Photo caption: “Elaine and Daddy (Travelpapa) bringing along our travel buddies—Panda in a Beijing jacket and our blog’s penguin mascot—as we explore the best of Beijing after China’s Golden Week!”
Elaine and I went to Beijing just after the China Golden Week, during the crisp and colorful season of October—a perfect time for a holiday in China. While many travelers crowd the country during the China holiday October rush, we chose to explore once the crowds thinned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the charm of Beijing China tourist attractions. For those planning a Beijing China tour, here are six unforgettable highlights that blend history, nature, and culture, especially perfect for families and experiential learners like Elaine.
This trip also marked a very special reunion—Elaine brought along her childhood panda plushie, dressed in a traditional Beijing jacket. She first got it during her very first visit to Beijing at age 8. After ten long years, she brought the panda “back home,” saying it felt like their own full-circle moment. In our feature photo, you’ll spot the panda and our blog’s beloved penguin mascot, ready for another chapter of adventure.
1. The Forbidden City: Walking with Emperors
The moment Elaine stepped through the Meridian Gate (午门, Wǔmén), she fell silent, awe washing over her. We imagined the footsteps of emperors and concubines echoing on the ancient stone paths. She was particularly fascinated by Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后, Cíxǐ Tàihòu) and how she held power behind the yellow silk curtain.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most iconic Beijing places to visit. We wandered through vast courtyards and ornate halls, soaking in centuries of dynastic intrigue and imperial grandeur—an unforgettable part of our Beijing China travel experience.
Read the full story: Walking with Emperors – A Father-Daughter Day at Beijing’s Forbidden City
2. The Great Wall of China: History You Can Touch
We chose the Badaling Section (八达岭 Bādálǐng) of the Great Wall for its gentler slopes and fewer crowds. Climbing its watchtowers, Elaine and I marveled at the engineering feat that once guarded ancient China. It’s a legendary stop for anyone on a China sightseeing adventure.
Standing on the wall, she whispered, “It’s like we’re in a movie… except it’s real.” This ancient wonder is not just a China visit place—it’s an invitation to time travel. Every stone holds a story.
Read the full story: Walking Through Time – Discovering the Great Wall of China and Its Epic History
3. The Summer Palace: Boating Back in Time
Elaine has always loved the water, so a slow boat ride on Kunming Lake (昆明湖, Kūnmíng Hú) was the highlight of our day at the Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhéyuán). As we floated under the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and past the Marble Boat, she quietly soaked it all in.
This picturesque retreat ranks high among Beijing China tourist attractions, offering a royal blend of natural beauty and historical significance. If you’re planning Beijing things to do, this is a must-see on any Beijing China tour.
Read the full story: Boating Back in Time – A Morning at Beijing’s Summer Palace
4. Fragrant Hills: An Autumn Dreamscape
If you visit Beijing in fall, Fragrant Hills (香山, Xiāngshān) is pure magic. We arrived just in time to catch the fiery reds and golden yellows of the Chinese maple trees. This seasonal spectacle makes it one of the most photogenic Beijing places to visit, especially right after the China holiday October period when the colors are at their peak.
Elaine and I climbed together to Incense Burner Peak (香炉峰, Xiānglú Fēng), stopping to snack and chat along the way. The combination of history and nature here makes it a lesser-known gem for anyone enjoying China sightseeing.
Read the full story: Discovering Fragrant Hills – The Most Beautiful Autumn Escape Near Beijing
5. Shichahai: Old Beijing’s Living Soul
Elaine fell in love with Shichahai (什剎海, Shíchàhǎi) instantly. The willow trees, the rickshaws, the sound of soft guzheng music coming from a nearby teahouse—it was like stepping into another time.
This area is the heartbeat of old Beijing and offers a more intimate slice of daily life compared to other Beijing China tourist attractions. If you’re looking for relaxing Beijing things to do, strolling around Shichahai should be at the top of your list.
Read the full story: Whispering Willows and Imperial Echoes – A Stroll Through Shichahai
6. The Hutongs: A Stroll Through Time
We ended our Beijing China travel adventure in the hutongs—those narrow alleys full of character and history. Elaine held my hand as we navigated the maze of grey brick walls, bicycle bells ringing in the distance.
The hutongs are some of the most authentic Beijing places to visit, perfect for a slow-paced, immersive experience. We visited a traditional siheyuan (四合院, sìhéyuàn) home and had homemade dumplings with a local family—one of our most cherished memories from our holiday in China.
Read the full story: A Stroll Through Time – Falling in Love with the Last Living Hutongs of Beijing
Final Thoughts: Beijing Through Elaine’s Eyes
For us, Beijing wasn’t just a capital city—it was a living classroom. Each site became a chapter, each walk a dialogue, and each photo a memory. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a parent hoping to share a slice of China with your children, Elaine’s top picks are a great place to start your Beijing China tour.
So if you’re planning your China holiday October or simply looking for the best Beijing things to do, we hope our journey inspires you to write your own story. From the Forbidden City to the hutongs, these Beijing China tourist attractions turned our trip into a timeless tale of discovery, learning, and love.
