14 day itinerary for Beijing

Itinerary

A 14-day family-friendly itinerary in Beijing sounds like a fantastic adventure! There’s so much to see and do, and I’ll make sure to include a mix of cultural experiences, fun activities, and some downtime. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your family-friendly hotel (consider places with amenities for kids).
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around your hotel area to get your bearings. Maybe visit a nearby park like Chaoyang Park where the kids can run around.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Peking Duck at Quanjude or Da Dong.

## Day 2: The Great Wall of China

• Morning: Head out early to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s less crowded and has a cable car for easy access.
• Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the wall or at the base. Spend the afternoon exploring and taking in the stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 3: Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square

• Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and then explore the Forbidden City. Make sure to get an audio guide or join a family-friendly tour to keep the kids engaged.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby café. Afterward, visit the Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal at Haidilao Hot Pot, where the kids can enjoy cooking their own food.

## Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Hutongs

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven. The park is great for kids to run around, and you can see locals practicing tai chi.
• Afternoon: Explore the Hutongs (traditional alleyways). Consider a rickshaw tour for a fun way to see the area.
• Evening: Dinner in a Hutong restaurant, perhaps at Lao Beijing for some authentic local dishes.

## Day 5: Beijing Zoo & Panda House

• Morning: Spend the morning at the Beijing Zoo to see the adorable giant pandas.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at the zoo or nearby. Then, visit the Beijing Aquarium if time allows.
• Evening: Head back to your hotel and enjoy a movie night or board games with the family.

## Day 6: Summer Palace

• Morning: Visit the Summer Palace. Rent a paddle boat on Kunming Lake for some family fun.
• Afternoon: Explore the gardens and temples. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
• Evening: Dinner at a restaurant with a view of the lake, like The Pavilion.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Chengde

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Chengde to see the Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Temples. It’s a bit of a drive, but the scenery is beautiful and it’s a great way to learn about Chinese history.

## Day 8: 798 Art District & Shopping

• Morning: Explore the 798 Art District. It’s a vibrant area with art galleries and installations. Kids will love the colorful murals!
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a café in the district. Then, head to Wangfujing Street for some shopping and street food.
• Evening: Try some local snacks like candied fruit or stinky tofu!

## Day 9: Beijing Planetarium & Science Museum

• Morning: Visit the Beijing Planetarium for an educational and fun experience.
• Afternoon: Head to the Beijing Science and Technology Museum. It’s interactive and great for kids.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant, perhaps Pizza Hut for a taste of home.

## Day 10: Day Trip to the Ming Tombs

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to the Ming Tombs. Explore the ancient burial sites and learn about the Ming Dynasty.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel.

## Day 11: National Museum of China & Wangfujing

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of China. It’s huge, so focus on the sections that interest your family the most.
• Afternoon: Have lunch nearby and then return to Wangfujing for more shopping or to visit the Wangfujing Snack Street for unique treats.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at Din Tai Fung for some delicious dumplings.

## Day 12: Beijing Opera & Cultural Experience

• Morning: Visit the Beijing Opera for a family-friendly performance. Check the schedule in advance.
• Afternoon: Participate in a family-friendly cultural workshop, like calligraphy or kite-making.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some dumplings or noodles.

## Day 13: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Take it easy! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a swim at your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit a local market for some last-minute shopping or souvenirs.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps The Great Wall Restaurant for a themed experience.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast in Beijing. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a last stroll in a nearby park.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Always check the weather and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Make sure to have snacks and water on hand for the kids during outings.
• Consider using public transport or hiring a family-friendly guide for ease of travel.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Beijing with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️