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Forbidden City (故宫博物院)
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 Axis offers 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, start by visiting the exhibition on the Meridian Gate Tower. Since most visitors rush towards the Central Axis, this is a quieter time to enjoy the exhibition. You can then choose to start with either the East or West Route. If you follow the West Route (as an example), head straight to the Yingwu Hall to admire exquisite exhibits, then 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. Afterward, continue south through the Treasure Gallery to the street near Shenwu Gate. You’ll still catch the Clock Exhibition show. Then, follow the East Auxiliary Road to explore the East Six Palaces, and finish with lunch at the Forbidden City Restaurant. In the afternoon, you can start the Central Axis tour during the quieter 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 enjoy the Clock Exhibition and the Treasure Gallery (both are excellent!). Afterward, continue southward through the Treasure Gallery to Shenwu Gate. The Treasure Gallery is a one-way route, so you won’t get lost. Afterward, enter the Imperial Garden from the back gate, and turn west to visit the West Six Palaces. Head back to Meridian Gate and start exploring the Central Axis. Then, exit the Imperial Garden and head east to explore the East Six Palaces, before returning along the auxiliary road to the Imperial Garden’s back gate and exiting through Shenwu Gate to conclude the day.
China Science and Technology Museum (中国科技馆)
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 (北京自然博物馆)
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.
1. 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)
2.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
3.Universal Studios Beijing - Laughter and Joy - Minions Paradise
Project 1: Minions Trouble
Project 2: Cute Roller Coaster
Project 3: Minions Meet-and-greet
Project 4: Interactive Games - Shooting, Throwing, Shooting
Project 5: Super Cute Whirlpool
Project 6: Happy Voice Tour
4.Universal Studios Beijing - Classic Talk - Jurassic World
Project 1: Jurassic World Adventure
Project 2: Leaping over the Jurassic
Project 3: Raptor Encounter
5.Universal Studios Beijing - Thrills - Transformers
Project 1: Decepticon Roller Coaster
Project 2: Allspark Battle
Project 3: Bumblebee Cyclone
Project 4: Autobot Meet-and-greet
