Just before it started, Big Clever somehow squeezed forward, and a kind girl in the front row let him stand right by the railing. The three of us ended up in the third and fourth rows. We’d been standing stiff for over two hours before it even began; my legs no longer felt mine. At last, at 5:10, the ceremony began. The honor guard emerged from the Golden Water Bridge, the national anthem played, and the red flag flew. See the photos.

Tiananmen at 3 a.m.

A whole night of queuing for just three minutes of flag!

Tiananmen at 5 a.m., the honor guard marching to the music.

Afterward, as dawn broke, we took all kinds of photos and selfies in front of Tiananmen. Some even napped right on the square.

A sea of people, all chasing that perfect moment.

We’d stayed up all night, and the kids were ravenous. Grabbed a bite outside Qianmen, then headed to the Forbidden City via Donghuamen. Best to rent an audio guide outside the gate—the GPS-triggered commentary beats a live guide. You can follow the map or roam free, but seeing every hall takes a full day and legs like a special forces soldier’s.

Forbidden City: see the photos.

Entering through Meridian Gate, the first view is the Gate of Supreme Harmony.

Handsome Big Clever

Mischievous Little Cutie

Little Cutie trying out his "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms"

Just as we finished the Forbidden City around 5 p.m. and were about to go to Jingshan Park, a sudden gale and torrential rain drenched us to the skin—yes, underwear too. That storm kicked off two straight days of heavy rain in Beijing, causing flooding and closing all attractions. All our pre-booked plans fell apart, and we ended up napping at the hotel.

At times like these, compared to those paying 800–1,000+ a night inside the First Ring Road, I felt a bit more at peace.

D3 (July 30): Attractions closed, heavy rain in the afternoon. Wandered around a nearby Wanda Plaza.

D4 (July 31): Braved the rain to Wangfujing and Nanluoguxiang.

Zhajiang noodles for 39 yuan a bowl

Baodu (tripe) for 78 yuan a bowl

D5 (August 1): Braved the rain to visit Peking University and Tsinghua University.

May these two boys cherish their youth and one day reach these top universities.

The rain stopped in the afternoon. We visited Shichahai and Yandaixiejie, then headed back to Tiananmen Square while it was still light.

D6 (August 2): National Museum of China, Military Museum, Water Cube, Bird’s Nest

The National Museum’s treasures are countless. To truly browse every gallery and every artifact, a single day isn’t enough. Since we’d pre-booked the Military Museum, we rushed through and dashed over in the afternoon.

The kids were ecstatic seeing planes, cannons, and rockets at the Military Museum.

Stepping into the Military Museum and soaking up the history of our nation’s weapons—a paradise for young military buffs. Pure joy.

The evolution of pistols, planes, boats, and other armaments was eye-opening. After the Military Museum, there was still daylight, so we hopped on the metro to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, catching them lit up at night.

D7 (August 3): Mutianyu Great Wall

We’d heard Badaling was too crowded with insane queues, so we opted for Mutianyu. The whole day was just for the Great Wall. To fulfill Big Clever’s wish, I ended up climbing with him to Watchtower No. 20, where the slope hits an 80-degree angle—hands and feet all in, giving it everything. A pity the weather hadn’t cleared after the rain; the photos lack crispness.

Caught a rare stretch without tourists and quickly grabbed a few shots.

Reaching the top at Watchtower 20.

Looking back at Watchtower 20—what a slope…

Rain gone, mist remained, no clarity.

D8 (August 4): Temple of Heaven, Jingshan Park, Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)

The Temple of Heaven is Beijing’s most photogenic spot—every shot is exquisite.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, once where emperors prayed for favorable weather, has been restored many times and is now a favorite.

Then to Jingshan Park, to make up for the rainout days before.

Overlooking the entire Forbidden City—the imperial palace is truly vast.

Yuanmingyuan: green hills, clear waters, singing birds, bamboo groves, and happy hearts. We boarded a boat to drift across the lake, taking in the beauty and holding happiness close.

The ruins of the Dashuifa fountain—broken walls and rubble. Seeing it all fills one with anger.

It was perfect for my child, who will soon study Yuanmingyuan in fifth grade, to experience it firsthand.

D9 (August 5): Beihai Park, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Drum Tower, Lama Temple

In the afternoon, we entered Prince Gong’s Mansion to learn half the history of the Qing Dynasty.

This map shows just how vast Heshen’s residence was.

A different angle on the central axis of the Forbidden City.

Then to Lama Temple.

Every photo inside is beautiful.

D10 (August 6): Summer Palace

The famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge

Climbing Longevity Hill to overlook the Summer Palace

D11 (August 7): Return journey

Regrets: we couldn’t get reservations for Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, so didn’t pay respects; missed Guozijian, Tiananmen Rostrum, the Natural History Museum, and World Park; the weather made Forbidden City and Great Wall photos less than perfect.

Tips:

1. For all Beijing attractions, you must book in advance on WeChat. Book before you even leave—some seven days in advance, some three. Plan your itinerary and make a strategy; online guides are detailed.

2. Bring your ID card—most places require it for entry. Kids under 1.2 meters are free at some scenic spots.

3. The Great Wall needs a full day; time is tight, don’t try to squeeze in more.

4. Attraction tickets are cheap; the real costs are food and lodging. Stay at a hotel near a metro station.

May your next journey be wonderful—pick up your happy backpack, step into ease, and roam across mountains and rivers. Joy in your heart! Travel north, south, east, west, and smile all the way!