Peking

Beijing, often called Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and the world's most populous capital and the second most populated city in the world. The city, located in the north of China, is led as a controlled municipality under the national government with 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts. The Beijing area is surrounded by the...

Beijing, often called Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and the world's most populous capital and the second most populated city in the world. The city, located in the north of China, is led as a controlled municipality under the national government with 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts. The Beijing area is surrounded by the Hebei Province and with the exception of the neighbouring Tianjin Municipality to the southeast, together the three divisions create the Jingjinji metropolitan region and the national capital city of China.

When you are in China it is obvious, that you want to see the Great Wall of China. While there is a number of locations where to visit the Wall, should the opportunity present itself, you should visit it at Mutianyu, for that is where kids will enjoy it the most.

Why? You can take a cable cart up to the wall and ride an awesome toboggan down. It´s not a bad idea to hire a car and a guide, for example, through the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. This way the journey to the Wall will last approximately 90 minutes. Western dining and toilets are available at this location, too.

If you want to go for a walk with your kids, the best place to do this is The Forbidden City. In fact, just walking from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City which takes approximately 10 minutes, so be prepared for a long walk.

You have to do some research in advance and think about what your kids will enjoy seeing inside. The lion statues in front of the Gate of Supreme Harmony and other statues and stone carvings (like the Dragon pavement) appeal to younger kids. Perhaps devise a scavenger hunt of sorts to see who spots what first. Small kids and teens will likely enjoy the galleries full of jade, clocks, bronzes and other ancient treasures. The Behei Park is nearby, too.

The Forbidden City is a must see, but it’s the type of place that needs a bit of creative thinking to keep younger kids engaged for long enough to see everything.