Where to Stay in Beijing for Convenient Travel to Major Attractions

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Forbidden City

the forbidden city is undoubtedly the top destination to visit in Beijing, and it holds a special meaning as a place that embodies 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. This is yet another visit to the Imperial Palace, and it continues to offer new experiences each time.

Visiting The Forbidden City is always an exciting yet unsatisfying experience, as one day feels too short to fully appreciate its grandeur and essence. Based on our multiple visits, we’ve created a little guide for a one-day tour, which is interspersed with our personal journey, to help you make the most of your time.

The Forbidden City is divided into three main parts: the Central Axis, the East Route (which includes the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Exhibition), and the West Route. From our experience, it doesn't matter which route you start with; you can choose freely, but planning is still helpful. Below, we will introduce a few suggested routes, assuming you enter the palace in the morning.

1. Start with the Central Axis:

Quickly visit the first three main halls, the last three main halls, and the Imperial Garden. Then, proceed from north to south to the East Six Palaces, and visit the Clock Exhibition (shows at 11:00 and 14:00) and the Treasure Gallery. After visiting the Treasure Gallery, walk southward back to the street near Shenwu Gate. Enter the Imperial Garden from the back gate, then turn west to visit the West Six Palaces. After exploring, return to the starting point of the Central Axis. You can also climb the Meridian Gate to view rotating exhibitions, usually featuring national treasures. This is a low-traffic period in the afternoon, so you can revisit the Central Axis for "no-crowd" photos and enjoy the scenery in peace.

Tip: While visiting the East and West Six Palaces, feel free to return to the Central Axis to take "no-crowd" photos.

Photography Tip: Depending on the position of the sun, aim to take photos in the best-lit areas. For morning visits, the east side of the Central Axisoffers the best light, while for afternoon visits, you should shift to the west side to capture the full view of the axis with the best lighting.

2. Start with the West Route:

After entering through Meridian Gate, first choose to ascend to the Meridian Gate Tower to view the exhibition. Since most visitors head straight to the Central Axis, this is a low-traffic period for the Meridian Gate exhibition. You can then choose to start with either the East Route or West Route. Taking the West Route as an example (the East Route follows the opposite path), head directly to the Yingwu Hall on the West Route to admire the exquisite exhibits. Continue north to the West Six Palaces.

After passing through the back gate of the Imperial Garden, it will be close to lunchtime. Walk along the east auxiliary road to visit the Clock Exhibition (at 11:00 and 14:00) and the Treasure Gallery. After visiting the Treasure Gallery, walk southward back to the street near Shenwu Gate, ensuring you don’t miss the Clock Exhibition show. Then, continue along the East Auxiliary Road to explore the East Six Palaces, and head for lunch at the Forbidden City Restaurant. Afterward, walk south for a short distance to start your visit to the Central Axis during the afternoon low-traffic period.

3. Start with the East Route:

If you arrive later in the day, begin your visit at Wenhua Gate on the East Route, where there are also fascinating exhibitions. Arrive before 11:00 to visit the Clock Exhibition (shows at 11:00 and 14:00) and the Treasure Gallery. Afterward, proceed from north to south through the Treasure Gallery and exit toward the street near Shenwu Gate. Enter the Imperial Garden from the back gate, turn west to visit the West Six Palaces, and then return to Meridian Gate to start the Central Axis tour. After leaving the Imperial Garden, head east to explore the East Six Palaces, and then walk along the East Auxiliary Road back to the back gate of the Imperial Garden, exiting through Shenwu Gate to conclude your day’s tour.

China Science and Technology Museum

When talking about outdoor amusement parks, children would probably mention Disneyland or Universal Studios, but if you're looking for an indoor wonderland, the China Science and Technology Museum, located at No. 5 Beichen East Road, Chaoyang District, is an absolutely worthwhile destination. Adults can also have a great time here. Situated east of the Asian Games Village, bordering the Olympic Water System to the west, the Olympic Stadium to the south, and Forest Park to the north, the museum is an important part of the Olympic Park area, embodying the principles of "Green Olympics," "Science Olympics," and "Cultural Olympics."

The museum includes five major exhibition halls: Science Playground, Hua Xia Light, Exploration and Discovery, Science and Life, and Challenges and the Future, offering a perfect blend of technology and hands-on experiences. It provides a playful environment for kids while sparking their curiosity to explore the mysteries of science.

Beijing Natural History Museum

The Beijing Natural History Museum is located near The Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and faces the modern Tiantongyuan Theatre. It is directly across the street from De Yun Society. The museum features six major halls: Plant World, Dinosaur Park, Ancient Mammals, Ancient Reptiles, Ancient Vertebrates, and Mystical Africa. For children fascinated by the natural world, this museum is a magical place where they can explore the mysteries of nature. Even a full day here might not be enough to satisfy their curiosity. Our son was especially enthusiastic about each of the exhibitions, enjoying every moment.

Beijing Universal Studios

As the first in China, it is definitely worth everyone's expectations! The entire park is divided into major themes. In clockwise order from the entrance, they are Transformers Gang Base, Kung Fu Panda Land, Jurassic World Nublar Island, Harry Potter Magic World, Minions Park and Hollywood. There are several large-scale performances such as float parade, Brilliant Theater Untamed, Future Water World, as well as special performances in each theme park, and of course, there are real-person cosplay meet-and-greet meetings of various themes. Rich and colorful, everything is available.

There are many guides that introduce the order of the tour. Generally speaking, it is divided into three categories: one is the clockwise route, the second is the counterclockwise route, and the third is to focus on the theme park first (according to personal preference) and then break through each one. In fact, each has its pros and cons, which are similar. The main thing is the time of play. If you have a one-day ticket, it is recommended to choose the third set of options. After all, time is limited. If you encounter a peak in the flow of people again, you will inevitably make a choice, so it is particularly important to give priority to experiencing the theme you are interested in.

The unique charm of Beijing Universal Studios - Kung Fu Panda

Project 1: Dazzling martial arts (carousel)

Project 2: Legend of lights and shadows - Lantern carpet with traditional Chinese elements

Project 3: Dragon Warrior Journey (whitewater rafting cruise)

Project 4: Po Kung Fu Training Camp (outward bound training)

The Hotspots of Beijing Universal Studios - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Project 1: Flying experience of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Project 2: Restoration of the characteristic scene of the Hippogriff flying

Project 3: Personal experience of Ollivander's Wand Shop

Project 4: Hogwarts Castle Light Show

Project 5: Train conductor meeting 9¾ Platform

The Laughter and Joy of Universal Studios Beijing - Minions Paradise