- Home
- > Family & Novotel
- > Family outings
- > Beijing
Beijing
Beijing, capital of the Middle Empire, is a city where past and future mingle happily. Its beauties are obvious as soon as you enter the gates of the Forbidden City or its palaces such as the Temple of Heaven. You’ll come face to face with the city’s rich history as you walk round the famous Tiananmen Square or through the alleys of its old quarter. But Beijing, host of the 2008 Olympic Games, is every bit as contemporary as it is historic: just witness the gigantic tower blocks all over the place. Let yourself be drawn between the majestic past and the visionary future of this unique city.
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Beijing.
Novotel Peace Beijing
10
The Forbidden City, historic residence of the Ming and Qing emperors, is the largest traditional architectural unit in the world and could contain the Palace of Versailles ten times over.
40 000
Interweaving 40,000 tons of steel girders was necessary to complete ‘the Bird’s Nest’, the name given to the Olympic stadium for the 2008 games.
1026
Green is fashionable in Beijing. In fact over 1,000 hectares of green space was created for the 2008 Olympics.
Museums and exhibitions
Beijing Museum of Science and Technology
This museum takes an original approach to revealing the mysteries of science. Children can create waves to produce electricity, discover anatomy by riding a bicycle with a skeleton, watch a fight between samurai robots, or play astronauts in a space simulator. Totally interactive experiments covering all areas of science are presented on three floors, making this museum a real paradise for children. Under-7-year-olds even have their own area. Don’t miss it!
1 Beisanhuan Zhong Street – Tel: (+86) 10 6237 1177
Open every day from 9am to 4pm
World Park
Take the family on a round-the-world trip without leaving Beijing! Just visit World Park with its incredible collection of world monuments, all accurately recreated. The Eiffel Tower, the Great Pyramid, the Red Square, the Taj Mahal – even Stonehenge: a total of over 100 sites from around fifty countries are yours to discover. Educational and entertaining, you can also take the tour by boat or on a little train, especially popular with the children.
158 Fengbao Lu, Huaxiang
Open every day
Gu Gong – the Forbidden City
Around 726,000 square metres, and almost one kilometre from north to south, the Forbidden City – featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list – is a uniquely gigantic monument right in the centre of Beijing, unequalled the world over. Once home to the Ming and Qing emperors, it’s a symbol of the historical greatness of Beijing and Imperial China, as witnessed in the Qing treasures and uniforms. As well as the magical beauty of the place, the names of the different palaces, gates and pavilions of this huge architectural marvel, will delight the children: the Palace of Eternal Spring, the Hall of Preserved Harmony, the Gate of Terrestrial Tranquillity, the Pavilion of the Downpour of Flowers, the Gate of Spiritual Bravery…memories galore!
Jingshan Qianjie 4 – Tel: (+86) 6513 2255
Open every day from 8.30am to 4pm
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Aquarium at Beijing Zoo
Located to the north of Beijing Zoo, this aquarium is considered the largest and most impressive in the world. Opened in 1999, it takes the whole family on a fantastic marine excursion. Tanks with sharks, rays, dolphins, a myriad of corals…the species on display are extremely varied and impressive. An unforgettable plunge into ocean life.
137 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng – Tel: +86 (0)6831 4411
Beihai Park
One of the largest and most charming parks in Beijing. With its tea houses and carousels, a lake on which the whole family can go ‘fishing’ for memories, Beihai should really be fitted in to your Beijing trip. A great breath of fresh air before diving back into the city.
Wenjin Jie, Xicheng – Tel: (+86) 6407 1415
Open every day from 5.30am to 9.30pm
Coal Hill Park
Climb this man-made hill, situated by the North Gate of the Imperial City, for a breathtaking view of an ocean of gold roofs. It’s only 43m high so the whole family can take in the amazing vista. Catch it at sunrise for an even more unforgettable experience!
Jinshan Qianjie, Doncheng – Tel: (+86) 6404 4071
Open every day from 6am to 9.30pm
Kids’voyage’s special treats
The Great Wall
Stretching over more than 6,000km, the spectacular Great Wall of China, featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is a fortification from the early days of Chinese civilisation. The Badaling portion, situated just 40 minutes or so by car from Beijing, is the best preserved and the most typical. As you walk on its ramparts, you’ll have the feeling you’re walking in the steps of China’s fabulous history. A Chinese proverb says ‘you can’t claim to be a hero if you’ve not been on the Great Wall’, How can you miss it now?!
Buses leave from Tiananmen
Open Monday to Thursday from 7am to 7pm; Friday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm
House of the Giant Pandas
Like the Aquarium, the House of the Giant Pandas is located in Beijing Zoo. Among the zoo’s 1,600 species, this house offers the perfect opportunity to admire these big cuddly black and white bears which children love so much. A true symbol of China and a rare moment for sure!
137 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng – Tel: (+86) 6831 4411
Huasheng Tianqiao Bird and Flower Market
This market is proof of the Chinese people’s passion for birds, tortoises, crickets and more. Take a walk into the heart of traditional China with the whole family – the children will love watching so many birds being ‘walked around’ in their cages by their owners.
Zuo’An Lu, Chaoyang – Tel: (+86) 6761 7240
Open every day from 8am to 5pm.
Some good places for a family meal
Pure Lotus
Discover 100% vegetarian cuisine in a totally Zen atmosphere. An original menu with impressive salads that children particularly love.
Sanlitun-Chaoyang – Tel: (+86) 6592 3627
Ghost Street
In this street which stretches for over two kilometres, you’ill find restaurants open round the clock, offering traditional Chinese cuisine.
Guijie District
Eata
You can’t see China without paying a visit to this famous tea house. From choosing the tea, to its preparation, to enjoying this most traditional Chinese beverage, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Guozijian – Tel: (+86) 8404 8536
Open every day from 9am to 11pm
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Beijing wish you an excellent stay.