Beijing Family Weekend Getaways: 5 Short-Distance Destinations to Explore with Your Kids

1. Aranya
• Location & Transportation: Located in Beidaihe New District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. About 3.5 hours' drive from Beijing.
• Recommended Attractions:
• Lonely Library: Unique architectural style facing the sea, perfect for photos.
• Aranya Chapel: Minimalist and sacred architecture, one of Aranya's landmarks.
• Beach: Let kids play freely on the sunny shores.
• Family Activities: Join community-organized events like beach soccer or parent-child crafts.
• Accommodation: Various B&Bs and hotels within the Aranya community (book in advance).
• Food: Multiple restaurants offering seafood and Western cuisine.

2. Gubei Water Town
• Location & Transportation: Located in Miyun District, Beijing (~120km from downtown). Drive or take public transport (direct bus from Dongzhimen or S5 train).
• Recommended Attractions:
• Simatai Great Wall: Night hikes for stunning illuminated views.
• Kite Culture Museum: Try making traditional kites.
• Yongshun Dyehouse: Experience tie-dye crafts.
• Family Activities: DIY workshops like rattan weaving or movable type printing.
• Accommodation: Various themed inns and hotels.
• Food: Must-tries include braised pork at Sima Gang Restaurant and hotpot at Guguan Hotpot.

3. Tianjin Binhai
• Location & Transportation: 1-hour high-speed train from Beijing South Station to Binhai Station.
• Recommended Attractions:
• National Maritime Museum: Educational ocean exhibits for families.
• Dongjiang Bay Beach Park: Tide-pooling and seagull interactions.
• Haichang Polar Ocean Park: Marine life shows.
• Family Activities: Clam digging and crab catching at the beach park.
• Accommodation: InterContinental Yujiapu with scenic surroundings.
• Food: Tianjin snacks like jianbing (savory crepes) and Goubuli steamed buns.

4. Yanqi Lake, Huairou
• Location & Transportation: ~50km from downtown Beijing (recommended to drive).
• Recommended Attractions:
• Yanqi Lake Scenic Area: Lakeside cycling with mountain views.
• Yanqi Lake Water Park: Family-friendly water activities.
• Family Activities: Lakeside picnics and quality time.
• Accommodation: Nearby resorts and hotels.
• Food: Local specialties like rainbow trout.

5. Thaiwoo Town, Chongli
• Location & Transportation: In Chongli District, Zhangjiakou (take high-speed rail to Taizicheng Station, then transfer by bus/taxi).
• Recommended Attractions:
• Thaiwoo Ski Resort: Year-round outdoor adventures beyond skiing.
• European-style Architecture: Photogenic townscape.
• Family Activities: Outdoor programs like hiking and rock climbing.
• Accommodation: Multiple hotels and B&Bs with beautiful settings.
• Food: Local delicacies like roasted whole lamb.