Exploring Beijing as an intergenerational group can be a rewarding adventure. With a little planning and creativity, you can ensure everyone has a memorable trip. Balance your itinerary with days of sightseeing that cater to all interests and time for relaxation and personal exploration. Consider the diverse energy levels and preferences of your group to make the most of each attraction and create lasting family memories together.

In Beijing, an excursion to the hallowed Forbidden City (also known as the “Palace Museum”) is considered a must. While it can get quite bustling during the summer months, with its "big, busy, and boiling hot" reputation, this iconic landmark offers a wealth of history and culture waiting to be uncovered.

To make the most of your visit at the Forbidden City with children or elderly companions, follow these travel hacks:

• Go early (from 8:30 a.m.) or late (last tickets are sold at 3:30 or 4:00 p.m.) to avoid peak-hour crowds.

• Due to its vastness, do some research before your visit to bookmark the must-see attractions. Here is a guide on the attractions to visit and different tour routes.

• Bookmark family-friendly walking itineraries for reference.

• Exit at the East Gate (or Donghuamen) for better transport options. You can also reward your family’s walking efforts with a delectable feast of Peking duck at the popular Siji Minfu, right out of the gate.

If you or a loved one use a wheelchair, get hold of a Forbidden City map that shows wheelchair-accessible pathways and buildings. Only a number of Forbidden City buildings offer step-free access—one of these is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, built in the early 15th century to serve as the emperor’s principal residence. Be prepared for crowds as they are part of the Forbidden City experience. If anyone in your group needs mobility assistance, refer to this Wheel Chair Accessibility Guide around Forbidden City for guidance. 

Get directions to the Forbidden City

Despite its cultural gravitas, some travellers have chosen to skip the crowds at the Forbidden City entirely—often without a hint of regret. A low-key alternative is the nearby Jingshan Park (across from the Forbidden City’s North Gate), where you will find locals indulging in such simple pleasures as dancing and opera singing.

There are five summits in the park, each with a pavilion. Of these, the Wanchun (“10,000 Springs”) Pavilion is said to offer the best city views and the chance to fully appreciate the majesty of the Forbidden City, minus the overwhelming crowds. For healthy individuals, the uphill trails at Jingshan Park should not pose a challenge.

To amuse the young and young-at-heart, spend a morning or afternoon at Beihai Park. Also located at the north of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park was once an emperor’s private garden, and no expense was spared in its construction. Take a leisurely stroll to admire Beihai’s temples, palace halls, and stone bridge, or go paddle-boating in the lake as a family.

Get directions to Jingshan Park

Get directions to Beihai Park

Photo by ran liwen on Unsplash

To plan a Great Wall adventure with seniors and wheelchair users, set your sights on Badaling and Mutianyu. Badaling is the most wheelchair-friendly section of the Great Wall, as it is equipped with a flat, wheelchair-accessible lane that will take travellers as far as the third watch tower of the Wall. There is a wheelchair lift too, but be sure to call ahead to reserve it.

Seniors who are mobile will do well with a straightforward 2.2km hike at Mutianyu. A reasonably paced walk with rest stops in between should take between two and three hours (about 40 minutes uphill). If the hike feels like too much for the young, there are alternative ways to ascend and descend Mutianyu—choose from the cable car, the chairlift, or even a toboggan ride that the children will love.

If your intrepid family craves a rugged experience, book a tour with a hiking company to explore the unrestored sections of the Great Wall, such as Simatai (the only section that offers a night tour) and Jiankou (considered the most challenging section of the Wall). 

Need some assistance planning your Great Wall tours and Forbidden City tickets? Simply let our associates know and we will help you with your booking or purchase process.

Get directions to the Great Wall at Badaling

Get directions to the Great Wall at Mutianyu

Get directions to the Great Wall at Simatai

Get directions to the Great Wall at Jian Kou

There is no doubt that food brings families together—when in Beijing, take the opportunity to share stories and build bonds over the city’s local delicacies. Check out our recommendations for the best restaurants and eateries in the Chinese capital, or book a private tour with a food specialist such as Lost Plate and UnTour to sample the tastiest local foods that Beijing’s hutongs (alleyways) have to offer.

To further enrich your family holiday, focus on creating experiences, rather than merely checking off popular Beijing attractions. Look for unusual things to do in Beijing that will expose your family to the city’s residents and their way of life.

One great option is the Hidden Gems Bike Tour, which lets you explore the city's off-the-beaten-path sights on two wheels. You will get to chat with a monk, sip drinks from Beijing’s oldest cafe, or dip into a 12th-century lake.

Additionally, look for workshops that allow you to meet and learn from a Chinese family, such as the dumpling-making workshop.

When searching for the perfect home away from home while in Beijing, location is everything. Being in a centrally located hotel such as Pan Pacific Beijing ensures that you are mere minutes away from key attractions such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Should your loved ones require a pause from the day’s events, they can easily return to their room or suite for a spot of rest and recovery.

For free-and-easy days, shopping malls such as Joy City and Grand Pacific are close by. If you prefer to enjoy a meal on the hotel’s premises, the award-winning Yu's Kitchen serves up classic Cantonese specialities with a contemporary twist.

For more about Beijing, take a look at our Destination Insights. Whether you're after must-see attractions, the best photography spots, or where to indulge in the city’s most delicious dishes, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need for a memorable trip.