Beijing with Kids: 14 Top Family-Friendly Things to Do
Ever since the Beijing Olympics, the city of Beijing has catapulted towards becoming one of the world’s most innovative and advanced cities. However, beneath all that ritzy glamour, you’d also find charming hutongs lined with traditional homes, the majestic Forbidden City, and more. It’s also the gateway to the Great Wall of China, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Given its diverse nature, it appeals to travellers of all demographics and ages. And yes, it’s great for families too!
Seamlessly get to the city via a private airport transfer, and clock all the major sights on a private sightseeing tour. If your troop is up for navigating the public transport maze, arm yourselves with a Mainland China bus and metro card.
#KlookTip: When visiting major attractions, we like to learn more about the place on a guided tour. How does this small group tour of the Forbidden City sound?
1. Take a toboggan at the Great Wall of China
Photo credit: Zlatko Unger on Flickr Creative Commons
The Great Wall of China has got to be at the top of any Beijing must-visit list, but did you know that it doesn’t have to be a complete workout? Take a trip to the Mutianyu section — where you can ride a cable car or chairlift up, then whiz down on a toboggan from tower six. On top of wide and well-maintained walkways, there are also interactive exhibits along the way.
Get there easily via a private city transfer or, for a more budget-friendly option, consider a return bus pass. Alternatively, simply sit back and relax with this one-day tour! If your kid is a history buff, they’ll absolutely love going on a half-day study tour where they’ll become ‘Young Ambassadors of the Great Wall’. Note that this is available for children aged five and above.
#KlookTip: The floor is covered with uneven stones, making it incredibly difficult to use a stroller. We recommend leaving the strollers behind, and making do with a carrier instead.
2. Take a rickshaw ride
Discover the soul of the city in Beijing’s hutongs, which comprise nostalgic alleys lined by traditional courtyard residences. These are usually a hive of activity, where you can gain insight into local life. Explore on foot, or trundle around on a half-day hutong rickshaw tour. The best part? You’ll also get to see Houhai lake and the famous Drum Tower.
In fact, make a whole day out of it with this three-hour hutong breakfast tour. Come with an empty stomach, as you’ll be sampling more than 10 (!!!) different foods and beverages.
3. Go on a boat ride at the Summer Palace
Photo credit: Herbert Wie on Wikimedia Commons
Standing sentinel over Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace is a gorgeous imperial garden. Marvel at the Great Theatre, and stroll along the Long Corridor. Fun fact: the Long Corridor boasts a whopping 14,000 paintings, and is the longest painted corridor in the world! To learn more about its history, join a half-day tour led by an English- or Chinese-speaking guide.
Don’t miss out on taking a dragon boat ride, where you can snap lots of pictures of the Summer Palace from a different perspective. The boats generally operate from mid-March to mid-November each year. In fact, there’s even a self-driving option where you can enjoy a private six-person boat all to yourself.
4. Go wild at a theme park
Hands up if you can’t get enough of theme parks! Well, you’re in for a real treat at Beijing’s many world-class amusement parks. Universal Studios Beijing tops the list, wowing with exciting lands themed after Kung Fu Panda (the only one in the world!), Minions, Harry Potter, and Transformers. Capture it all on camera with a travel photography session — trust us, it’d be a day for the history books.
#KlookTip: Book a stay at Universal Studios Grand Hotel or NUO Resort Hotel to enjoy early entry to the park of up to an hour. You’ll also be able to stay in amazing themed rooms!
For more thrills, visit Happy Valley Beijing; or, head to Shijingshan Amusement Park, which is the city’s oldest theme park. On a hot summer’s day, cool off at the water park inside Happy Magic Water Cube Beijing.
Are you part of the Labubu craze? Pop Mart City Park is a glorious haven for die-hard fans with interactive displays, character meet and greets, parades, and more. Let the little ones burn all that energy at the Village of Warriors, which entices with swings, trampolines, and climbing frames.
#KlookTip: Don’t forget to grab a stamp passport that you can fill in at various points all around the park.
Otherwise, go on a globe-trotting adventure at Beijing World Park, which features recreations of natural and cultural sights from all around the world. See if you can hunt down the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Borobudur, Angkor Wat, Sydney Opera House, Pyramids of Giza, and more. The world folklore parade is a must see too!
5. Check out the planetarium
Photo credit: N509FZ on Wikimedia Commons
Did you know that the Beijing Planetarium is the first planetarium in China? Trawl three different exhibitions, and head to the roof to snap photos of large astronomical instruments. Learn all about astronomy and our vast universe at the Cosmos Theatre; visit the Space Theatre, China’s first 3D full dome theatre; and witness a 4D or 3D extravaganza at the other two theatres.
Keep an eye out for an array of activities, such as a fun drawing competition and block printing. There’ll also be special seasonal activities during festivals such as the Mid-Autumn festival.
6. Take a walk on the wild side
Dating back to 1906, Beijing Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals from 400 different species. Take the four-hour animal route, which will bring you to the adorable panda house, the majestic lion and tiger mountain, and more. Alternatively, the two-hour bird route covers the flamingo house, hornbill house, pheasant garden, and more.
Consider taking a day trip to Nanhaizi Park, where you’ll find a big herd of milu. The milu is a Chinese deer which were absent from China for almost 100 years. Some of these deer were smuggled out of China, and were returned in 1985. Wander around, spot the elegant creatures from the deer watch stations, have a picnic, or rent a boat at the lake.
7. Go under the sea
Beijing Aquarium has 37 wondrous marine life exhibits that tell the story of the ocean. Don’t miss out on the Chinese Sturgeon feeding; as well as the three-dimensional beluga whale section, complete with a floor-to-ceiling window and canopy.
Pacific Underwater World has a great touching pool, as well as a cinema playing shows about the ocean and its marine life. Beijing Fuguo Underwater World boasts the longest underwater sightseeing tunnel in Asia, and also has a lovely mermaid show. Otherwise, Taipingyang Underwater World has a Pirates of the Caribbean theme, and aims to educate visitors about marine life.
8. Explore the 798 Art District
Photo credit: Jacques Beaulieu on Flickr Creative Commons
Once a cluster of abandoned factories, the area has been revitalised into a vibrant artsy district. It has now become the 798 Art District, and packs a punch with tons of art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The art museum even has workshops for children.
9. Relax at a park
Photo credit: xoquinhosilva on Wikimedia Commons
When travelling with little ones, the key is to always take things slow. Why not plan a day to just relax at a park? Located near Houhai Lake, Beihai Park is a lovely park full of nature. Rent an electric paddle boat, check out the Jade Flowery Islet, and marvel at the colourful Nine-Dragon Screen. Jingshan Park is another family-friendly park, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion.
If you need a park with large green spaces for the kids to run around in, Chaoyang Park might be just what you’re looking for. Fly a kite, rent a bike, ride the rollercoaster, take a dip in the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and build sandcastles at the manmade beach (which played host to the 2008 Olympics beach volleyball games). In the winter, a hill within the park is even transformed into a ski slope.
10. Catch a show
Trust us when we say that the shows in China are on a whole other level. Be prepared to be whisked away into a world laced with wonder and intrigue, complete with dazzling lights and gravity-defying stunts. Catch such a show at Beijing Red Theater, which offers a visual spectacle performed by an award-winning acrobatic troupe.
Chaoyang Theatre has a jaw-dropping acrobatic show, with acts that involve unicycling, plate spinning, and more. Or, be swept up by the Legend of Kung Fu, a non-verbal show that follows a young boy’s dream to become a legendary Kung Fu master.
#KlookTip: Don’t worry about the language barrier, as there are English subtitles explaining the show’s story progression.
Up for something different altogether? Book in for the Beijing Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum experience. Learn all about the Qing Dynasty through a dinner-and-performance thingamajig, housed in an ornate setting. Feel as if you’re a royal enjoying a royal banquet, all whilst you sample dishes prepared by royal chefs. The best part? You can even dress up in traditional costumes to look and feel the part.
11. Have a traditional Chinese photoshoot
If you can’t get enough, commemorate your family trip with a photoshoot in traditional Chinese costumes. Don ancient princess costumes, or costumes from the Ming Dynasty. Don’t forget to get your makeup and hair done — yes, for children too! — whilst you’re at it.
12. Spend some time at a museum
Rainy day plan, check! Whether or not it’s pouring outside, get cosy at one of Beijing’s museums. Travel back in time at China National Film Museum, which delves into China’s cinematic history. Have fun learning calligraphy and tai chi moves, as well as how to play mahjong, at China Culture Centre — it’s fun for all ages.
Photo credit: Gary Todd on Flickr Creative Commons
Dinosaur lovers will love the giant dinosaur skeleton at China Science and Technology Museum, or the dinosaur section at the Beijing Museum of Natural History. You’ll even get the chance to participate in various science experiments. Sony Explora Science in Chaoyang Park is a lovely hands-on museum for kids, which is all about Sony’s innovations in light and sound. Check out the light and shadow tunnel, a dream coffee house, and a live performance area.
13. Burn the kids’ energy at an indoor playground
@funlandiaplaysystemsinc Neobio's Be1st (Beijing, China) Experience the powerful partnership between Funlandia and NeoBio, China's best indoor adventure park! As their main supplier, we've fueled their success with top-notch product support, delivering reliable quality, excellent design, and ongoing innovation. NeoBio stands at the forefront of China's indoor amusement industry, and we're dedicated to helping other parks achieve the same excellence. Together, let's "Create Meaningful Play" for families worldwide! #Funlandia #NeoBio#IndoorAdventure #ThemePark #Amusement #IndoorPlayground #FEC ♬ 原聲 - Funlandia Play Systems Inc
China has a reputation for being one of the most advanced countries in the world, and it shows — even in its indoor playgrounds. Be1st, for example, showcases tech like virtual reality. Fundazzle, on the other hand, is a mega kids wonderland with slides, a two-storey climbing gym with slides and obstacles, shows, and workshops.
Family Box is all about learning through play, and has games, swimming, as well as a range of classes. A dancing or cooking class, anyone? If you have little-r ones in tow, they’ll feel right at home at Beyou World. Catering for children aged three to 12, it functions somewhat like Kidzania where children take on various jobs, and manage the town and society.
14. Spend a day at Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park
Photo credit: Beijing Tourism
Shopping with… kids? Bet you didn’t know that it can be a fun experience! Especially at Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, which has a whole line-up of childrens’ stores, as well as plenty of festivals and events geared towards families. It also has a giant cinema, an All-Star Skating Club, as well as private karaoke rooms for a sing-along jam session.
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