Two Fools Roam North: A Graduation Trip Through Beijing's Heartbeat – An SEO-Optimized Guide

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Discover how a nearly-broken friendship sparked an unforgettable Beijing graduation trip. From Haidilao hot pot to the Summer Palace, follow two fools roaming north in this heartfelt travel story.

Introduction: When Friendship Almost Died, Then Came Back to Life

There's something magical about a friendship that nearly ended—only to rise from the ashes stronger than ever. Meet Tai Yi (that's me) and Jia E (that's her), two college classmates who spent three years as polite strangers living across the hall, exchanging nothing more than awkward hellos. Then one day in our sophomore year, she asked me to go running. I said yes. We didn't actually meet at the track for a week. Classic us.

Fast forward through countless shared meals, petty arguments, and what we thought was a permanent breakup during our junior year. Jia E later confessed that when she called me out on the night before she left for grad school exams, she just wanted to smooth things over so we wouldn't have to awkwardly avoid each other forever. We walked around campus for hours on December 29, 2016, talking through everything. Somehow, it felt like we'd never fought at all—even though we'd been ghosting each other for a month straight (she deleted my WeChat, and we'd pass each other like strangers on campus. I swear I've never met anyone so stubborn).

But here's the weird part: I casually mentioned, "I want to visit Beijing someday." And just like that, we were in.

So what does Beijing mean to me? It's not just a city I'd always dreamed of seeing. It's where a friendship got a second chance—and took off running for real.

Disclaimer: I'm posting a normal photo of us here because she'll never see this anyway.

Day 1: The Chaotic Launch – From Chengdu to Beijing

A Comedy of Errors: Traveling to Beijing on a Budget

May 25 — Chengdu Shuangliu Airport → Beijing Nanyuan Airport → Check-in → Haidilao Hot Pot

Let me set the scene: We'd spent the entire month before this trip buried in graduation projects, living like exhausted zombies. There was no time for a proper break—graduation medical checkups, degree conferral, group photos, moving out, starting work... everything was stacked against us. But we were terrified of losing the chance, of too many variables ruining our plans. Even exhausted, even pressed for time, we had to make good on that "spur-of-the-moment agreement" from six months ago.

Our flight was at noon, so we didn't have to wake up at some ungodly hour. But the universe had other plans. I lost a contact lens while putting it in. The shop I needed wasn't open yet. I flagged down the wrong car. Security made me chug my freshly bought yogurt before passing through. We were a perfect disaster—two fools through and through.

When we landed, Beijing's heat hit us like a wall. While I was buying replacement contacts, Jia E—the human food radar—got distracted by the smell of snacks a grandmother was feeding her kid. She zeroed in on the source: Bao Master (a Beijing specialty pastry shop). We grabbed two egg yolk pastries, and even I—someone who normally despises salted egg yolk—was converted. That's how good they were.

Dragging our luggage, we passed an old man hawking strawberries: "Fresh off the vine, girls, try some!" That thick Beijing accent instantly transported me to the gates of Zhengyangmen (the front gate of the old city). Our hostel was part bookstore, part coffee shop, and the front desk staff spoke with a warmth that made us two rough Southern girls feel downright uncivilized. We instinctively lowered our voices by an octave. The place was cozy, clean, and erased all traces of travel fatigue.

Haidilao Hot Pot: The Royal Treatment You Didn't Know You Needed

After settling in, we hunted down the highest-rated Haidilao nearby. Pro tip: go early if you don't want to wait. The crowd outside was playing cards and chess—a sight in itself.

The hot pot reminded us of Chengdu and Chongqing versions, but the broth and ingredients were distinct. You absolutely must try the shrimp paste and a certain tofu pudding—absolutely stunning. As for the service, I could write an 800-word essay (but I'll spare you). Highlights:

While waiting, staff kept bringing snacks, drinks, and napkins—multiple times.
They gave us hair ties, plastic bags for our phones, and cloth covers for our bags.
When I dropped a chopstick (before it even hit the floor), two staff members literally sprinted over to catch it, saying, "No worries, let me get you a new one!"
Watching the noodle-pulling guy perform his little dance was hilarious.
The bathroom attendant handed me paper towels like I was royalty (very embarrassing).
Make eye contact with any employee, and they'd greet you with a smile.

We ate until we couldn't move. Back at the hostel, we crashed after midnight.

That shrimp paste was life-changing.

I'd expected to arrive with dead eyes and collapse into bed immediately. But Beijing—with its willow catkins brushing my hair in the wind, its blend of ancient charm and modern energy—made me fall in love from the first step. How could I not be amazed?

[Link: Best budget hostels in Beijing for solo travelers]

Day 2: Wandering at Our Own Pace – Summer Palace & Old Summer Palace

The Great Garden Crawl: Beijing's Royal Parks

May 26 — Summer Palace → Old Summer Palace → Haidilao (again)

Our first night was a disaster. Some roommates came back late, and we didn't wake up until 8 AM. (Yes, we're blaming those strangers.) We took our sweet time getting ready, then headed out into the already-scorching sun. But first: pork floss buns.

Jia E figured they couldn't be that big. We bought half a kilo—four buns. They turned out to be massive, dense, and heavy. The seller said they were fresh from that morning. One was enough to stuff us both. (Even now, typing this, I'm salivating.)

By the time we reached the Summer Palace, it was almost 11 AM. We'd gotten lost trying to find Peking University's Weiming Lake (Unnamed Lake), but couldn't locate the main gate. Wandering around the back, surrounded by geniuses, we felt a bit intimidated and gave up. Tsinghua also required registration and ID to enter. We took a photo at some random gate. I wonder how those students feel about being tour attractions—like, "We're not monkeys, you know." Just kidding. We're just in awe of the country's top talent.

Summer Palace Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The Summer Palace—a name I'd heard countless times in Chinese garden history class—finally came to life. We didn't buy the combo ticket (which includes smaller gardens inside) because we had zero energy for climbing Wanshou Mountain (Longevity Hill). The palace was built with Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain as its core, modeled after Hangzhou's West Lake, borrowing Southern garden techniques. It's a royal retreat, though not as long-term as the Chengde Mountain Resort (which I still need to visit—it's the only one of China's four famous gardens I haven't seen).

Pro tip: Download the Summer Palace app for route planning and info. We started following it but quickly gave up. Your mileage may vary.

Emperor Qianlong renamed the lake after Emperor Wu's Kunming Pool training grounds, and piled the excavated earth into Wanshou Mountain. The lake covers three-quarters of the area, and from any angle, you see its vastness. The three islands in the lake represent the classic "one pool, three immortal mountains" design—Penglai, Yingzhou, and Fangzhang (legendary abodes of the immortals).

View from the Long Corridor (I think?)

Wanshou Mountain seen from the ferry. It's not tall, but the wide water in front makes it look majestic.

Zhichun Pavilion (Knowing Spring Pavilion) is the best spot to take in the full panorama. Named after "spring river water warms, ducks know first"—it's where the ice melts earliest.

I felt like an old man chilling there.

Then we saw a handsome guy and pretty girl nearby, and suddenly we were giggling teenagers again.

Caught a meme-worthy expression: "My eyes!"

The rows of willows reminded me of West Lake's "Orioles Singing in the Willows"—gentle branches swaying in the breeze. Perfect for a slow, lazy walk.

Seventeen-Arch Bridge is named because the central arch is the largest, but there are actually 17 arches total. It connects the east shore to Nanhu Island. The stone lions on the balustrades are famous—each one is unique. We counted a few but gave up after 20. The bridge offers stunning views of the lake and the Jade Spring Pagoda in the distance.

[Link: Best time to visit Summer Palace to avoid crowds]

Old Summer Palace: A Haunting Reminder of History

After the Summer Palace, we walked to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). It's a short 15-minute walk, but the contrast is stark. Where the Summer Palace feels alive and vibrant, the Old Summer Palace is a ghost of its former self—a ruin garden scarred by the 1860 destruction by British and French forces. The scattered marble fragments and overgrown pathways tell a story of imperial glory and national tragedy.

We didn't stay long. The weight of history was heavy, and our feet were killing us. But it's a must-see for anyone interested in Beijing history or Chinese modern history.

FAQ: Your Beijing Graduation Trip Questions Answered

1. What's the best time to visit Beijing for a graduation trip?

Late May to early June is ideal. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the city is less crowded than during summer vacation. Plus, you'll catch the willow catkins floating through the air—a magical sight.

2. How much does a budget Beijing trip cost?

For two people, expect to spend around 2,000-3,000 RMB ($280-$420 USD) for 3-4 days, including flights, accommodation, food, and attractions. Haidilao will be your biggest splurge, but street food like pork floss buns and egg yolk pastries are very affordable.

3. Is Haidilao worth the hype?

Absolutely. The service is legendary—staff will treat you like royalty, and the food quality is excellent. Go early (before 6 PM) to avoid long waits. Must-try items: shrimp paste, tofu pudding, and the hand-pulled noodles.

4. Can I visit both the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace in one day?

Yes, but only if you start early and pace yourself. The Summer Palace alone can take 3-4 hours. The Old Summer Palace is smaller but emotionally heavy. Combine them with a morning start and a lunch break in between.

5. What should I pack for Beijing in late May?

Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. The sun is strong, and you'll be walking a lot. Also bring a light jacket for evenings—temperatures can drop.

Conclusion: Why Beijing Is the Perfect Graduation Trip Destination

Two fools roamed north, and we came back with more than just photos and souvenirs. We came back with a friendship that survived a breakup, a city that stole our hearts, and a hundred stories to tell.

Beijing isn't just a city of ancient palaces and modern skyscrapers. It's a place where you can eat hot pot until you can't move, wander through gardens that inspired emperors, and rediscover what matters most—the people you travel with.

If you're planning a graduation trip, skip the beach resorts and come to Beijing. You'll find history, food, and maybe even a second chance at something you thought was lost.

Ready to plan your own Beijing adventure? Start by booking your flights early, researching budget hostels near the city center, and making a list of must-eat foods. And if you're traveling with a friend, hold them close—because the best memories are made when you're both a little foolish.

Now go book that trip. Your future self will thank you.

[Link: Complete Beijing travel itinerary for first-timers] [Link: Best street food in Beijing you must try] [Link: How to visit the Forbidden City on a budget]