Beijing Family Back (May 23rd): My 'Trip Mine' Avoidance List!

[Israel Koss]

I just returned from a five-day trip in Beijing with my parents. I must say, some of the advice I saw on Little Red Book (a social media app similar to Instagram), almost ruined our trip! Today, I want to share some insights and tips I've gathered from this journey, so as to help others avoid common pitfalls.

During this time, we were able to visit most of the popular attractions in Beijing:

• Tiananmen Square to watch the flag raising ceremony and visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (the place where Mao Zedong’s body lies in state).
• The Forbidden City (the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors).
• Qianmen Street (an historic shopping street)
• Badaling Great Wall.
• Olympic Park, where we saw the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (both built for the 2008 Olympics).
• Temple of Heaven (where the emperors used to offer sacrifices).
• Summer Palace (the imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty emperors).
• Yuanmingyuan (ruins of the former imperial gardens).
• Went to take photos at Tsinghua University and Peking University campuses

Now, let me talk about the common anxiety-inducing problems I've encountered online.

• Many attractions that couldn't be booked online, but can be arranged on-site, don’t panic.
• Apart from Tiananmen Tower and National People’s Congress Hall (which have stricter rules), I saw quite a few people buying on-site tickets or making appointments during those days.
• So, those who think they must pre-book everything online are nothing but creating unnecessary chaos!

Then there’s the backpack dilemma.

• It is said that the line moves faster without a backpack, which is somewhat true, but it won’t make much difference.
• You see, you'll have to queue anyway with lots of crowds at every attraction. No need to worry too much about whether to bring a bag or not.

Now here are some critical reminders and “pitfall avoidance guides” I’ve learned throughout our trip:

• Be warned! The Jinsui Bridge outside Tiananmen Tower is a one-way street, only allowing you to go in, not out.
  • If you have plans to visit Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, National Museum, or National People's Congress Hall, be sure to visit them first, then proceed to Tiananmen Tower to avoid any possible inconvenience.
• Suggested order: Flag-raising ceremony → Chairman Mao Memorial Hall → National People's Congress Hall → Tiananmen Square → Tiananmen Tower → The Forbidden City.
  • This way, the whole journey will be smoother and save time and energy!
• Elders’ Benefits: The Forbidden City provides "Love Channels" (fast-passes) for elders over 60 years old, pregnant women and disabled individuals (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall restricts this benefit to elders over 70).
  • These benefits allow one elderly person to take one minor child and an accompanying care-giver along, quite convenient!
• Flag-Raising Ceremony: The ceremonies follow sunrise times, which vary from day to day, so it would be better to arrive early (about 1-2 hours).
  • For those who want to take photos at the front row, you might have to queue-up in the morning ( 3-4 o'clock) prepared to endure the crowdedness!
• National Museum: You can bring power banks, but must avoid swollen or damaged ones and ensure their capacity is no more than 20,000 milliampere-hour.
  • Note: Power Banks can't be used within exhibition areas.
• Climbing the Great Wall: Better to set aside separate travel day since it is far from city center.
  • Badaling Great Wall: Despite being crowded with people, its sceneries are breath-taking. You can get there by bus or train from Beijing North Station.
  • Mutianyu Great Wall: Fewer people, just further away.
• Wandering around Temple of Heaven: Don’t enter Temple of Heaven from Dong Men!
  • From Nan Men entrance to Be Men exit, you'll still come across major attractions like Qiniandian (Temple of Heaven), and Huaying Wall.
• Enjoying Summer Palace: Not advisable to purchase combined ticket, due to its sheer size which is nearly impossible to tour within one day!
  • It would be smart to just visit Long Corridor, Fosixiang (a high tower overlooking Kunming Lake), Qiyihong Bridge, etc in time to savor the most magnificent sights.
• Regarding Backpacks: A backpack is essential, but worry not about it slowing you down because lines with or without a bag do move at almost the same pace.
• Water Cube: Preferably visit the attraction in the evening as it looks particularly beautiful lit up at night.
  • You’ll have to go through security checks, so try to keep your luggage as light as possible.
• Beijing Snacks: I would say snacks sold in Niu Street weren't particularly remarkable.
  • To get a taste of truly local Beijing cuisine, I suggest you visit Hu Guo Si Street for a more authentic experience.