We Never Stopped Walking, Recording, and Loving During the Pandemic – 2022 Family Travel Memoir

Meta Description: Discover how one Beijing family kept their travel traditions alive during the pandemic. From Yonghe Temple prayers to strawberry picking, this 2022 family travel memoir proves that love and adventure never stop.

Introduction: Why Family Travel Matters Even in Uncertain Times

Happiness favors those who dream. This sentence carried extraordinary weight in 2022—a year like no other. While the world paused, our family of three never stopped walking, recording, and loving. Since our daughter was born, an annual family trip became our unshakable tradition. Choosing the destination, packing the bags, planning the route—every step filled us with anticipation.

Yet from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022, the pandemic reduced everyone's life to something simple and monotonous. The daily grind of home-to-work and work-to-home erased so many colors that should have been vibrant.

But under the pandemic, we never stopped walking. When I look back at the snippets I recorded in 2021, they still shine. No matter where we went, as long as there was love, there was hope. So for 2022, I want to piece together those memories, string them into a necklace of happiness, and save them for savoring slowly later.

If you're willing, follow my words and take a look at where we went this year.

[Link: Best family-friendly destinations in Beijing]

January: Finding Peace at Yonghe Temple

A Spiritual Start to the Year

Come as fate leads; go as the heart moves. As the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing, Yonghe Temple has a history spanning centuries. The winter sun bathed the golden rooftops in dazzling light. The moment I stepped through the gate, all the noise seemed to be shut out by the red walls, leaving only the breeze and birdsong—ancient and serene.

Almost everyone who comes to Yonghe Temple turns the prayer wheels, hoping for good fortune. The pair of bronze lions in front of Zhaotai Gate are the temple's treasures, crafted during the Qing Dynasty, fierce and unique.

Winter is a season of silence and solemnity. The bare trees, their leaves long fallen, revealed gnarled and twisting branches that stood alongside glazed tiles in profound stillness. Incense smoke rises at Yonghe Temple all year round. Whether visitors or devotees, everyone slows their pace and lowers their voice.

I sat quietly under a tree, watching the incense smoke swirl, watching the people come and go, watching the devout bow in prayer. My mind was empty—like meditation, like entering a trance. Let the light and shadows drift across the treetops. This, too, is a form of practice.

Oh, and don't forget to grab a stick of candied hawthorn (冰糖葫芦) on your way out. It was my favorite as a child—make sure you get the ones with the pits still in, for that authentic, tangy-sweet flavor.

May we all have light in our hearts, forever devout and steadfast.

Yonghe Temple Visitor Tips

  • Opening Hours: Summer (April 1–October 31) 09:00–17:00; Winter (November 1–March 31) 09:00–16:30; ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing
  • Tickets: Reserve via the official WeChat account "Yonghe Temple Visitors & Devotees Service" or buy on-site. Price: 25 RMB
  • Tips: Start with the main hall; the left and right side halls have no particular order. Don't backtrack—begin at the main hall and work your way back.

[Link: Beijing temple etiquette guide]

February: Adventures at Shijingshan Amusement Park

Flying Over China: A Dream Takes Off

Since we couldn't travel freely, "flying" was a good alternative. The "Fly Over China" ride at Shijingshan Amusement Park is similar to Disney's "Soarin' Over the Horizon." Our daughter An'an absolutely loved it—highly recommended.

It's an immersive experience lasting about 15–20 minutes, and kids need to be over 1 meter tall to ride. There's an 8-minute preview area first, then the main event—soaring over China, taking in the magnificent landscapes. You can feel the rapid climbs and stomach-dropping dives in real time—a very authentic flight experience. There's a photo opportunity at the entrance, and you can print it afterward (for a fee).

Ferris Wheel Family Fun

And what's a high-altitude view without a Ferris wheel? The weather was perfect—a clear, blue sky made for the best photo backdrop. Even during the pandemic, there were plenty of visitors.

At the amusement park, a child's innocence shines through completely. It was the Year of the Tiger, so we went for a "tiger-style" pose—even though she's a little monkey, she was full of tiger energy. The family photo on the Ferris wheel—happiness was all in our eyes. They say wherever there's a Ferris wheel, there's romance. One full rotation took about 20 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the entire park. The three of us took lots of funny, silly photos together. I hope this joy rubs off on you, dear reader.

As for the swinging chair ride… I really didn't have the courage to try it. I admire those who can ride it fearlessly, but I'll stick to admiring from afar.

[Link: Top amusement parks in Beijing for families]

February: Strawberry Picking on the Outskirts of Beijing

Sweetness Overflowing

Everything is lovely—may your days be free of "berry" troubles. Sweet strawberries always melt the cold of winter. Shedding the heavy coat and slipping into a light dress, Mom was overjoyed to capture every moment of yours.

You were only a year and a half old when you first came strawberry picking, and now you can carry a little basket and weave through the strawberry rows, filling it up all by yourself. You were so serious about it—every little expression was priceless. After picking a full load, you waited eagerly for it to be weighed, a big grin on your face.

Carrying your own harvest, you were beaming, your heart as sweet as can be. I love your smile. Behind the camera, I can't help but smile myself every time I snap a shot.

Little Interlude: Back in the car, the little one couldn't resist eating one while saying, "The strawberries I picked myself are so sweet!"

[Link: Best u-pick farms near Beijing]

February: China Science and Technology Museum

Where Science Meets Childhood

In the morning, we watched "The Turtle's Journey" and "The Story of Earth" at the special-effects cinema; in the afternoon, we explored the children's science playground—the little one was in full-on play mode. Kids aged 5 and up get the best experience.

We didn't book the main exhibition halls. Morning movies and afternoon children's area—the schedule worked out perfectly. If we'd arrived earlier, we could have added a motion-simulation theater experience. We had lunch at the Pizza Hut buffet on B1. I'd recommend going to the buffet area farthest inside—the selection is decent and better value than the set meals.

Little Surprise: I prepared a beautiful stamp-collecting notebook. Since we couldn't leave Beijing, we went around collecting stamps instead. In Beijing, places like the Forbidden City, museums, the Science Museum, and the Temple of Heaven all have stamp stations. If you find them all, you can collect over 20 stamps. Searching for commemorative stamps with your child is a wonderful way to create lasting memories.

The look of focused concentration—so beautiful. It's truly a great place to take kids—they can learn a lot of science and play some fun science games. Highly recommended.

"The Turtle's Journey" was still a 100% must-see. The little one was completely absorbed, following the story with full attention. "The Story of Earth" held her just as captivated.

[Link: Beijing museums with children's programs]

February: Capital Museum – History and Ritual

Free admission for adults with a valid ID. The museum has five floors above ground, and the B1 cultural-creative shop isn't great value. Floors 2–5 feature ancient ceramics, ancient jade, ancient Buddhist statues, and Yan-era bronze exhibits—all breathtaking.

The third floor had a newly curated exhibition for the centennial of the Communist Party. Our daughter walked straight up to it and saluted—that moment was the best of the day.

We bought a stamp notebook at the entrance, and the first stamp had to be "Capital Museum." The little one handled the stamping with such care and pride.

[Link: Free museums in Beijing worth visiting]

FAQ: Planning a Family Trip in Beijing During Uncertain Times

1. Is it safe to travel with young children in Beijing during a pandemic?

Yes, with proper precautions. We followed all local health guidelines, wore masks in crowded indoor spaces, and chose outdoor activities like strawberry picking and temple visits when possible. Many attractions require advance booking and limit capacity, which actually reduces crowding.

2. What are the best indoor activities for kids in Beijing?

The China Science and Technology Museum is excellent for children aged 5 and up. The special-effects cinema is a highlight. Other great options include the Capital Museum (free admission), the Natural History Museum, and the Beijing Planetarium. Don't forget stamp collecting—many museums offer free stamp stations.

Most major attractions now require advance booking through official WeChat accounts or third-party platforms. For Yonghe Temple, use the "Yonghe Temple Visitors & Devotees Service" account. The Capital Museum offers free admission with a valid ID. Always check the latest health entry requirements before visiting.

4. What outdoor family activities are available near Beijing?

Strawberry picking on the outskirts of Beijing is a seasonal favorite (typically January–April). Shijingshan Amusement Park offers the "Fly Over China" ride and a classic Ferris wheel. For a more cultural experience, visit Yonghe Temple for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.

5. How can I make family trips more educational for my child?

Combine fun with learning by visiting museums, science centers, and historical sites. Our stamp-collecting notebook turned each visit into a treasure hunt. Pre-trip discussions about what you'll see and post-trip reflections help reinforce learning. The Capital Museum's ancient artifacts and the Science Museum's interactive exhibits are particularly engaging.

Conclusion: Keep Walking, Keep Loving

Happiness favors those who dream. In 2022, we kept dreaming, kept walking, and kept loving. From the incense smoke at Yonghe Temple to the sweetness of freshly picked strawberries, from the thrill of "flying" over China to the quiet concentration of stamp collecting—every moment was a thread in the tapestry of our family story.

The pandemic taught us that you don't need to travel far to create lasting memories. Sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard—or, in our case, in the parks, museums, and temples of Beijing.

So here's my challenge to you: Don't wait for the perfect time. Start planning your next family adventure today. Whether it's a trip to a local museum, a weekend strawberry picking, or a visit to a historic temple—the memories you create will last a lifetime.

What's your favorite family travel memory from the pandemic? Share it in the comments below—I'd love to hear your story.

Ready to start planning your Beijing family adventure? Download our free family travel checklist and start creating memories that will last forever.

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