5 Days Beijing Family Tour: Classics, Culture & Custom Fun (Ages 8-18)

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! This is our No.1 tourist destination, an ancient capital with more than 3,000 years. Asia Odyssey Travel will guide you to explore its imperial culture, the Great Wall, and local hutong life.

Upon your arrival at the airport or train station in Beijing, your local tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your carefully selected hotel in downtown Beijing. We will assist you with the hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Beijing Arrival Tips:

Beijing is well connected by both air and high-speed rail. The city has two major airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport - serving numerous domestic and international routes.

You can easily reach Beijing by air from most major Chinese cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

Alternatively, travelers can take a high-speed train to Beijing from Xi’an (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Tianjin (30 minutes), or Harbin (5-5.5 hours).

Free Time Ideas for your family:

Feel free to ask your tour guide for personalized suggestions to make the most of your free time, depending on your interests and schedule.

Today, your family will spend a full day exploring the ancient capital of Beijing, experiencing its world-famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and lively hutongs.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world and a powerful national symbol of China.

Then, walk across the square to visit the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and the former residence of 24 emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City served as the political and ceremonial heart of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

With more than 8,700 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only the best-preserved imperial palace in China, but also a city within a city - much like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis to make sure you don’t miss the key palaces. Admire the splendid architecture, ancient art treasures, and hear stories of royal life from your guide.

Kids will especially enjoy spotting the guardian roof figurines - dragons, phoenix riders, lions - and learning the meaning behind the bronze vats placed beside important halls. Don’t forget to stroll through the Imperial Garden for a peaceful break and a glimpse of the royal lifestyle.

Afterward, take a short 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park, where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic view of modern Beijing and the golden roofs of the Forbidden City - a picture-perfect highlight of the day.

In the afternoon, enjoy fun and immersive Hutong cultural experience with your family. Start with leisurely rickshaw ride through the charming Shichahai Area, known as the largest and best-preserved historic neighborhood in central Beijing. As the rickshaw winds through the narrow alleyways, you’ll pass traditional courtyard homes, the scenic Yinding Bridge, and lively bar streets. This area perfectly blends lakeside scenery, former princes’ mansions, celebrity residences, and old Beijing life—rich in atmosphere and full of local charm.

Next, visit a local Hutong family. Sit down with residents who have lived here for generations and listen to their stories about life in the Hutongs - how traditions are passed down, how neighbors support each other, and how modern life blends with heritage.

After the family visit, your children (and adults, too!) can enjoy a hands-on cultural workshop. Choose from: Chinese calligraphy, Peking Opera mask painting, Traditional paper-cutting. (You may decide on the activity onsite based on your interest.)

Optional Dinner - Peking Duck Experience:

If you’d like, end the day with classic Peking Duck dinner at a famous local restaurant. The crispy duck skin, tender meat, and the fun of wrapping it with scallions, cucumber, and sweet sauce in a thin pancake is always a hit with kids. Truly delicious!

This morning, begin your day with a visit to Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Larger than the Forbidden City yet smaller than the Summer Palace, this Taoist temple is renowned for its harmonious layout, symbolic architecture, and exquisite design. For over 500 years, it was where 22 Chinese emperors performed grand ceremonies to pray for good harvests.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll see many locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing, playing music, or doing calligraphy - a glimpse of everyday life in Beijing. (Optional: If your family would like to learn Tai Chi from a local master, please let us know in advance.)

Inside the complex, admire the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the grand circular structure with triple-eaved blue roofs, and explore the fascinating Echo Wall and Triple Sound Stones, both famous for their clever acoustic designs.

After your Temple of Heaven visit, drive about 1.5-2 hours (73 km) to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Originally built in the 6th century and later rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, Mutianyu is known for its 23 watchtowers, lush scenery, and relatively fewer crowds.

Recommended Route: chairlift up - eastern route - toboggan down

Take a chairlift up to the 6th watchtower and begin your memorable family hike along the wall’s eastern route. Surrounded by pine and cypress forests, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views as the wall winds majestically over the mountain ridges. Hike toward Zhengguantai (Watchtower No. 4) and the grand Dajiaolou (Watchtower No. 1) , two of the most scenic spots - perfect for photos and moments of awe.

For extra fun, descend the wall via an exciting toboggan ride (1,580 meters long) - you can control the speed yourself for a thrilling yet safe experience. (Note: Children under 10 or below the minimum height must ride with an adult.)

Alternative Option (family with the olders or infants):

If you prefer, you can take a cable car (fully enclosed) up and down the Great Wall, following the western route instead. This option is ideal for families with older travelers or infants. Just let us know your preference in advance.

Optional Dinner - Traditional Beijing Hot Pot:

After returning to downtown Beijing, treat your family to an authentic Old Beijing Copper Pot Hot Pot ****dinner. Enjoy hand-sliced fresh lamb cooked in a brass pot with clear broth and sesame dipping sauce - especially comforting in the winter.

You can choose between two plans for your family trip in Beijing.

• Plan A offers a full day at Universal Studios Beijing, perfect for families with children aged 8–15 who love popular movie worlds and thrilling rides.
• Plan B takes you on a fascinating journey from ancient Beijing to modern China, ideal for adolescents aged 10–18. It’s an educational and immersive experience that connects history, culture, and modern life - an eye-opening day for curious young travelers.

Plan A: Universal Studios Beijing One-Day Tour

This morning, your private driver will take your family to Universal Studios Beijing (no guide service today).

Located about 30 km east of downtown Beijing, this world-class theme park promises a full day of excitement and fun for all ages. It features seven themed lands - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers Metrobase, Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, Minion Land, WaterWorld, and Hollywood.

Notably, Universal Studios Beijing is home to the world’s first Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness and the largest Transformers-themed area in the world - both unique to China. You’ll need around 8 hours to fully enjoy all the activities and shows.

Must-Try Experiences:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™an immersive 4D indoor roller coaster that takes you flying through Hogwarts.
• Decepticoastera high-speed launched roller coaster in the Transformers Metrobase.
• Jurassic World Adventurea thrilling indoor ride where you’ll come face-to-face with the Indominus Rex.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhema fun family-friendly 3D ride featuring everyone’s favorite Minions.
• Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrioran exciting dark water ride set in the world of Kung Fu Panda.
• WaterWorld Stunt Showa spectacular live performance filled with high dives, explosions, and jet-ski chases - an absolute must-see!
• Don’t miss the Universal on Paradeand the magical Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, a stunning light and music show to end your perfect day.

After your visit, your driver will meet you at the park’s exit and transfer your family back to your hotel in downtown Beijing.

Plan B: Educational Trip with history and cultural experience, perfect for Adolescent (10-18 years)

After breakfast, start your day at the National Museum of China, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. This is the perfect place to open your eyes to China’s 5,000 years of civilization - a journey through dynasties, artistry, and innovation. Marvel at China’s “National Treasures” in the Ancient China Exhibition Hall (B1 Floor). Admire relics such as the Painted Pottery Basin with Human and Fish Design, Four-Ram Zun, Simuwu Ding, Bronze Chime Bells, Gold-threaded Jade Suit, and Tri-colored Camel with Musicians. Each piece reveals a chapter of China’s fascinating past.

Continue to Qianmen Street, one of Beijing’s most historic and vibrant areas. The street’s gray brick buildings and tiled roofs reflect the late Qing and early Republic architectural style. Here, tradition meets modern life - stroll past century-old shops, snack stalls, and cultural boutiques. Immerse yourself in the authentic old Beijing vibe and sample local favorites like douzhi (fermented mung bean drink), donkey rolls (sweet rice cakes), candied hawthorns, and zhajiang noodles.

Optional Experience: If your family enjoy more cultural experience, try Ming-Qing themed immersive dining experience. Step back in time to the imperial era, enjoy refined dishes inspired by palace cuisine, and be entertained with traditional music, dance, and opera. (Tip: Arrive 1-1.5 hours early if you’d like to enjoy the costume and makeup experience before lunch.)

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace (World Heritage Site), once the royal retreat for escaping the summer heat. Known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” this vast park is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design - with temples, pavilions, bridges, and the serene Kunming Lake. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the famous Long Corridor, admire the hilltop views, and take a relaxing boat ride to soak in the imperial charm and natural beauty.

As the day winds down, drive to Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD) to witness the city’s striking modern skyline. Be amazed by architectural landmarks like the CITIC Tower (China Zun) - Beijing’s tallest skyscraper - and the iconic CCTV Headquarters, fondly nicknamed “the Big Pants.”

From imperial grandeur to futuristic brilliance, today’s journey gives your family a full picture of Beijing - ancient and modern, majestic and dynamic. After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel.

After breakfast, your wonderful family trip in Beijing comes to an end. Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Extend Your China Adventure:

If you’d like to explore more of China, consider adding destinations such as Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai (The Bund), Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains), Chengdu (Giant Pandas), Guilin (Karst Landscapes), or Tibet (Mount Everest). Each offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Beijing journey. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next adventure across China!