3 different detailed two-day Beijing Itineraries for families with children

Here are three different two-day Beijing itineraries that are suitable for families with children:

Day 1:

Start the day early and head to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Marvel at the architecture of the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People, and take photos in front of the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong.
From there, walk through the Tiananmen Gate to enter the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. Explore the various halls and courtyards, and learn about China’s history and culture.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants inside the Forbidden City, or outside in the nearby Hutong area.
In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of the Hutongs, traditional residential neighborhoods that have existed for centuries. Visit a local family’s courtyard home to experience the traditional Beijing lifestyle.
End the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist temple where emperors used to pray for good harvests. Watch locals practicing tai chi or playing traditional instruments, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 2:

Start the day with a visit to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, about 1.5 hours drive from Beijing. Take a cable car up to the wall, and hike for a couple of hours to enjoy the breathtaking views.
After returning to the city, have a late lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Sanlitun area, a popular shopping and dining district.
In the afternoon, visit the Beijing Zoo to see the famous giant pandas. Other attractions in the zoo include the Aquarium and the Panda House.
End the day with a performance of the Beijing Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater that combines music, dance, and acrobatics.

Day 1:

Start the day by visiting the Beijing Happy Valley, a large amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and themed zones such as Atlantis, Lost Maya, and Shangri-La.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants inside the park.
In the afternoon, head to the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Take a tour of the stadiums and learn about the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
End the day with a visit to the Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube, to enjoy the water park inside.

Day 2:

Start the day with a visit to the Beijing Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. See marine animals such as dolphins, sharks, and penguins, and watch live shows.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants inside the aquarium.
In the afternoon, head to the Universal Studios Beijing, a new theme park that features attractions based on popular movies such as Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and Transformers. Enjoy the rides, shows, and themed zones.
End the day with dinner and a performance at the Chaoyang Theatre, which hosts the famous acrobatic show “Flying Acrobatics World”.

Day 1:

Start the day by visiting the Summer Palace, a large royal garden and palace complex that served as a retreat for the emperors during the hot summer months. Enjoy the scenic views of the lake, hills, and pavilions, and learn about Chinese gardening and architecture.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants inside the Summer Palace, or outside in the nearby residential areas.
In the afternoon, head to the Fragrant Hills Park, a large forest park that is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves change color. Take a cable car up to the top of the hill to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, and hike down through the scenic trails.
End the day with dinner at the nearby Haidilao Hot Pot, a popular Chinese restaurant chain known for its interactive and delicious hot pot experience.

Day 2:

Start the day by visiting the Beijing Botanical Garden, a large park with various themed gardens such as the Rose Garden, Peony Garden, and Bamboo Garden. Enjoy the colorful flowers and plants, and learn about Chinese flora.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants inside the botanical garden, or outside in the nearby Xiangshan area.
In the afternoon, head to the Jingshan Park, a hill park that provides stunning views of the Forbidden City and the city skyline. Climb up the hill and watch the sunset over Beijing.
End the day with a visit to the Beijing Zoo to see the famous giant pandas. Other attractions in the zoo include the Aquarium and the Panda House.