My 2018: A Winter Journey to the Imperial City, Five Years Later – A Complete Beijing Travel Guide

Meta Description: Discover why Beijing is worth a second visit in this detailed 2018 winter travel guide. From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, learn essential tips for a family trip to China's imperial capital.

Introduction: Returning to Beijing After Five Years

Five years is enough to change many things. In the late autumn of 2013, I set foot in Beijing alone—camera slung over my shoulder, rushing beneath the red walls of the Forbidden City, getting lost in the hutongs (traditional alleyways), and biting into cold steamed buns in the biting wind. Back then, I never imagined that five years later, in the winter of 2018, I would return to this ancient city with my wife, my father-in-law, and my mother-in-law—this time as a family trip.

In December 2018, the winter of the Wuxu year in the Chinese lunar calendar, I stood once again on Tiananmen Square. This time, three pairs of expectant eyes were by my side, and I finally had the chance to make up for the regrets left behind by my rushed visit five years earlier.

Why Is Beijing Worth a Second Visit?

Many people ask me: "Beijing is a one-and-done city—why would you go again?"

My answer is simple: Beijing is not a city you can "finish in one go."

Five years ago, I spent five days in Beijing alone, with a packed itinerary—from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, from the Summer Palace to the Temple of Heaven. I was practically walking nonstop every day. But even so, I still felt it wasn't enough. The biggest problem with traveling alone isn't loneliness—it's the inconvenience: wanting to order several dishes at a restaurant but not being able to finish them, having to balance your camera on a trash can for a selfie, and finding an interesting spot but having no one to share it with.

Five years later, I got married. My wife shares my passion for travel—she has been to Russia and Sydney on her own, making her a seasoned backpacker. Add to that my in-laws, who have traveled across most of China, and we formed a "travel dream team." This trip not only made up for the regrets of five years ago, but also taught me something: the same scenery feels completely different when you see it with different people.

Beijing's Must-Visit Attractions: Places Worth a Second Look

How many attractions does Beijing have? So many that even after two visits, I still haven't covered everything. But there are a few places I've been to twice and still find myself wanting more.

The Forbidden City: Six Hundred Years of Imperial Grandeur

The Forbidden City is the soul of Beijing. Five years ago, I breezed through it, thinking only, "So big, so tiring." This time, I walked slowly with my family—from the Meridian Gate (Wumen) to the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwumen), from the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian) to the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqinggong). Every step felt like stepping on the pulse of history.

The Forbidden City no longer sells tickets on-site. You must book in advance through its official website or WeChat account. Off-season tickets cost 60 RMB—20 RMB more than five years ago, but still a steal. You'd be hard-pressed to find another 5A-rated scenic spot in China at this price. Inside, the Hall of Treasures (Zhenbaoguan) and the Clock and Watch Gallery (Zhongbiaoguan) each charge an additional 10 RMB, but they're well worth a visit.

One important reminder: The Forbidden City is closed every Monday (except for public holidays). Don't show up on the wrong day.

[Link: How to book Forbidden City tickets in advance]

Jingshan Park: The Best Spot for a Panoramic View of the Forbidden City

Exit the Forbidden City through the Gate of Divine Might, and across the street is Jingshan Park. Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion (Wanchunting), and the entire Forbidden City unfolds before you—red walls, golden tiles, layer upon layer, like a painting unrolled. Five years ago, I took a photo here. Five years later, I took another from almost the same angle. But the person in the photo had multiplied from one to four.

Beihai Park: Sunset by the White Pagoda

The White Pagoda (Baita) in Beihai Park is one of Beijing's iconic landmarks. At dusk, the setting sun spills across the lake, and the pagoda's reflection shimmers in the water—so beautiful it leaves you speechless. We spent over an hour here, watching the sky darken bit by bit until the city lights began to glow.

[Link: Best sunset spots in Beijing parks]

Tiananmen Square: The Flag-Raising Ceremony Is a Must for a Sense of Occasion

Five years ago, I woke up at 5:15 a.m. to watch the flag-raising ceremony. This time, I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. and brought the whole family along.

Security checks are much stricter now—ID card scanning, facial recognition, and bag inspection, three layers of screening. We entered the square at 6:30 a.m., and it was already packed with people three deep. If you want to secure a front-row spot, I recommend lining up at the security checkpoint around 5 a.m. and then sprinting as fast as you can once they let you through.

The timing of the flag-raising ceremony changes daily; in early December, it's around 7:30 a.m. Is it worth waiting two hours in the freezing cold? When you see the national guard marching in perfect unison across the Golden Water Bridge (Jinshuiqiao), and when the national anthem plays and the flag rises slowly—at that moment, you'll know it was worth every second.

[Link: Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremony schedule]

The Summer Palace: The Pinnacle of Classical Chinese Gardens

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) was a place I didn't have time to fully appreciate five years ago. This time, we spent most of a day there—entering through the East Palace Gate (Donggongmen), walking along Kunming Lake to the West Causeway (Xidi), and then climbing up Longevity Hill (Wanshoushan). Even though it was winter and the lake was frozen, the majestic imperial grandeur was still awe-inspiring.

Badaling Great Wall: A Must for First-Time Visitors

If it's your first time in Beijing, the Badaling section of the Great Wall is a non-negotiable. The boarding point is at Qianmen subway station, making it very convenient. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds.

[Link: How to visit Badaling Great Wall from Beijing city center]

Beijing Cuisine: A Paradise for Lovers of Bold Flavors

As a Shanghainese, I found Beijing's food a bit on the "heavy" side. But it's precisely that intense flavor that left a lasting impression.

Jiaoquan (fried dough rings), douzhi (fermented mung bean juice), lao Beijing zhajiangmian (old Beijing-style noodles with fried sauce), zha gele (deep-fried bean curd rolls)—just hearing these names evokes a sense of everyday life and warmth. That sour, pungent taste of douzhi nearly made me gag on the first sip, but after a few more, I found myself oddly addicted. The zhajiangmian had a rich, savory sauce, chewy noodles, and was topped with shredded cucumber and bean sprouts—one bite and my mouth was full of pure happiness.

We stayed near Wangfujing this time, so we headed to the snack street for dinner. Although time was limited and we couldn't venture deep into the hutongs to hunt down those legendary old shops, the places with long lines on the street corners never disappoint. When you're traveling, convenience and hygiene come first.

[Link: Best street food in Wangfujing Beijing]

What to Wear in Beijing in Winter?

By early December, Beijing is deep in winter. As a southerner who thought I was "pretty cold-resistant," I was thoroughly humbled this time.

Beijing's cold is a dry cold—a "physical attack." When the wind blows, you feel it in your bones. My advice: start with thermal underwear, add a light down jacket, and top it off with a heavy down coat. A hat, scarf, and gloves are non-negotiable—especially gloves, or you won't even be able to pull out your phone to take photos.

[Link: Winter packing list for Beijing travel]

Itinerary: Four Days in Beijing

This was a family trip, and we had four days. Here's our schedule:

• DAY 1: Depart from Shanghai, arrive at Beijing South Station by high-speed rail at noon, visit Prince Gong's Mansion (Gongwangfu) in the afternoon
• DAY 2: Wake up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony, visit Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, tour the Forbidden City in the afternoon
• DAY 3: Jingshan Park and Beihai Park in the morning, Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in the afternoon
• DAY 4: Badaling Great Wall day trip, evening return to Shanghai

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Travel in Beijing

1. Is Beijing worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely. Winter in Beijing offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and a unique atmosphere—especially around the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, where snow-covered rooftops create stunning photo opportunities. The cold is manageable with proper layering.

2. How many days do I need in Beijing?

For a comprehensive visit, 4–5 days is ideal. This allows time for the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, and key cultural sites without rushing.

3. Can I visit the Forbidden City without a reservation?

No. The Forbidden City requires advance booking through its official website or WeChat account. Walk-up tickets are no longer available.

4. What is the best time to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square?

Arrive at the security checkpoint by 5:00 a.m. for a good viewing spot. The ceremony timing varies daily—check online for the exact sunrise time during your visit.

5. Is Beijing's street food safe for tourists?

Yes, but stick to busy stalls with high turnover. Wangfujing Snack Street is tourist-friendly and offers a wide variety of local specialties. Avoid raw or undercooked items if you have a sensitive stomach.

Conclusion: Why You Should Plan Your Beijing Winter Trip Today

Five years apart, two very different trips to Beijing taught me one unforgettable lesson: travel isn't just about where you go—it's about who you go with. From solo backpacking to family adventures, the Imperial City reveals itself differently each time.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning after years away, Beijing in winter offers a magical experience that rivals any other season. The cold air sharpens your senses, the historical sites feel more intimate, and the local cuisine warms you from the inside out.

Ready to plan your own Beijing winter journey? Start by booking your Forbidden City tickets online, pack your warmest layers, and prepare to fall in love with China's ancient capital all over again.

[Link: Complete Beijing travel planning guide]

Have you visited Beijing in winter? Share your experience in the comments below!