My First Trip of 2023: Taking the Kids to Beijing! A Complete Guide to Universal Beijing Resort, the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and Ice Skating on Shichahai

Meta Description: Planning a family trip to Beijing in 2023? Discover our complete guide to Universal Beijing Resort, the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and ice skating on Shichahai. Tips on transportation, accommodation, and kid-friendly attractions included.

Introduction: Why Beijing in 2023?

2022 was finally over. After three long years of staying close to home, the New Year's sunlight streaming through the window reminded me: the kids hadn't been on a real adventure. So I packed our bags, grabbed the two little ones, and we set off on our first journey of 2023.

The destination? Beijing. No hesitation.

As a theme park enthusiast who has already checked off five Disney parks worldwide and three Universal Studios, I couldn't miss Universal Beijing Resort right in my own backyard. Plus, my second child was already five years old and had never seen Tiananmen Square—that was unacceptable. Add the fact that the high-speed train from Qingdao to Beijing takes just three hours, and we were off!

This guide covers everything: transportation, accommodation, Universal Beijing Resort tips, the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and winter ice skating on Shichahai. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find practical advice for a stress-free family trip.

Getting There: High-Speed Rail and Subway Tips

High-Speed Rail from Qingdao to Beijing

We departed from Qingdao and chose high-speed rail for both legs. Adult tickets were 699 RMB, and round-trip tickets for the kids were 366 RMB (about three hours each way).

Important note: Starting January 1, 2023, new rules for children's train tickets took effect: - Children aged 6 to under 14 must purchase a discounted child ticket. - Children aged 14 and older need a full-price ticket. - Each adult with a valid ticket can bring one child under 6 who doesn't require a separate seat for free. - The child's age is calculated based on the travel date, so remember to link their information on the 12306 app in advance.

Navigating Beijing by Subway

Once in Beijing, we relied entirely on the subway. Traffic jams are the norm here, so driving or taking a taxi actually wastes more time. The subway covers almost all major attractions, making it super convenient.

Pro tip: Search for "Beijing Public Transport" on Alipay to get subway and bus QR codes. If you need one phone to scan for both an adult and an older child, download the "Beijing Yitongxing" app as well—one person can use that while the other uses Alipay.

Also, on Beijing buses, you tap your card when you get on and tap again when you get off. Don't forget, or it will affect your next ride.

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Families

Beijing is huge, so accommodation choices depend on your itinerary. Here's how we decided:

Option 1: Near Universal Beijing Resort

If your budget allows, staying at the Universal Studios Grand Hotel or the NUO Resort Hotel for the two days you're at the park is the most convenient option. But it's pricey.

Option 2: Near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

For visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, staying in older neighborhoods like Qianmen or Dashilan offers more character, with walking distance to Tiananmen Square. But those areas aren't cheap either, and family rooms suitable for two kids are scarce.

Our Choice: Atour Hotel Near Changying Tianjie

I hate switching hotels mid-trip—packing with kids is too much trouble. After weighing the options, I chose the Atour Hotel near Changying Tianjie in Chaoyang North Road, which sits right between Tiananmen Square and Universal Beijing Resort. That way, we could take the subway to both ends; we just had to wake up a little earlier.

We booked a Jimu family room for four nights, including breakfast for two (free for kids). The room had two 1.5-meter beds, plenty spacious. It also came with free drinks, bottled water, snacks, children's toothbrushes and slippers, plus robot delivery service. The lobby on the first floor had a reading area where you could borrow books for free. The whole family was very satisfied.

Breakfast highlight: Each city's Atour incorporates a few local specialties. In Beijing, they had made-to-order zhajiang noodles, dalu noodles, wontons, and more—all quite tasty. You could also grab a coffee to go from the self-service machine, and after eating, we basically skipped lunch.

First Stop: A Winter Evening at Beihai Park

We arrived at Beijing South Railway Station at noon. After dropping off our luggage, we grabbed a quick bite at a small shop called "Zui Mian" (Tipsy Noodles) in the Changying Tianjie mall near the hotel. It was an open-kitchen place, clean and affordable. We ordered meat sauce noodles and pea-and-pork noodles—they tasted similar but hit the spot.

After a light meal, we took the subway to Beihai Park. I wanted the kids to see the classic setting of the song "Let's Row Our Oars."

This was my fourth time in Beijing, and every time has been in winter. The cold has its advantages—fewer people, more quiet, and you can really feel that unique, timeless grandeur and old-Beijing atmosphere.

In winter, Beihai Park doesn't have little boats rowing on the lake, but it does have ducks and mandarin ducks skating on the ice while eating fish. The kids watched for a long time, pulling out their little cameras to snap photos—it was oddly entertaining. Our family strolled quietly through the park, breathing in the free air, and it felt wonderful.

When we got tired, we sat on a bench, watching people having fun on the ice rink in the distance, chatting about where to have a big dinner. The sun set, the sky turned a soft pink, and the White Pagoda looked beautiful.

That evening, we went to Beimen Lamb Hotpot (Nanluoguxiang branch), a place we'd visited five years earlier. It's an old establishment, always with a line. We arrived around 5:30 PM and didn't get seated until 7:00, but it was worth it. We ordered a group deal for 3–4 people at 198 RMB, plus a few extra items, and still couldn't finish everything. I'd been craving Beijing-style lamb hotpot for so long—it was satisfying.

Unlike five years ago, the restaurant had swapped the charcoal-burning copper pots for electric ones—more eco-friendly, but I still prefer the unique flavor that charcoal gives. The sesame sauce had the character "北" (north) on it, which my younger son loved. Beijing's sesame cakes are also a highlight—make sure to eat them fresh out of the oven, piping hot and fragrant.

Second Stop: Universal Beijing Resort—Tired but Happy

Tickets and Preparation

For kids, I recommend a 1.5-day ticket: enter at 2:00 PM on the first day and at 10:00 AM on the second for more flexibility. We booked adult weekday 1.5-day tickets for 614 RMB and children's 1.5-day tickets for 464 RMB (after price comparison, purchased through a certain parenting website).

Before entering: Register your ID numbers on the Universal Beijing Resort app; you can also upload photos for facial recognition entry.

Children's ticket policy: - Kids aged 3 to 11 (inclusive) get about 25% off the single-day adult ticket price. - Children under 3 enter for free.

What to bring: - Harry Potter fans: Bring your own gear—buying or renting from Taobao is easy. I got my kids a full set of Gryffindor equipment and brought a wand from Orlando that can actually cast spells. - Stroller: For small kids, bring your own stroller, or rent one at the Guest Services center near the entrance: 100 RMB/day for a single, 150 RMB/day for a double. - Warm clothing: Dress warmly and wear a hat—the lines are long, and it's cold outside. - Portable charger: A must; rental stations in the park are often unavailable. - Snacks: Pack some snacks in case restaurant lines are long. I recommend the turkey leg: 75 RMB, large, and decent quality.

Important Notes

I originally thought that since the country had just reopened and we were among the first to recover from COVID, we'd beat the crowds. But I overlooked the fact that Beijing elementary school students were on winter break—and we happened to hit it. I suggest checking crowd predictions on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) before buying tickets.

Best strategy: Arrive early, use the single-rider lines where available, and download the Universal Beijing Resort app for real-time wait times.

Third Stop: The Forbidden City and the National Museum

The Forbidden City: A Must-Visit for Families

The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in China. With kids, I recommend focusing on the central axis (the main halls) and the Imperial Garden—these are the most impressive and manageable for little legs.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance through the official WeChat mini-program. Winter is less crowded, but weekends can still be busy.

The National Museum: Free and Fascinating

Located at Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is free to enter (reserve tickets online). It's a fantastic indoor activity for families, especially on cold winter days. The kids loved the ancient Chinese history exhibits and the giant dinosaur skeletons.

Pro tip: Combine the Forbidden City and the National Museum in one day—they're right next to each other. Start with the Forbidden City in the morning, then head to the museum in the afternoon.

Fourth Stop: Ice Skating on Shichahai

Shichahai is a scenic area in central Beijing, famous for its three lakes: Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. In winter, the frozen lakes become massive ice skating rinks, offering a quintessential Beijing experience.

We spent a joyful afternoon skating on Houhai, surrounded by traditional hutongs and the distant sound of Beijing opera. The kids rented ice bikes and sleds, while I tried my hand at traditional ice skating. It was a perfect way to end our trip.

Cost: Entry is free; equipment rental varies (around 50-100 RMB per person).

FAQ: Family Trip to Beijing

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing with kids?

Winter (December to February) offers fewer crowds and unique ice skating experiences, but it's cold. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have pleasant weather. Avoid Chinese National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival for the heaviest crowds.

2. How many days do I need for Beijing with kids?

A 4-5 day trip is ideal: 1 day for Universal Beijing Resort, 1 day for the Forbidden City and National Museum, 1 day for Shichahai and Beihai Park, and 1 day for other attractions like the Great Wall [Link: Great Wall family tours] or Temple of Heaven.

3. Is Universal Beijing Resort suitable for young children?

Yes! There are plenty of kid-friendly rides and shows, including Minion Land, Kung Fu Panda Land, and the Jurassic World Adventure. The park also offers stroller rentals and baby care centers.

4. What should I pack for a winter trip to Beijing?

Thermal underwear, a heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots. Don't forget a portable charger, snacks, and a thermos for hot drinks.

5. How do I get from the airport to central Beijing?

Take the Airport Express (subway) for 25 RMB—it connects to Line 10 and Line 2. Taxis are also available but can be expensive (around 100-150 RMB).

Conclusion: Your Family Adventure Awaits

Beijing in 2023 is a city reborn. From the magic of Universal Beijing Resort to the timeless grandeur of the Forbidden City, from the serenity of Beihai Park to the joyful chaos of ice skating on Shichahai, every moment was worth the wait.

Ready to plan your trip? Start by booking your high-speed rail tickets on the 12306 app and reserving your hotel near the subway line. Don't forget to check crowd predictions on Xiaohongshu and pack your warmest clothes.

Your family's first trip of 2023 awaits. Make it unforgettable.

Have questions about your Beijing trip? Drop a comment below or share your own tips! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with another family planning their adventure.