Like many traditions in 2020, Golden Week will feel different this year. It’s typically the time for families to pack up and travel somewhere new, or visit another major city in China. With travel opening up but still something to approach cautiously, what to do now?
Let’s make the best of the situation and use this week to act like a tourist in your own town. Except the tourist spots will be way too busy, so we chose a few key places that you always wanted to try but maybe never had time to go. Or you went in a flurry of travel your first month here and want to give it another shot. Or maybe you just need to make sure your family gets out of the house and doesn’t fall back into a mental state of quarantine.
Whatever the reason, this list is a great starting point for cool little day trips. Where do you plan to go?
It’s an excellent way to practice your camera skills, too
Sure, it will be busy at this time, but get an early start and the line for safaris won’t feel that long. Hop on the shuttle or take your own vehicle through one of the two pathways to see some truly fantastic beasts. Leave your fruit in your backpack though — it isn’t allowed on one of the routes, and for good reason!
Address: Donghulin, Daxing Yufa, Daxing District, 大兴区大兴榆垡东湖林
Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Ticket Fees: RMB 80 for adults, RMB 50 for students, free for kids under 1.2 meters tall
Ph: 8921 6666
Website: www.bjwildlifepark.com
China Science and Technology Museum 中国科技馆
There are a myriad of rooms to explore here, from dinosaurs to water play to climbing jungles. Why kids love to pretend to go food shopping for hours end, I’ll never understand, but they can do that here. Parents can wait in the pretend food preparation area, where kids can “cook” up a three-course meal from their shopping trip too! If you have more than one child, I highly suggest attending in groups so you can each keep tabs of which kids are in which rooms.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30am-5pm. Closed Mondays
Address: 5 Beichen E Rd, Ao Yun Cun, Chaoyang, China (北京市朝阳区奥运村北辰东路5号)
Ticket Fee: RMB 30 per person
Ph: 5904 1000
It’s hard to find anything more exciting to explore than four levels of caves
Shihua Cave (“Stone Flower Cave”)
About 50 kilometers west of Beijing, four of these seven layers of caves are open to the public, and they look magnificent. The largest stalactite in China hangs 18 meters in its first hall, and many of its underground stones look like various natural shapes, like moonmilks which resemble lotus in their form. Situated in the Fangshen District, you’re close to mountain ranges that rival any in the world, no matter the weather.
Hours: 8am – 5pm
Address: Yandong Rd, Fangshan District, Beijing, China 北京市房山区阎东路
Ticket Fee: RMB 70 per person
Website: www.shihuadongcave.com/news/show/contentid/175.html
Hopefully they don’t weigh your kids and by how much they ate off the vine
Daxing Grapes Sightseeing Farm
Did you know that grape picking season is only a few weeks long in Beijing? Neither did I, but maybe that’s why they welcome tourists to their farm in the Daxing District, a suburb of south Beijing renowned for not only its grapes but also pears and watermelons. Enjoy nature and a farm fresh lunch amidst a lovely day of grape picking. Nearby Caiyu also boasts a fun children’s playground and other activities surrounding the harvesting. Booking a tour guide seems to be the best way to get the whole package, including a visit to local family villages.
Address: Grape Manor China, Beijing, Daxing District, 九周路长子营, 北京市大兴区九周路长子营
Ticket Fees: vary
Website: www.tour-beijing.com
With six theme parks, Happy Valley can easily spread over multiple days.
Happy Valley Amusement Park 北京欢乐谷
Happy Valley’s themed areas such as the Wild Fjord, Aegean Harbor, Shangri-La, Lost Maya, Atlantis – you get the point. Every member of the family will find something fun to explore or ride, or just cool things to eat. The Golden Mask Dynasty Show has thrilled audiences who total more than a million. Plus, through October their one year pass is only RMB 400, just RMB 100 more than a day pass. That’s sure to make Happy Valley your family’s happy place
Address: Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu 东四环路小武基北路
Ticket Fees: RMB 300 per day
Ph: 6738 9898
Website: http://bj.happyvalley.cn/
Gubei Water Town 古北水镇
Every time someone in a family WeChat group mentions Gubei Water Town, the response is positive. People always wanted to go, want to get a group outing together, want to return. And it’s no wonder with such a magical setting and activities to match. Gubei Water Town isn’t just a catchy name for a water play area, it is literally the entire town. Buildings picked right out of the northern courtyard style that lean against the Great Wall, with water parks and gorgeous scenery, Gubei is a trip no one in your family will soon forget.
Address: Gubei Water Town, Miyun District, Beijing 北京市密云区古北水镇
Hours: 9am – 9pm
Ticket fees: RMB 140 per person
Ph: 8100 9999
KEEP READING: A Deep Dive Into Beijing’s Best Kid-Friendly Pools!
Photos: Uni You, Cindy Marie Jenkins, Pexels
