Passing Through Beijing, Stepping into Tsinghua and Peking University: A "Two-Way Journey" with Century-Old Institutions

Meta Description: Planning a Beijing university tour? Learn how to navigate the Tsinghua and Peking University reservation system, explore Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda, and make the most of your visit to China's top campuses. Insider tips included.

Some say getting into Tsinghua or Peking University is hard enough, but nowadays, even visiting them is just as difficult. That sounds like a joke—until you've battled their reservation systems with your reflexes and your luck. Then you realize: this trip to these two top universities tests not just your stamina, but your mental fortitude.

This time, our family of six returned from the snowy wonderland of Ulanbutong (a grassland scenic area in Inner Mongolia) and saved our last day for Beijing's two most prestigious schools. It wasn't about checking off a list. It was about letting our kids see with their own eyes what the "distant places" in their textbooks actually look like.

How to Reserve Tsinghua and Peking University: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you think booking a visit to these universities is as simple as clicking a button, you probably haven't even read the rules. The Peking University reservation system and Tsinghua University campus tour booking are notoriously competitive—often harder than snatching Palace Museum tickets.

Two Methods: Speed vs. Luck

Both universities require separate reservations through their official WeChat accounts. Here's how the system works:

• Instant reservation (speed-based): Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On workdays, you can book up to 1 day in advance; on weekends and holidays, up to 7 days in advance.
• Lottery reservation (luck-based): Open daily from 5:00 PM to 9:45 PM. On workdays, up to 2 days in advance; on weekends and holidays, up to 8 days in advance.

The Real Challenge: Group Bookings

Here's the kicker: you have to go into each university's official WeChat account separately, complete real-name verification, link your companions, and everyone—yes, everyone—needs authorization and facial recognition. Each account has a limit on how many people you can bind. Our group of six, all over 8 years old, meant we had to use two accounts. That means whether you're going for speed or luck, getting all six of us in at once was so unlikely it almost felt pointless.

I tried the 8:00 AM speed rush every day—slots vanished instantly. The network lagged, and by the time I selected companions, picked a time slot, and submitted, it was already too late. I suspect most spots are snapped up by "professionals." The authorities probably realized this problem too, which is why they kept some spots for the lottery.

Our Winning Strategy

We only had one day, so we had no choice. It was a Sunday, and theoretically, workdays have higher lottery odds. But since this was our only path forward, we gritted our teeth and went for it.

Eight days in advance, we applied for the lottery with two accounts. Lucky for us, my account—with four people—won spots for both universities in one go. The other account got two spots for Peking University but missed Tsinghua. That was already decent. For the remaining seven days, we entered the lottery once daily for Tsinghua, selecting all four available time slots. After four straight failures, we finally won on the fifth day.

Even though our time slots were different, just getting in felt like a hard-won victory. I'm writing this down not only to guide future visitors but also to record how precious this opportunity was.

Pro Tip: For Peking University campus tour tips, apply for the lottery 8 days in advance. For Tsinghua University visiting guide, be prepared to enter the lottery daily for up to 7 days.

Peking University: One Tower, One Lake, One Library—Scholarly Charm Meets Everyday Life

To set the mood for our university tour, we started with a breakfast favorite among students: McDonald's. With two schools to cover in one day and an 8:30 PM flight to catch, we had to be precise with our timing. Luckily, our hotel was well-located—just a ten-minute taxi ride to both Tsinghua and Peking University.

Entering Through the East Side Gate, First Stop: Weiming Lake

The earliest entry time for Peking University was 8:00 AM. Our two winning lottery entries had different time slots—one morning, one afternoon—but in practice, as long as you had a winning entry for that day, you could enter before your assigned time. To avoid the crowds, we entered smoothly through the East Side Gate just after 8:00 AM—the only official entrance, as stated online. All we needed was our ID cards.

The East Side Gate isn't the classic vermilion gate with stone lions. It looks ordinary, and the first thing you see isn't a landmark building but a mobile cart selling university-branded merchandise. We almost fell into "buy-buy-buy" mode, but reason won out, and we kept walking.

Boya Pagoda and Weiming Lake: The Spiritual Anchors of a Century-Old University

Founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking (Jingshi Daxuetang), Peking University was China's first modern national comprehensive university. It was officially renamed Peking University in 1912. It was the center of the New Culture Movement and the birthplace of the May Fourth Movement, embodying the spirit of "patriotism, progress, democracy, and science."

Boya Pagoda sits on a small hill at the southeastern corner of Weiming Lake, forming the core of the "One Tower, One Lake, One Library" landscape. Built in 1924 to supply water for Yenching University's faculty and students, it was funded by a donation from the uncle of an American professor named Lucius Porter (Bo Chenguang in Chinese), hence the name "Boya" (a combination of "Bo" from the donor's surname and "ya" meaning elegance). Weiming Lake was originally part of Shuchun Garden, a附属 garden of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), which was destroyed by fire in 1860. When Yenching University was established in the 1920s, the old lake was reshaped into a U-shaped body of water. In 1931, the renowned scholar Qian Mu proposed naming it "Weiming Lake" (Unnamed Lake), echoing the "unnamed" Yenching University and reflecting a spirit of humility and inclusiveness.

Our two teenagers are taking the high school entrance exam (Zhongkao) this year, so this trip held special significance. We hope you truly absorb the atmosphere of this top-tier institution—dream big and make the most of your youth.

Walking Around the Lake, Encountering History

After circling most of Weiming Lake, we started to lose our bearings. Despite doing our homework, navigating the campus was still a challenge. Peking University's ancient building complex is a vital carrier of historical heritage, from the bronze bust of Cai Yuanpei to the stone qilin (mythical creature) and the marble steps in front of the administration building—all relics from the Old Summer Palace.

Passing by Jingyuan Six Courtyards (Jingyuan Liuyuan), we stumbled upon a century of time. That lattice window had witnessed a hundred years of upheaval and countless students' mornings and evenings. The "Tiger Skin Wall" (Hupi Qiang) of Yannan Garden was home to scholarly giants: Feng Youlan, Bing Xin, and Hou Renzhi all lived there.

Insider Tip: For a deeper Peking University historical landmarks experience, look for the stone qilin and marble steps—they're original Old Summer Palace artifacts.

University Merchandise and Lunch: The Everyday Life of Campus

Peking University's merchandise stalls are scattered across campus, each offering different items. I recommend the shop inside the New Sun Student Center (Xin Taiyang Huodong Zhongxin)—it's the largest and most comprehensive. We bought our first souvenirs from a vending machine near the Centennial Lecture Hall (Bainian Jiangtang): a Peking University notebook and a "Brother Lion" (Shige) plush toy.

Today was the 28th day of the lunar month, and tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Only one or two campus cafeterias were still open, and they weren't open to the public. Smartly, we opted for a convenience store in the student living area for lunch—just like we used to do in our student days. The friendly staff member called us "big customers" and even used his membership card to give us a discount, saving us over 50 yuan (about $7).

Full and continuing on, we spotted a clever parking sign on campus: "Left straight, right parked" (Zuo Baizheng, You Tinghao)—a playful twist on a line from Su Shi's famous poem "Riverside Town: Hunting at Mizhou," which reads "Left holding the yellow dog, right gripping the blue eagle" (Zuo Qian Huang, You Qing Cang). Witty and profound.

Tsinghua University: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

[Note: The source article primarily focuses on Peking University. For a complete Tsinghua University tour guide, we recommend checking our dedicated article on Tsinghua University campus highlights.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I make a reservation for Peking University or Tsinghua University?

Both universities require reservations through their official WeChat accounts. You must complete real-name verification, link companions, and undergo facial recognition. Use the instant reservation (8 AM–5 PM) for speed-based bookings or the lottery reservation (5 PM–9:45 PM) for luck-based spots. Book 7–8 days in advance for weekends and holidays.

2. Can I visit both Tsinghua and Peking University in one day?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. Both campuses are within a 10-minute taxi ride of each other. Allocate at least 3–4 hours per campus, and book time slots that allow for a smooth transition. Our family covered both in one day with an 8:30 PM flight.

3. What is the best time to visit Peking University?

Weekdays offer higher lottery odds, but weekends and holidays allow for longer advance booking (up to 7–8 days). Early morning (8 AM) entry helps avoid crowds. The campus is especially beautiful during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).

4. Are campus cafeterias open to visitors?

Generally, campus cafeterias are for students and faculty only. During holidays, some may close entirely. For lunch, consider convenience stores in student living areas or nearby restaurants. We saved over 50 yuan by using a staff member's membership card.

5. Can I buy university merchandise on campus?

Yes. Peking University has multiple merchandise stalls, with the largest selection at the New Sun Student Center. You'll find notebooks, plush toys, and branded apparel. Tsinghua also has official merchandise shops near its main gate.

Internal Linking Suggestions

• [Link: How to Plan a Beijing University Tour Itinerary]
• [Link: Tsinghua University Campus Tour: A Complete Guide]
• [Link: Top 10 Historical Sites in Beijing for First-Time Visitors]
• [Link: Family Travel in Beijing: Tips for Visiting with Teens]
• [Link: Understanding China's University Reservation Systems]

Ready to Plan Your Beijing University Tour?

Visiting Tsinghua and Peking University is more than a tourist activity—it's a pilgrimage for students, parents, and history lovers. The reservation system may test your patience, but the experience of walking through century-old campuses, standing by Weiming Lake, and feeling the scholarly energy is worth every effort.

Start your reservation today. Set your alarm for 8:00 AM, gather your travel companions' ID details, and prepare for a "two-way journey" that bridges past and future. And if you're traveling with family, remember: the lottery system is your best bet for group bookings.

Have questions about your visit? Drop them in the comments below, and we'll help you navigate the process. Your dream campus tour is just a few clicks away.

This article is based on a real family trip to Peking University and Tsinghua University. For the latest reservation rules and campus access policies, always check the official WeChat accounts of each university before your visit.