13 Things to do in Beijing with kids

Beautiful Beijing with its rich culture, history and rising appeal is currently on top of everybody’s bucket list. Beijing is a combination of history and modernity. It is the home to some finest remains of china’s imperial past, suave and cosmopolitan present and a more globalized future.

Beijing is transformed by its lustrous past and was enhanced as the times went by. Behind its rich and complex historical attributes, everyday life grows with a mixed-up variety. Beijing is bursting with a unique charm that attracts tourists from all around the world to explore in this amazing and grandiose place. There are hundreds of reasons on why choose to visit Beijing such as their culture, tourist attractions and events, and accommodation hotels.

13 things to do in Beijing with Kids

Of all the places to visit in Asia with kids, Beijing would have to be an eye-opening experience and one of the highlights of China. For most people, spending  few days in Beijing makes sense at the start of a longer China itinerary.  If you can only spend a week in China, it still makes sense to plan a few days exploring in Beijing.

The combination of historical sights and activities makes exploring Beijing with kids both fun and educational. Here are a bunch of things to in Beijing:

1- Visit the Temple of Heaven

Beijing has a lot of historical interests such as The Temple of Heaven where the ancient emperors performed solemn rituals for bountiful harvests.

The most notable buildings of the temple include the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Ming Tombs where the 13 great emperors of China were buried.

2- Climb the Great Wall of China

Of course, everyone has seen the Great Wall of China, may it be on pictures or the television, but seeing it live is a majestic experience, indeed! It is the longest man-made structure in the world and there are really interesting stories that the tour guides would tell you about the Great Wall of China.

There are several sections of the Great Wall you can visit but the most popular are Badaling and Mutianyu. Visiting the Great Wall of China is a bucket list experience and one of the things to do in China for kids that should not be missed. 

The good news is visiting the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world, is affordable. If you’re budget conscious, this post has some good information on how much it costs to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu.

3- Explore the Forbidden City

It’s like time travel to the imperial times and explore the palace where the Emperor of China once lived. It’s a magical place and a sprawling residence. 

The Forbidden City which is the largest and well-preserved ancient architectural compound in the world but before entering the Forbidden City, you can’t miss its front door.

4- Wander Around Tienanmen Square

Tienanmen Square is the largest square in the world and a great place to go people watching.

This is a historic square where people gather and is the place to go during festivals in Beijing.

5- Go shopping

Apart from the rich historical aspect of Beijing, it has also a energetic outdoor markets and upbeat nightlife that surely attract tourists and souvenir shoppers!

In addition, Beijing has several shopping districts that offer an overwhelming variety of goods these includes the Wangfujing Street and Qianmen Street.

Don’t be shy about asking for a better price as bargaining is all part of the fun of shopping in Beijing. But before you splash the cash, read these great tips on how to go bargain shopping in Beijing.

Check out Panjiayuan “Antiques” Market and Xiushui Street for local specialties such as fresh-water pearls, antiques, silk, and much more!

The food markets in Beijing are also wonderful to explore and taste local food. 

6- Hit the nightspots

As the capital city of China, Beijing attracts people from all over the country and the world.Gone are the days when Beijing was a drab communist capital.

The diversity and liveliness of the city has provided Beijing with a varied and colorful nightlife. So, leave the kids with a babysitter and enjoy a fun night out.

7- Learn Tai Chi in Bei Hai Park

Watch the locals do Tai Chi in Bei Hai Park and learn some basic moves yourself. The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi is a fantastic way to get moving and a cultural activity as well as a sport.

Kids love trying out the fluid movements. Don’t miss out on other activities in the park too!

8- Watch a Chinese Opera

Watch a performances of the Beijing Opera, which is a colorful and noisy show that has lasted through the centuries.

You may not understand what’s going on but Peking Opera is a cultural treasure not to be missed.

9- Go On A Walking Tour Of The Hutongs

Beijing’s ancient alleyways or hutongs are fascinating to explore. Your kids will learn a great deal by seeing real life in China as these narrow alleys offer some interesting sights.

The easiest way to see the Hutongs is to go on a walking tour and the most popular streets are  Nanluoguxiang and  Yandaixie Street. 

10- Learn About History at the Ming Tombs

The Ming Dynasty Tombs is where 13 Ming emperors are buried. This is a historically important place as the Ming Dynasty was the last and possibly the most powerful ruling Han Chinese dynasty in China. 

Kublai Khan and the Mongol Dynasty sacked the Ming Dynasty, ending thousands of years of traditional Chinese rule. The only tomb that is open to the public is Ding Ling, which has an interesting path lined with stone animals leading up to the tomb.

11- Watch an event at Beijing Olympic Park

Also known as the “Bird’s Nest” because the futuristic stadium is shaped like one, Beijing Olympic Park, hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

With 10 Olympic venues and some pretty cool architecture, this is one of the modern landmarks in China your family should see. 

12- Have fun at Shijingshan Amusement Park

Shijingshan Amusement Park has 50 thrilling attractions spread over four themed sections – East, West, Adventure World, and Fantasy World.

Rides include Canyon Rafting and the Monster House and there’s a fun program of activities for every season.

The amusement park is located on the West Fifth Ring Road in Beijing, 

13- Explore the Summer Palace