Riding the Fuxing, Crossing Time: Our Beijing Story Never Ends

Meta Description: Discover how three generations experienced Beijing through the years, from 1997 to today. A heartfelt journey on the Fuxing high-speed train from Qingdao to Beijing, blending family memories with practical travel tips.

One City, Three Generations, Countless Reunions

Beijing—a city that plants dreams in the heart of every Chinese child. For me, it has long been more than just a geographical coordinate. It is a witness to my growth, the backdrop to every major milestone in my life, and a giant photo album where my family and I have woven our memories together.

When the words "Fuxing" (Rejuvenation) appeared on the train schedule between Qingdao and Beijing, a long-dormant corner of my heart was suddenly struck by a warm current. Three hours—from the shore of the Yellow Sea to the foot of the Imperial City. China's railway giant had crushed distance with speed, pulling me closer to the ties that bind me to this city.

"Kids, how about a little trip?"

"Dad, where are we going?"

"Beijing. By train."

"Beijing! Let's go!"

Two five-year-olds, eyes shining like stars. And just like that, our family of four embarked on a journey destined to be unforgettable.

Part One: My Many Dates with Beijing Over the Years

1997: Does Tiananmen Never Get Dark?

"Mom, does the sun really rise at Tiananmen? Does it never get dark at night?"

I asked my mother this question when I was in third grade. Her expression at the time—I still remember it—a mix of helplessness and amusement. But it was this curiosity that brought me to Beijing for the first time.

That was 1997. We took a long-distance bus. Tiananmen, the Military Museum, and two books—color comic versions of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West—are still lying intact on my bookshelf. The toys are long gone, but the books remain. The buses in Beijing were so crowded you could barely breathe; grabbing a seat was harder than passing an exam.

2002: A Reward Feast

Six years later, during that summer break, my parents rewarded my good final exam results with a second trip to Beijing. We stayed at a state-owned hotel near Qianmen (Front Gate). I had my first McDonald's. Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall, the Military Museum—we practically flipped through every page of Beijing's directory. The photos were still on film. I bought a "brand-name" Baleno jacket at Wangfujing and got a poster of Andy Lau as a bonus. That was the longest trip I'd ever taken before college.

2007: A College Student's New Game

During my summer break in college, I dragged my parents around Beijing on a shopping spree. Digital cameras, Jack & Jones—things I'd never dared to buy for myself finally had an excuse. It was my first time driving to Beijing, with no GPS, relying entirely on paper maps. Dad drove, I navigated, and somehow we never got lost. Looking back, that was a kind of pure trust.

2008: The "Three-Wheeler" on the Eve of the Olympics

My first trip to Beijing with the woman who was then my girlfriend and is now my wife. On the eve of the Olympics, the smog was pretty thick. My first time staying in a basement hotel, my first time eating 炒肝 (stir-fried pork liver), my first time riding a 三蹦子 (motorized tricycle taxi). Those "firsts" have become the most amusing stories between us.

2010: Soft Sleeper and Fake Buses

After graduation, I went to visit my girlfriend. We said goodbye to the green trains and experienced a soft sleeper for the first time. I made a special trip to the Great Wall. By then, a public bus from downtown to Badaling had been introduced, but the station entrance was packed with fake buses pretending to be the real thing. There was a "guide" on board who kept insisting it was the official bus—only to try to hawk ski-lift tickets at the last minute. Ha, that script still makes me chuckle.

2011: The Last Stop of a Long-Distance Relationship

My wife's last trip to Beijing before she returned to Qingdao for school. Four years of long-distance relationship were finally coming to an end. Where did we go? I can't quite remember. Probably mostly shopping malls, with a quick side trip to Tianjin. We even managed to take a photo of Tiananmen with no one in it—as you get older, your memory fades, an undeniable fact.

2018: Bringing the Kids, Back to the Beginning

A few years flew by—marriage, kids, one major life event after another. Last Spring Festival, I finally brought my wife and children back to Beijing. Our first stop was Tiananmen. As soon as we emerged from the security checkpoint, my three-year-old twins pointed ahead excitedly and shouted, "Look, Tiananmen!" In that moment, I suddenly understood—Beijing's Tiananmen carries just as much weight in their hearts.

Where did the time go? From elementary school to college, from single to married, the people posing for photos with me have changed from my parents to my wife and children. Beijing has been like a silent witness, present at every stage of my life. These memories are the most precious treasure I will ever have.

Part Two: The Fuxing—Railway Giant's New Perk

The cherry blossoms bloomed and fell, the weather finally warmed, and the travel bug started itching again. This year, the railway giant actually launched a Fuxing service between Qingdao and Beijing, cutting travel time to under three hours.

On the day of departure, we got up early but still dawdled out the door. Arriving at the station twenty minutes early, we found it already packed. Collecting tickets, going through security—just as we were about to miss the train, the kids stepped up and ran like champs, and we made it on board.

Although the Fuxing service between Qingdao and Beijing exists, the departure time was in the evening, which didn't suit us. So we took a regular high-speed train on the way there and only experienced the Fuxing on the return trip. Either way, you can download the "掌上高铁" (Palm High-Speed Rail) app to connect to the train's Wi-Fi and track the real-time route.

Children under 1.2 meters ride free on high-speed trains, so I only bought two tickets. But with two adults and two kids, you need at least three seats—four people squeezed into two seats is miserable. Luckily, the journey was short, the carriage spacious, and when we got tired of sitting, we could wander around.

The kids love riding trains and behaved wonderfully. They sat reading or watching the scenery, and when they got restless, they'd join me in the vestibule to stretch their legs. They even chatted with a lady sitting next to us for half the trip, and the topics they discussed were surprisingly deep—I was genuinely impressed. I remember when I first took a train, I sat on my dad's lap, and a lady next to us offered me a glass of milk. Thirty years later, the scene was strikingly similar.

Part Three: Practical Tips for Exploring Beijing

Beijing receives millions of visitors every year. The infrastructure is top-notch, and online guides are abundant. But experience has taught me that you can't just copy-paste internet advice—your itinerary must fit your own situation.

Book in Advance to Avoid Disappointment

Many attractions in Beijing now offer reservation services, and some require online ticket purchases with daily visitor caps. During holidays, massive crowds flood in, so booking ahead saves you from long queues.

Take the Forbidden City, for example. Its maximum daily capacity is 80,000 visitors, and tickets for the five-day May Day holiday sell out days in advance. There are several ways to buy tickets online: register and purchase through the Forbidden City's desktop website, or buy via WeChat. At the entrance, simply scan your ID card. Similarly, the National Museum, Military Museum, Natural History Museum, and National Art Museum of China all offer reservation services through their WeChat official accounts. Tsinghua University and Peking University also accept WeChat reservations.

Self-Driving: Lots of Rules, Prepare Ahead

If you're driving, pay attention to Beijing's license-plate restrictions. Vehicles with non-Beijing plates are subject to certain time and area limitations, especially during peak hours. Check the latest regulations before your trip. [Link: Beijing driving restrictions guide]

Family-Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling with young children requires extra planning. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment. Many attractions have stroller rentals, but it's best to bring your own for convenience. The Forbidden City and Summer Palace are stroller-friendly, but the Great Wall is not—consider a baby carrier instead. [Link: Great Wall family travel tips]

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is cold but less crowded. Avoid Chinese public holidays like National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival unless you enjoy massive crowds.

FAQ: Your Beijing Travel Questions Answered

Q: How long does the Fuxing high-speed train take from Qingdao to Beijing? A: The Fuxing service cuts travel time to under three hours, making it one of the fastest options for traveling between Qingdao and Beijing.

Q: Do children need a ticket on high-speed trains? A: Children under 1.2 meters ride free, but they must share a seat with an adult. For comfort, consider buying extra seats if traveling with multiple children.

Q: How do I book tickets for the Forbidden City? A: Tickets can be purchased online through the Forbidden City's official website or WeChat account. Book at least a few days in advance, especially during holidays.

Q: Is Beijing safe for family travel? A: Yes, Beijing is very safe for families. However, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and always keep an eye on your children.

Q: What's the best way to get around Beijing with kids? A: The subway is efficient and cheap, but taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi are more comfortable for families with young children. Consider renting a stroller for long walks.

Your Beijing Story Awaits

From my first childhood visit in 1997 to this year's Fuxing journey with my own twins, Beijing has been a constant thread in my life's tapestry. The city has changed—the smog is thinner, the trains are faster, and the crowds are bigger. But the magic remains.

What will your Beijing story be? Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the city welcomes you with open arms. Plan your trip, book your tickets, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[Link: Plan your Beijing itinerary] [Link: Book Fuxing high-speed tickets]

Ready to start your own Beijing adventure? Share your story with us in the comments below!