We were up at the crack of dawn for our flight from China to Hanoi, bags packed and ready to roll. We booked a Didi taxi for just a few quid, quick and painless. The early morning haze felt a bit surreal as we left behind a country that had honestly blown us away.

We flew with China Airlines, and I’ve got to say, the flight was smooth . Lunch on board? Surprisingly good.

Leaving China was bittersweet. That transit visa worked out brilliantly for us; it gave us just enough time to squeeze in some massive bucket list moments from standing in awe at the Great Wall and the glass bridge over the lake to soaking up the history at Tiananmen Square and the palace then the Olympic Park with the water world, was so amazing. We packed a lot into a short window, and every second felt worth it.

Looking back, we’re already missing China more than we expected. There’s so much we didn’t get to explore, and truth be told, we could’ve easily spent a lot more time diving deeper into its culture, food, and landscapes.

It was an epic journey and it was a blast. For now, though, it’s onwards to Vietnam for the next chapter of our adventure!

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If you’re visiting Beijing with kids and want a day packed with action, fun, and a little Olympic history, you can’t beat a visit to The Cube Water Park, followed by a wander through Olympic Park. This day ticked all the boxes for us thrilling slides, iconic sights, and a relaxing treat to finish it all off.

We kicked off at The Cube Water Park, located inside the National Aquatics Center better known as the Water Cube, originally built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After the Games, part of the building was transformed into one of Asia’s largest indoor water parks, and it’s brilliant for families.

Inside, you’ll find giant slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for younger kids. The design is impressive a mix of Olympic legacy and modern fun. The atmosphere is lively but well managed, and there are areas to relax as well as get soaked. We spent about 4 hours there, and the kids would’ve happily stayed longer but that’s long enough.

After drying off and grabbing a quick bite, we headed out to Beijing Olympic Park. The park is massive and home to landmarks like the Bird’s Nest Stadium, the Ling Long Pagoda, and the Cube itself. We took a relaxed walk, snapped some great family photos, and enjoyed the wide open space. It’s a great contrast to the buzz of the water park and adds a cultural layer to the day (honestly took me back in my mind to 2008 olympics) nostalgia at its best.

To top things off, we treated ourselves to ice creams from a local stand just outside the park. Sitting in the sunshine, enjoying our ice cream and chatting about our favourite slide from the day, it was the perfect end to a great outing.

The kids were wiped out in the best way, and we left with smiles (and wet towels) in our bags.

A water park and Olympic sightseeing made this one of our most enjoyable days in Beijing so far. (Apart from the great wall) It’s a great reminder that travel with kids doesn’t always have to be museums and temples sometimes the best memories come from splashing down a waterslide and sharing an ice cream in the sun.

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When you step into Tiananmen Square, you’re stepping into the beating heart of Beijing and into a place where centuries of Chinese history have left their mark.

It’s not just a public space. It is the gateway to the legendary Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.

In this post, we’ll take you through what to expect when visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with a nod to the history that makes this area unforgettable.

Our day…

We took it slow this morning, knowing we had a big day ahead. After a relaxed start, we made our way to Tiananmen Square. The first thing that greeted us was a queue and then another as we worked our way through the layers of security needed to get inside. It felt like every few steps there was another checkpoint, but eventually we made it into the vast open square.

We wandered around, taking in the monuments and the sheer size of the space, before joining yet another queue to enter the Forbidden City. After clearing more security, we finally stepped inside the palace grounds. We spent the afternoon exploring the main halls, marvelling at the intricate architecture, and slowly making our way through the enormous courtyards.

Toward the end of the visit, we found ourselves in the Imperial Gardens a quieter, shady area that felt like a hidden gem after the grandeur of the palace. It was the perfect spot to wind down after a full day of walking.

By late afternoon, we were more than ready to call it a day and head home for a well earned rest, it’s an amazing place with so much to see, so I’ll cover the facts out below!

Tiananmen Square: The World’s Largest City Square

Covering over 440,000 square metres, Tiananmen Square is a must visit when you travel to Beijing.

It’s flanked by some of China’s most important landmarks:

The Monument to the People’s Heroes

The Great Hall of the People

The National Museum of China

The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

Today, Tiananmen Square is a space filled with tourists, ceremonies, and official events but beneath the wide open sky, the stone tiles hold memories of many historic moments some openly celebrated, others remembered quietly.

Whether you visit at sunrise for the flag raising ceremony or wander through in the late afternoon, you can feel that this place is more than just architecture it’s a living symbol of China’s journey through time.

Directly facing Tiananmen Square is the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where you pass beneath the enormous portrait of Chairman Mao and enter the Forbidden City the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Forbidden City (officially known today as the Palace Museum) was the home of 24 Chinese emperors and is one of the largest and best preserved palace complexes in the world.

What to expect inside.

Majestic halls and throne rooms like the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Ornate gardens filled with ancient cypress trees and symbolic sculptures. Collections of priceless treasures, from ancient jade artefacts to imperial robes. Architectural marvels, where every colour, statue, and rooftop dragon tells a story.

Covering nearly 720,000 square metres, it’s easy to lose yourself and that’s exactly the point the Forbidden City was designed to impress, control, and embody the emperor’s divine power.

As you explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, it’s impossible not to feel the layers of history pressing softly against the present the imperial pageantry to more recent chapters of complex change, Tiananmen has been both a stage for celebration and a silent witness to moments that shaped not only China but the world’s view of resilience and remembrance.

Some events are carved in monuments others are a whisper in the air, lingering between the stone tiles and ancient walls it’s complicated to say the least!

Tips for Visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Arrive early: Both locations get crowded fast, especially the Forbidden City ticket lines. Bring your passport: You need ID to enter both Tiananmen Square security zones and buy Forbidden City tickets.

Respect the rules: Certain areas have tight security, and drones or professional camera gear without permits are banned.

Wear good shoes: You’ll walk kilometres across stone paths and massive courtyards.

Book tickets in advance: Forbidden City tickets often sell out, especially on weekends and public holidays.

take your time, listen to the stories whispered by the stones and remember every empire, every nation, every people leave their footprints somewhere in Beijing, those footprints are very much in and around the square!

If you want any hints and tips drop me a message I’ll be happy to help!

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There’s something pretty special about diving into the energy of a city on a Saturday afternoon, and today was no exception.

We headed straight into the old area of Chengdu, right into the lively chaos of South Lugo Lane and what a spot it turned out to be!

The street was absolutely buzzing, packed with locals and tourists weaving through the laneways, browsing market stalls, shopping, and soaking up the weekend vibes.

Bright signs flashed overhead, the smell of sizzling street food filled the air, and there was a real buzz of energy all around.

Everywhere you turned, there was something new to catch your eye from quirky handmade crafts to the latest fashion trends.

We even found an absolute belter of a bargain: a cracking noodle lunch for four, including drinks, for just £7.

The noodles were packed with flavour, the drinks were spot on, and it was the perfect way to fuel up for the afternoon’s adventures. You just can’t beat a proper feed at that price, especially when it’s right in the thick of it all.

After soaking up everything South Lugo Lane had to offer, we headed across the city by subway for a grad total of 80p heading towards the central High Street area and that’s where we had a bit of a surprise.

There, right in front of us at the entrance to the Wangfujing Department Store on Chunxi Road, stood a giant Harrods bear!

At first, we thought there must be a Harrods store tucked away somewhere, but after a bit of asking around, we found out it was part of a Harrods themed pop up event.

A little slice of London brought to Chengdu, complete with the iconic bear, traditional Harrods branding, and a real splash of British charm right in the heart of the city.

The whole scene gave the area a proper Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Street feel flashing lights, crowds of shoppers, neon signs lighting up the skyline, and that brilliant big city energy that’s impossible to resist.

Even though there wasn’t a full Harrods store, the bear and the atmosphere around Wangfujing made it feel like we were right in the middle of something special.

We wandered the streets, dodging shoppers, grabbing a few cheeky snacks, and soaking up every bit of the buzzing Chengdu weekend vibe.

By the end of the afternoon, the kids were knackered and it was time to head home.

We jumped into a taxi, and even with a solid 30 minutes stuck in traffic, the fare only came to about £4, absolute bargain compared to what we’re used to!

Unfortunately, poor little Dotty wasn’t feeling great after all the excitement and ended up being sick in the car.

We felt awful for the driver he was a real good bloke, so we gave him 200 yuan (about £20) to apologise and cover the trouble.

He was absolutely ecstatic, that’s about 5 hours driving for him so despite the mishap, it finished the day on a positive note with a big smiles all around.

Final thoughts?

South Lugo Lane gave us a brilliant taste of local life vibrant, affordable, and full of character and stumbling across the Harrods bear at Wangfujing added a bit of unexpected sparkle to the day, showing just how global and lively Chengdu really is.

You’ll get the perfect blend of old world charm, big city buzz, a couple of good bargains and if your day’s anything like ours, a few surprises you’ll never forget!

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The Great Wall Like You’ve Never Seen It

If you reckon all Great Wall experiences are the same, think again.

We had one of the wildest, most unforgettable days of our world trip at the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall. And the crazy part?

We had no idea when we visited that just a day later, the BBC’s Race Across the World would air, kicking off right here too!

Total fluke. We went before it hit the telly, just chasing a quieter, epic slice of the Wall and somehow stumbled into what’s now one of the hottest spots in China thanks to the show.

Talk about perfect timing?

Glass bottom bridges, mountain rail cars, views so good they look fake, and even a lakeside water ride for the daredevils this isn’t just another postcard stop.

It’s history meets adrenaline, and it’s absolute family gold.

Getting There: Cheap, Cheerful, and Cruisy

Our day kicked off with a £5 Didi ride across Beijing to meet the coach. From there, it was a cruisy 90-minute drive into the countryside.

Not a single whinge from the kids that’s when we knew it was gonna be a good one.

The drive itself set the scene, misty mountains, sprawling farms, and that feeling that something big was just around the corner.

Once we arrived we walked through the turnstiles under a tunnel over a dam on a boat and we could see the wall in all its glory on the hill side!

Riding to the Top: No Sweat Required

Forget huffin’ and puffin’ up a thousand stone steps Huanghuacheng’s magnetic rail car whisks you up the mountain in style.

It’s smooth, it’s steep, and it feels like you’re being zipped off to a secret fortress.

And when you hop off at the top?

Ancient stone battlements stretch across green hills, plunging dramatically into a crystal-blue lake.

It’s the kind of view that just hits you right in the chest.

The Wall Meets the Water, Pure Magic

We walked back down and met the stretch of the Wall dives straight into the lake and it’s nothing short of cinematic.

The sky was clear, the water still as glass, and the towers reflected so perfectly it felt like we’d walked into a fantasy film.

And best of all?

No crowds.

No elbowing for the perfect snap.

No loudspeakers blaring.

Just birdsong, breeze, and that deep, ancient silence the Wall does best.

It’s the sort of place where you stop mid sentence, just staring, mouth open, drinkin’ it all in.

The Glass Bridge: One Word, Epic Suspended high above the lake, it’s a wild mix of heart-racing thrill and jaw-dropping beauty.

The kids legged it across like they were training for Ninja Warrior.

I took it a bit slower… y’know, to “soak up the view” (and definitely not because my legs were arguing with my brain).

The steps are steep and sloped slightly forward you end up backpedalling just to walk down!

Is it scary? A little.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Crossing that glass bridge with the Great Wall snaking into the misty mountains around you, that’s a memory that will stick for life.

Bonus Fun: Water Rides & Family Features

Down by the lake, there’s even a water ride for when you’re ready to cool off perfect for the summer heat. We didn’t jump on it this time, but it looked brilliant.

You’ll also find gardens, scenic walkways, and chill out spots dotted around, gondolas and more! You can hike, relax, or just let the kids burn off steam without it feeling like a crowded theme park.

This was a full-blown adventure part ancient wonder, part adrenaline rush, and 100% unforgettable.

We climbed, we glided, and we tiptoed across glass. We explored a part of the Wall built into a lake. And we did it all with no crowds, no stress, and plenty of laughs.

If you’re anywhere near Beijing chuck Huanghuacheng on your list.

No second-guessing. No muckin’ about.

It’s the Great Wall like you’ve never seen it and now it’s got the BBC’s stamp of approval too. This place is only gonna get more popular!

Follow our family as we travel the world one jaw-dropping, snack-fuelled adventure at a time.

Real tips, real laughs, and real memories.

Just how travel should be.

PS:

Wanna see what it’s like to walk the Great Wall… on glass?

Stay tuned

The post Walk the Great Wall on Glass Our Epic Huanghuacheng Adventure (As Seen on BBC’s Race Across the World) appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

If you’re visiting Beijing with kids or just keen for a calm but cultural day out, the Summer Palace is an absolute gem. With its historic temples, stunning bridges, peaceful lakeside paths and fun treats along the way, it’s the kind of place that suits both adults and little legs.

How to Get to the Summer Palace

We used the Didi app (China’s version of Uber) to get there, and it couldn’t have been easier. The whole journey cost just £8 for nearly an hour’s ride cheaper than a takeaway! We were dropped right outside the East Gate, and on the way back, we simply booked another Didi. No fuss, no confusion just easy family travel in Beijing.

Walking the Full Lake Loop

The Summer Palace grounds are enormous, but we were up for the challenge and walked the entire lake loop. We crossed a series of ornate bridges, admired the pavilions with their curved roofs and intricate carvings, and soaked up the traditional Chinese architecture at every turn.

The weather on the day was ideal comfortable, mild, and calm, with just enough warmth to keep us in a good mood without overheating. It made for perfect walking weather, especially with kids in tow.

Climbing the Tower of Buddhist Incense

At the heart of the Summer Palace sits the towering Foxiangge (Tower of Buddhist Incense). It’s the most iconic structure in the whole complex, and yep – we climbed it.

There are a lot of steps, but the views over Kunming Lake are completely worth the effort. Historically, this tower was a sacred place where the Empress Dowager Cixi prayed to Buddha, and it still holds that peaceful, reverent feel. The architecture is stunning – bold reds and golds, surrounded by incense and ancient trees.

Ice Cream with a Twist

No family outing is complete without a sweet treat, right? After all those steps, we found an ice cream stand selling palace-themed ice creams – and they were brilliant. We had a chocolate bull-shaped ice cream, and the kids loved the ones shaped like the Summer Palace, flavoured with strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry. Tasty, fun, and very photogenic.

Final Verdict: A Must-Do in Beijing

If you’re looking for a family-friendly thing to do in Beijing, the Summer Palace ticks all the boxes – affordable, beautiful, walkable, and rich in history.

From the peaceful lakeside stroll to the majestic tower climb and unique snacks along the way, this is one Beijing landmark that’s as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults.

Top tips:

Use Didi for cheap, easy transport Wear comfy shoes you’ll walk a lot Don’t miss the tower view Grab the palace shaped ice creams trust us

Follow our world travel blog for more family adventures, real-world travel tips, and the occasional ice cream review – because parenting on the road always includes snacks!

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If you’re flying into China without a visa and relying on the 10 day transit visa free policy, buckle up we just did it, and let’s just say… it wasn’t exactly a smooth landing.

We’re a UK based travelling family who flew into Beijing from Japan, planning to transit on to another country in 9 days. That put us squarely within the rules of the 240-hour visa free transit policy. No visa needed, right? Too easy.

Except… it wasn’t.

What Actually Happened at the Airport

We arrived at check in in Tokyo and the staff looked panicked the moment we said we didn’t have a visa for China.

We explained we were using the 10 day visa free transit policy, but it was clear they weren’t confident what to do.

25 minutes later, after lots of tapping on computers and questions about our onward flights (luckily all booked through the same airline), we were finally cleared to board (longest check in ever)

But the real circus began after we landed in Beijing.

There were no clear signs, no obvious lines, and no one really seemed to know where we were supposed to go. We told airport staff we didn’t have a visa, and their reactions ranged from shocked to completely confused.

We were shuffled between people. One said, “not here, go over there.” Another said, “not over there, go back to where you were.” Classic.

At one point, we found another traveller an American tourist who was equally lost and muttered, “I think it’s that line over there.” He’d already filled in the wrong form, so we weren’t filled with confidence.

Eventually, we ignored everyone, followed our gut (and the American man’s advice), and ended up at a security checkpoint near customs that had a small sign saying something like “Transit.”

That’s the golden spot.

The Form You Need to Find

On a random bench near that checkpoint, we finally spotted the transit entry form. It’s got two sections:

Top half = inbound

Bottom half = outbound

We were only arriving, so we filled out just the inbound section that seemed to do the trick.

We handed it over to two very friendly security officers who actually knew what was going on (finally!), and they helped us finish the process.

Key Takeaways (So You Don’t End Up Wandering Like We Did)

Don’t expect staff to know the new visa free rules

not at check in, not at immigration Print all your tickets, hotel bookings, and explain your journey clearly

Find the security section near customs marked “Transit” that’s where you go Look for a paper form on a bench near that area fill in just the inbound section

Don’t panic if you’re told different things by different staff go with what makes logical sense and follow travellers who look as confused as you are

And that’s it, you should be through.

There is a bonus for Aussies: You Get 30 Days!

So if you’re an Aussie you’ve got it even easier. Since 30 November 2024, Australians can enter China visa free for 30 days no onward flight required, no forms on benches, and no awkward explaining just the normal queue (there might be a where are you staying form you need to complete but too easy!

It’s valid until the end of 2025, so if you’ve got an Aussie passport, enjoy the easy lane while the rest of us flail around with transit slips.

Final Thoughts

Would we use the visa free policy again?

– Yeah, but now that we know what to do.

If you’re using the 10-day transit option:

– Be ready to explain it Expect staff to be confused And trust that somewhere in that airport maze, the right line does exist

Hope this helps somebody, key point is don’t panic, it looks and is stressful but knowing what to do makes life far easier!

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