2021 Beijing Tongzhou Latest May Day 3-Day 2-Night Family Travel Guide - Check-in at All Attractions

Number of days：3 days
Time: March
Average cost: 700 yuan
With whom：parents and children

In 2021, the highly anticipated Universal Studios Beijing Tongzhou was completed and is expected to begin trial operations soon. Tongzhou, located just an hour from downtown Beijing, has once again become a hot topic. Taking advantage of the warmer weather over the weekend, my family went on a safari and were surprised to discover that besides Universal Studios, Tongzhou has so many other great places for kids to run around and relax, filled with artistic atmosphere. One day is definitely not enough!

Grand Canal Forest Park

Transportation: Self-driving

Travel Method: Family-Friendly

Accommodation: Ying Xiang Cheng Hotel (Tongzhou Wanda Plaza): 100% accessible, within a 30-minute drive of the "economic circle."

Location is paramount for choosing this hotel. From the soon-to-open Universal Studios to surrounding attractions, Ying Xiang Cheng Hotel is within a 30-minute drive, making it a prime choice for overnight stays in Tongzhou. Newly opened in 2021, the hotel features new facilities and a clean, hygienic atmosphere. Located near Tongzhou Wanda Plaza, it's convenient for dining and shopping. Overnight guests enjoy exclusive free parking. The front desk staff is very friendly. In terms of room types, in addition to standard rooms, there are also family rooms and family suites, which are convenient for families of three or four to stay at the same time. It is very cost-effective!

Ying Xiang Cheng Hotel (Tongzhou Wanda Universal Studios Branch)

Ying Xiang Cheng Hotel (Tongzhou Wanda Universal Studios Branch) Family Suite

Day 1: Grand Canal Forest Park: Beautiful Scenery, Crowded, Come Now

Depart Beijing at 9:30 AM! Arrive at your destination, Tongzhou Grand Canal Forest Park, in about 2.5 hours—a canal-style, natural oxygen bar comparable to Beijing's Olympic Forest Park. Spanning over 10,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres), the park offers a mirror-like expanse, cascading forests, and picturesque green poplar blossoms. After the urban concrete of the city, embracing nature is the perfect way to spend a spring weekend. The scenic area, with its "one river, two banks, six scenic areas, and 18 attractions," blends modernity with rustic charm, leaving you wanting to linger.

Grand Canal Forest Park

In the park, you can see local residents jogging, strolling, and relaxing. Families with children are also common. The park also offers outdoor camping, barbecues, picking fruits for families, cultural and entertainment activities, and even campsites for corporate outdoor activities, catering to a variety of needs. Imagine on a sunny afternoon, spreading a picnic mat in the tent area, setting up a tent, closing your eyes and listening to the chirping of cicadas and birds. How relaxing it would be.

Grand Canal Forest Park

Also, I highly recommend the park's incredibly popular reed marshes. Lush in summer and golden in autumn, the wooden plank paths meander through them with a refreshing touch, and the lazy sunlight casts a soft glow. No wonder it's a popular wedding photoshoot location for many couples. PS: I found some beautiful photos of the reed marshes in autumn, and any shot is a masterpiece, just as impressive as those at the Olympic Forest Park and Wild Duck Lake. I'm hooked!

Grand Canal Forest Park

Insider Tip: Entering from West Gate 6 is the fastest way to get there! We entered from the east and it took us quite a while to get there.

You can also take a bus tour and relive the prosperity of the Grand Canal's past.

Grand Canal Forest Park

Children won't be bored at the park either. Green Island Park, Tongzhou's largest children's park, offers over 23 attractions, including autonomous airplanes, pirate ships, bumper cars, rapids, and roller coasters. There's also a giant sandpit that kids will love. The kids are always excited to play with the shovels and excavators. Grab your full sand-digging gear and go treasure hunting!

Grand Canal Forest Park

Day 2: Songzhuang Art District: See exhibitions, buy paintings, and check in

Besides visiting the park, one of the main goals of this trip was to bring the children to experience art. I'd heard about the Songzhuang Art District for a long time, and this trip finally fulfilled my wish. This is a new art district that is home to a large number of painters and avant-garde artists. With over 100 art centers, galleries, and museums, you can also encounter avant-garde exhibitions and festivals. Many of the galleries in the park's Songzhuang Painters Village are reminiscent of the village's original courtyard houses and residential buildings, creating a sense of time travel. A casual stroll through the area is sure to keep you entertained.

Songzhuang Art Factory District

The park is home to the renowned Songzhuang Art Museum (closed Mondays), Shangshang International Art Museum (closed Mondays), and Songzhuang Painters Village Gallery. In addition to diverse artworks, the architecturally stunning Tree Art Museum and Quan Art Museum have frequently graced Instagram and WeChat Moments, showcasing their striking red brick walls, bold geometric color contrasts, floor-to-ceiling windows, the interplay of light and shadow, and the suspended staircases that unlock the beauty of the space. Many young people, dressed in their finest clothes, have been spotted checking in at the museums.

Shangshang International Art Museum

Songzhuang Art Museum

Songzhuang Art Factory

Songzhuang Art Factory District

Compared to the famous 798 Art District, Songzhuang Art District is larger and less commercial, offering a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere without feeling crowded. Free parking is available within the district, making it most convenient for those driving. It's a great place to stroll around with children and admire the beautiful architecture and paintings. Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District

As the sun slowly peeks out in the afternoon, spend the day in one of the park's specialty cafes, enjoying a cup of coffee, a book, and a quiet moment! The park boasts a wealth of specialty coffee shops: popular online favorites include Chuzou Coffee, Xiangcun Pottery Cafe, Rose Town Cafe, and After Dark Cafe. There are also a variety of collector's shops, offering a wide variety of pottery and decorative items, all waiting to be discovered! Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District Songzhuang Art Factory District

Day 3 Morning: Tongzhou Green Heart Forest Park

A 20-minute drive from the hotel brings you to Tongzhou Green Heart Forest Park, newly opened during last year's National Day holiday. As Beijing's urban green lung, how could you miss this popular spot? The park covers over 11 square kilometers, so even a leisurely day wouldn't be enough to explore it all! Fortunately, you can rent a sightseeing bicycle to explore the scenic area.

The park's most popular attractions are the iconic 5.5-kilometer star-shaped loop and the Golden Scenic Avenue. This season, flowers are in full bloom, including the internet-famous geraniums, sage blossoms, and reed marshes. The park isn't crowded, and despite its size, the details are exquisite. My family unanimously agreed that the best part of the park is the tent area on the lawn. We saw many families with children, and the park also offers Indian-themed tents, complete with adorable alpacas and bunnies to pet!

Han Meilin Art Museum

I also unexpectedly discovered that Han Meilin also created a popular work - the 2016 Year of the Monkey mascot "Hou Sai Lei". After its 3D design was released during the Spring Festival Gala that year, it immediately became a hot topic for being "too ugly". However, Han Meilin was somewhat wronged. He only designed the front view of the monkey and was not involved in the subsequent 3D image.

Han Meilin Art Museum

Mr. Han has profound attainments in the field of modern arts and crafts. I really like this animal series and bought a set of postcards. Finally, here is a new work by Mr. Han in 2021. I wish you all good luck in the Year of the Ox! Han Meilin Art Museum Han Meilin Art Museum Han Meilin Art Museum Han Meilin Art Museum Han Meilin Art Museum