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SEO Title: New Year’s Day Family Trip to Beijing: 3 Days in the Forbidden City & Universal Studios (2024 Guide)

Meta Description: Plan the perfect New Year's family trip to Beijing. Discover a 3-day itinerary covering the Forbidden City, Universal Studios, and hutong food. Includes tips on family rooms, tour guides, and express passes.

New Year's Day Family Trip to Beijing: Three Days and Two Nights of Warm Moments Between the Forbidden City and Universal Studios

At the tail end of 2022 and the start of 2023, our family of three chose to spend this special New Year's holiday in Beijing. As the pandemic was winding down and crowds were still thin, this ancient yet modern city gifted us an unforgettable family adventure. If you are also planning a family trip to Beijing with your kids, I hope this travelogue lights the way for you.

This itinerary—balancing history at the Forbidden City with thrills at Universal Studios Beijing—is perfect for families seeking a mix of education and entertainment during the New Year holiday.

Pre-Departure Preparations: Accommodation and Itinerary Overview

Time and Travelers

• Time: December 30, 2022 – January 2, 2023 (Four days, three nights)
• Location: Beijing · Forbidden City · Universal Studios · Tiananmen Square
• Travelers: A family of three, with a ten-year-old child at that perfect age of curiosity about the world

Accommodation Recommendation: Orange Hotel (Dashilan Branch)

We booked a family room, and I genuinely recommend it for family travel in Beijing. Compared to a standard double or twin room, the space in a family room is completely different—our child had her own bed, the adults didn't have to squeeze together, everyone slept soundly at night, and we were full of energy during the day. The location in Dashilan is also fantastic—walking distance to Tiananmen Square, with authentic old Beijing flavors hidden in the surrounding hutongs (traditional alleyways). [Link: Best family hotels in Beijing]

Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: In-depth tour of the Forbidden City (with guide)
• Day 2: Full day at Universal Studios
• Day 3: Tiananmen Square + hutong food exploration

Day 1: A Day at the Forbidden City – A History Lesson on Foot

8:45 AM, Meeting at Donghuamen Gate

We signed up for an in-depth Forbidden City tour with "Big Shot Talk" (Dajia Shuo), following our guide Teacher Tianyu for the entire day. Honestly, by the end our legs were nearly falling off, but it was incredibly rewarding. The teacher's explanations were vivid and engaging, and our child was completely captivated—it turns out the Forbidden City isn't just a palace; it's a living history book.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City with Kids: - You must bring your ID card for the Forbidden City, including for children. - Lighters are not allowed inside; there's a storage area at the entrance. - Wear your most comfortable shoes—by the second half of the day, you'll be sitting wherever you can.

Little Joys Inside the Forbidden City

When your feet get tired, grab a shaped popsicle or a ridge-creature-shaped lollipop—great for photos and a delight for the kids. These small treats may be inexpensive, but they become the brightest fragments in a child's memories.

Dinner: Sijiminfu Roast Duck Restaurant

After leaving the Forbidden City, we deliberately walked to the nearby Sijiminfu. Result? We waited nearly two hours in line! A crucial reminder here: reserve your spot on the app in advance to avoid standing in the cold. Also, Sijiminfu has many branches in Beijing—you don't have to crowd the one next to the Forbidden City.

The roast duck and zhajiangmian (noodles with fried sauce) were both delicious. Our child ate with such gusto, grease all over their face, saying "so good" three times in a row. [Link: Best roast duck in Beijing]

Day 2: Universal Studios Beijing – A Day from Jurassic World to Harry Potter

Transportation and Tickets

We chose Didi (ride-hailing) for both trips. While the subway is an option (about 1 hour 20 minutes), taking a car saved time and energy—40 minutes to get there in the morning, and about an hour when we returned at 5 PM.

Regarding tickets, I bought a package with a tour guide on Douyin (TikTok's Chinese version), which included the ticket plus guide service. But honestly, since there were few visitors, the guide wasn't very useful. If crowds are light, just buy the ticket directly; if it's busy, I recommend buying a Universal Express Pass—it's much more practical than a tour guide. [Link: Universal Studios Beijing ticket guide]

Ride Order and Reviews

First Stop: Jurassic World

• Jurassic World Flyers: Requires locker storage. After queuing, you sit in a suspended chair—hanging but not inverted, moving forward and backward in circles. Great fun, and our child loved it.
• Jurassic World Adventure: You sit in a vehicle that moves side to side, with dinosaurs chasing you. Not intense, suitable for kids who get scared easily.

Second Stop: Transformers Metrobase

• Transformers: The Ride 3D: A must-do! 5D effects, glasses provided at the entrance. You sit in a vehicle that moves up, down, and sideways—much better than Jurassic World Adventure. If you have to choose between the two, pick this one.
• Decepticoaster (Bumblebee Coaster): Too intense—it dives upside down immediately. Our child didn't dare to try it.
• Bumblebee Boogie: Basically a "teacup" ride. Play it if the line is short.
• Transformers Character Greeting Stage: Check the schedule; you can queue to take photos with the robots.

Third Stop: Kung Fu Panda

• Lanterns of Legend: You sit in a lantern-shaped basket that rises and falls slowly. Pretty but not scary.
• Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes: A Kung Fu Panda-themed carousel. Our child loved it.
• Dragon Warrior's Journey: Strongly not recommended. You just sit in a boat drifting slowly through water while watching animations. Very boring.

Fourth Stop: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: A must-do! Requires locker storage. After queuing, you sit in a chair that spins, tilts slightly, and gives a diving sensation. Excellent experience.
• Flight of the Hippogriff: A small roller coaster, not scary—like a big slide. Our child rode it twice.

Lunch: Three Broomsticks

This is the most popular restaurant in the park, with a typical wait of at least 40 minutes. Important note: everyone in your group must queue together—one person can't hold a spot while others ride rides. The food and portions are great; the hearty meat dishes are especially satisfying.

Fifth Stop: Minion Land

• Minion Mayhem: A must-do! It's like a movie theater—not dangerous, great visuals, with a slight diving sensation. Our child couldn't stop laughing.
• Super Silly Fun Land and Silly Swirl: More for younger kids. If you're short on time, these can be deprioritized.

Park Food Highlights

• Minion Popsicle: Tastes fine, looks amazing in photos. Our child held it, reluctant to eat it.
• Butterbeer: A bit sweet, but our child said, "It's as good as soda." [Link: Universal Studios Beijing dining tips]

Day 3: Tiananmen Square and the Lively Charm of the Hutongs

Flag-Raising Ceremony? Our Child Couldn't Wake Up

We originally planned to watch the flag-raising ceremony early in the morning, but our child simply couldn't get out of bed, so we had to give up. Still, we dragged her to Tiananmen Square to see the flag already raised.

Walking to Tiananmen Square

The advantage of staying in Dashilan is that you can walk to Tiananmen Square. Bring your ID card, make a reservation in advance, and once there, you can scan a QR code to receive a digital "I Was Here" certificate—our child found it very ceremonial. [Link: Tiananmen Square entrance requirements]

Luzhu (Braised Offal) in the Hutongs

After returning from Tiananmen Square, we found a small restaurant in the nearby hutongs for luzhu (braised pork offal). The storefront was unremarkable, but the flavor was incredibly rich. Our child was hesitant at first, but after one bite said, "I want another bowl." This is Beijing's lively charm—hidden deep in the alleyways, yet unforgettable.

Final Takeaways: For Those Who Want to Go

1. Universal Studios: Do boys like it more than girls? Not necessarily, but the rides do lean toward thrilling and sci-fi themes. If crowds are light, just buy tickets; if it's busy, a Universal Express Pass is more valuable than a tour guide.
2. Forbidden City: Guided tour vs. self-guided I strongly recommend a guided tour for kids. A good guide turns the palace into a storybook.
3. Accommodation: Prioritize a family room in a central location like Dashilan. It saves time and energy.
4. Food: Reserve popular restaurants like Sijiminfu in advance to avoid long waits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Universal Studios Beijing suitable for a 10-year-old child?

Yes, absolutely. Rides like Minion Mayhem, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Jurassic World Adventure are perfect for this age. Avoid intense coasters like Decepticoaster if your child is sensitive to drops.

2. Do I need a tour guide for the Forbidden City with kids?

We highly recommend it. A kid-friendly guide (like from "Big Shot Talk") makes history engaging. Without a guide, children may get bored quickly.

3. What is the best way to get to Universal Studios from central Beijing?

Ride-hailing (Didi) is fastest (40 minutes) but costs more. The subway (Line 7 to Universal Resort station) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes but is cheaper and reliable.

4. Can I do the Forbidden City and Universal Studios in the same trip?

Yes, but not on the same day. We recommend dedicating one full day to the Forbidden City (with a guide) and one full day to Universal Studios. This avoids exhaustion.

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

Pack thermal layers, a heavy coat, comfortable walking shoes, gloves, and hats. Also bring your ID cards (required for all attractions) and a portable charger for phones.

Ready to Book Your Beijing Family Adventure?

This New Year's family trip to Beijing proved that the city offers something magical for every age—from ancient history in the Forbidden City to modern thrills at Universal Studios. Whether you are chasing the perfect roast duck dinner or watching your child’s eyes light up in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Beijing delivers unforgettable moments.

Don’t wait! Book your family room in Dashilan and secure your Universal Express Pass today. Start planning your own three-day Beijing itinerary and create warm memories that will last a lifetime.

👉 [Check current deals on Beijing family tours and Universal Studios tickets]