Get Your Travel Plan
July 25, 2025
3 views5-Day Beijing Family Travel Guide: City Exploration for Mid-Range Budget
Explore Beijing's iconic landmarks, family-friendly attractions, and delicious cuisine with our curated itinerary for a perfect 5-day family adventure.
Family TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 北京
Location: Northern China
Famous For: Ancient Palaces,Great Wall,Museums,Beijing Duck
Daily Cost: $80-120 per person
Best Season: April-May, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Beijing
Beijing, China's 3,000-year-old capital, blends imperial grandeur with modern innovation. From Forbidden City's majestic halls to Great Wall's watchtowers, this city offers endless discoveries. Explore hutong alleys on traditional tricycles, marvel at futuristic architecture in CBD district, and taste authentic Peking Duck at century-old restaurants. With family-friendly attractions like Beijing Zoo and Olympic Park, Beijing creates lasting memories for all ages.
Best time to visit Beijing
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming peonies at Summer Palace. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) with frequent thunderstorms. Ideal for indoor attractions like National Museum and air-conditioned shopping malls.
🍁Autumn: Perfect weather (10-20°C) with autumn foliage at Jingshan Park. Coincides with National Day Golden Week (October 1-7).
❄️Winter: Cold and dry (0-5°C) but perfect for ice skating at Houhai and skiing at Yunding Park.
Arriving and leaving Beijing
Extensive subway network (Lines 1-10) covers all major attractions. Family-friendly options include taxi apps (DiDi) and airport express. Bicycles available at designated stations.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) [Recommended]
Asia's largest airport (25km from city center). Metro Line 2/10 connects to downtown (40min, ¥25). Taxis cost ¥100-150 including tolls.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Newly built airport (60km south). Airport Express takes 81min to city center. Taxis cost ¥200-250.
Beijing West Railway Station (BJB)
Major high-speed rail hub (15km from city). Subway Line 9 connects to downtown. Taxis cost ¥50-80.
Where to stay in Beijing: Best Neighborhood
Qianmen & Dashilan
Perfect for first-time families. Walking distance to Tiananmen Square, early access to Forbidden City sunrise, and traditional hutong experiences.
Wangfujing
Luxury shopping and dining options. Home to Wangfujing Street and family-friendly accommodations like Beijing Peninsula Hotel.
Olympic Park
Modern district with Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Great for evening light displays and family hotels like Beijing Olympic Park Hotel.
Top Things to do in Beijing
Forbidden City
Explore the world's largest palace complex with 999 rooms. Don't miss the Hall of Mental Cultivation and Treasure Gallery.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Less crowded section with cable car access and toboggan rides. Perfect for families with younger children.
Beijing Zoo
Home to rare species including giant pandas and Chinese alligators. Features a children's farm and dolphin shows.
Tips
Book tickets in advance for major attractions like Great Wall and Forbidden City. Bring comfortable shoes for temple visits.
What to eat: Beijing food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Quanjude (Forbidden City Branch)
Iconic 150-year-old duck restaurant with imperial decor. Offers child-friendly carving demonstrations.
2. Xi Yuan Ju Shuan Rou
Award-winning hotpot in Qianmen area. Known for authentic charcoal-heated copper pots.
3. Da Dong Wangfujing
Contemporary duck restaurant with Michelin stars. Offers crispy duck salad and bone soup.
Signature Dishes
1. Peking Duck
Crispy skin with sweet bean sauce and scallions. Best experienced at historic restaurants with table-side carving.
2. Lamb Hotpot
Traditional Northern dish with thinly sliced lamb cooked at table. Served with sesame paste and vegetable platters.
3. Zhajiang Noodles
Wheat noodles topped with savory soy bean paste and pork mince. A staple of Beijing home cooking.
Beijing itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Liqun Roast Duck:Start with local specialties like duck blood soup
Visit Forbidden City:Explore the Palace Museum complex
🥗Lunch at Fangshan Restaurant:Taste imperial cuisine in the northern gate courtyard
Stroll at Jingshan Park:Panoramic view of Forbidden City from the peak
🍽️Dinner at Da Dong:Contemporary presentation of classic Beijing dishes
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Quanjude:Early meal before long journey
Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall:2-hour drive with scenic mountain views
🥗Lunch at Taoli Restaurant:Great Wall view with local mountain vegetables
Explore Great Wall:Cable car ride and toboggan slide experience
Return to Beijing:Evening visit to Olympic Park and Bird's Nest
🍽️Dinner at Jin Yuetan:International buffet with kids' play area
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Lao She Tea House:Traditional snacks with cultural performances
Hutong Bicycle Tour:Explore traditional alleyways and local markets
🥗Lunch at Siji Minfu:Courtyard restaurant with excellent duck dishes
Visit Temple of Heaven:Explore ancient Ming Dynasty sacrifice complex
Shopping at Panjiayuan Market:Antique hunting and souvenir shopping
🍽️Dinner at Haidilao Hotpot:Interactive hotpot experience with kids' activities
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at McDonald's:Quick bite before entering Universal Beijing
Universal Beijing Resort:Full-day exploration of themed attractions
🥗Lunch at The Toothsome Chocolate Factory:Themed dining within the resort complex
Continue Theme Park Exploration:Experience major attractions like Transformers and Kung Fu Panda
🍽️Dinner at Universal Resort:Themed character dining experience
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Jing Restaurant:Try traditional zhajiang noodles with eggplant
Visit CCTV Headquarters:Admire the futuristic architecture
Shopping at MixC World:Luxury shopping with family-friendly amenities
🥗Lunch at Din Tai Fung:World-famous dumplings and dim sum
Visit China Science and Technology Museum:Interactive exhibits for kids of all ages
🍽️Dinner at The Great Leap Brewing:Modern take on traditional dishes with craft beer
Beijing Travel FAQs
Welcome to China
Go2China
Your AI-powered China travel companion