Beijing Beyond the Big Sights: Hutongs and Parks

The Forbidden City and the Great Wall are the headline acts, and the gentler side of Beijing is what makes a family trip work.

The hutongs are the old grey walled lanes of courtyard houses around the Drum Tower, and a pedicab ride through them is a highlight for kids. The Temple of Heaven sits in a huge park where locals fly kites and do tai chi, and the Summer Palace, the emperors’ lakeside escape, has dragon boats to ride and a long painted walkway.

Between the giant sights, these green, calm hours are the reset that keeps everyone happy. Climb Jingshan hill behind the palace at the end of the day for the whole golden roofed Forbidden City laid out below.

The full family guide is here: Beijing With Kids. Ready to build the trip? Work with me.