Sept 3 Parade

Question

Hello, I’m booked to fly from Mongolia into Beijing on the afternoon of September 4 and am just learning about the planned Sept 3 military parade. It seems it can be expected that major sites in the area will be closed or heavily restricted. Was planning to be in Beijing from the 4th-7th (with primary intent of visiting the Great Wall) before flying to Zhangjiajie on the 8th. Can anyone advise how the parade and any public holiday might affect my planned itinerary? Thank you.

Answer

Visiting Beijing just after a major national parade, such as the one held on September 3, requires some careful planning. Although your arrival is on September 4, the parade and associated public holiday can still influence your itinerary.

Here’s what to consider:

Parade impact: The military parade itself is usually on a single day (September 3) and occurs in central Beijing. By September 4, most road closures and restrictions directly linked to the parade will be lifted. However, you may still encounter residual security checkpoints or restricted access in areas very close to Tiananmen Square and the main parade route.
Public holiday: Parades often coincide with National Day observances or special public holidays. While September 4 is not a National Day holiday, nearby weekend effects or extended leave for workers could slightly increase crowds at popular tourist sites, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and major shopping areas.
Impact on transport: Public transportation and taxi availability should be normal by September 4, but early morning or rush hour traffic may still be slightly heavier in central districts.

Regarding your specific plans:

Great Wall visits: Popular sections such as Mutianyu or Badaling will be open and accessible. Booking tickets and cable cars in advance is still recommended, as weekend crowds can be significant.
Other attractions: Sites like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven should operate normally, but minor delays due to visitor volume may occur.
Flight to Zhangjiajie: No anticipated impact on your September 8 flight; domestic airport operations return to normal after public holiday disruptions.

In summary, arriving on September 4 means you will likely miss the main disruptions of the parade, but expect slightly increased crowds at major attractions. Planning ahead for tickets and early visits to the Great Wall will help you avoid the busiest periods.

Sept 3 Parade

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