Beijing highlights: walls, palaces and pancakes

Beijing delivered on its promises: we climbed the Great Wall, toured the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, watched an acrobatics show and sampled jianbing—savory breakfast crepes—from a street vendor. The kids were in awe of the vastness of Tiananmen Square and we appreciated the efficient subway system despite the crowds.

Family travel tip: Visit the Great Wall at a less crowded section like Mutianyu, buy Forbidden City tickets online and use Beijing’s subway to avoid traffic. Carry a stroller or baby carrier for little legs.

Which historical site in Beijing would you visit first? Let us help you craft a family‑friendly itinerary for China’s capital. Our stay was $76, a solid deal for the comfort we got. Lunch was $25, offering great value. We spent $56 on activities worth every cent. Transport ran us $105, cheaper than many cities. Altogether, we spent about $283 for the day.