9 day itinerary for Beijing

Itinerary

Beijing is a fantastic city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of shopping opportunities, making it a great destination for families. I’ll craft a 9-day itinerary that accommodates your wheelchair-bound family member while ensuring everyone has a blast. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into a family-friendly hotel that offers wheelchair access. The Hilton Beijing or the Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall are great options.
• Afternoon: Take it easy and explore the area around your hotel. Visit a nearby park, like Ritan Park, which is wheelchair accessible and has lovely walking paths.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try Peking Duck at Quanjude, which is famous for this dish and has wheelchair access.

## Day 2: The Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square

• Morning: Start your day at Tiananmen Square. It’s spacious and accessible, making it easy to navigate. Take in the sights of the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
• Afternoon: Head to the Forbidden City. The main pathways are wheelchair accessible, and you can rent a wheelchair if needed. Explore the vast courtyards and beautiful halls.
• Evening: Dinner in the Wangfujing area, where you can also explore the night market for some unique snacks and souvenirs.

## Day 3: Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)

• Morning: Take a trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s one of the more accessible sections, with a cable car that can accommodate wheelchairs. Enjoy the stunning views!
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Afterward, take your time exploring the wall and enjoying the scenery.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

## Day 4: Summer Palace & Shopping

• Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, which is mostly accessible. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, Kunming Lake, and the Long Corridor. There are plenty of benches to rest along the way.
• Afternoon: Head to the nearby shopping area of Haidian, where you can find shops that cater to teenage girls. Look for trendy clothing stores and unique boutiques.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some dumplings at Din Tai Fung, which is also wheelchair accessible.

## Day 5: Temple of Heaven & Hutong Tour

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where you can stroll through the park and see locals practicing tai chi. The main areas are accessible.
• Afternoon: Take a guided wheelchair-friendly hutong tour. Explore the narrow alleys and traditional courtyard homes. Some tours offer rickshaw rides, which can be fun for the family!
• Evening: Dinner in the hutong area, where you can find cozy restaurants with local cuisine.

## Day 6: Beijing Zoo & Shopping

• Morning: Visit the Beijing Zoo to see the famous giant pandas. The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and there are plenty of exhibits to enjoy.
• Afternoon: Head to the Sanlitun area for shopping. This area is popular with teenagers and has a variety of shops, from international brands to local boutiques.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Sanlitun, offering a range of cuisines.

## Day 7: 798 Art District & Cultural Experience

• Morning: Explore the 798 Art District, a contemporary art hub with galleries and shops. The area is mostly accessible, and you can enjoy the vibrant street art.
• Afternoon: Participate in a family-friendly cultural workshop, such as a calligraphy or painting class. Many places offer wheelchair access.
• Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant in the area, followed by a stroll to enjoy the art installations.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Chengde

• Morning: Take a day trip to Chengde, known for its Summer Resort and temples. The resort is wheelchair accessible, and you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and architecture.
• Afternoon: Explore the temples and enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel.

## Day 9: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can do some last-minute shopping or visit a local market for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure.

Tips:

• Always check in advance for wheelchair accessibility at each site.
• Consider hiring a private guide who is experienced in accommodating families with special needs.
• Make sure to have a portable charger for your devices, as you’ll be taking lots of photos!

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