Autumn is the perfect season to take your parents on a trip to Beijing! Today, I’m sharing a comprehensive Beijing travel guide for parents, designed to save money and avoid common mistakes! If you want to know more about Trip to China, please feel free to contact us.

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Itinerary :

Day 1: Mao Zedong Memorial Hall — Tiananmen Tower — the forbidden city

Start the day by visiting the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, where the reverence for historical figures from your parents' generation is palpable. The solemnity and grandeur will bring tears to your eyes. Afterward, visit Tiananmen Tower, followed by a leisurely afternoon stroll through The Forbidden City. With its red walls, yellow tiles, and exquisite carvings, the city exudes the beauty of ancient architecture and the passage of history.

Day 2: The Great Wall — Bird's Nest & Water Cube (Night View from outside)

Take your parents to climb the Great Wall and experience the magnificence of China's landscapes. You can opt for the cable car to avoid tiring yourself out. In the evening, head to the Olympic Park to admire the Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside, especially stunning when illuminated at night.

Day 3: Summer Palace — Old Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a large imperial garden known for its beautiful scenery. You can take a boat tour on Kunming Lake and enjoy the lake and mountain views. The Old Summer Palace, although in ruins, still reminds us of the lessons of history.

Day 4: Temple of Heaven — Prince Gong’s Mansion

In the morning, visit The Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors worshipped the heavens. Be sure to buy a combination ticket to visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar. In the afternoon, visit Prince Gong’s Mansion and make sure to see the “Three Treasures and One Gem” (the Back Tower, Western-style Gate, Grand Theatre, and the Inscribed Stele with the character 福).

Day 5: Free time, prepare for departure

This day can be used for photos and leisure activities.

Clothing Suggestions:

For your parents, choose modest, elegant clothing that matches Beijing’s ancient architecture, such as black, light blue, or off-white outfits.

Photo Spots:

● The corner towers, red walls, and Hall of Supreme Harmony at the Forbidden City — any shot is bound to be stunning.

● The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube at night — amazing in the lighting.

● The Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Long Corridor at the Summer Palace, and the Western-style buildings at the Old Summer Palace.

Hotel Recommendations:

1.  Choose a hotel within 1 km of a subway station and close to most major attractions. It’s best to stay within the Third Ring Road.

2.  Make sure the hotel allows easy access to the attractions, preferably with direct routes or convenient transfers (no more than two transfers).

Beijing Food Streets:

1.  Niujie (Cow Street): Known for its strong foreign influence in both architecture and food.

2.  Qianmen Street: A gathering place for many well-known old restaurants.

3.  Gui Street: Famous for spicy crawfish, spicy crabs, and other hot dishes.

4.  Shichahai: Home to the famous “Kao Rou Ji” (Grilled Meat Season) that dates back to the Qing Dynasty.

5.  Xiaoyun Road Food Street: Known for its trendy, international food scene.

This autumn, take your parents on a trip to Beijing, and let them experience the charm of this ancient yet modern city!