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3 Days in Beijing: My Recommended Itinerary 2024

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

Heading to the capital of China soon? Here’s my recommended Beijing itinerary for those who want to make the most of 3 days in Beijing.

Traditional yet vibrant, Beijing is a city that encapsulates the spirit of China perfectly with a slew of ancient palaces, temples and hutong districts. It’s an essential stop for anyone coming to China, because it’s home to some of the most iconic and famous sights in the country.

The Chinese capital city is a hodgepodge of historical sights and attractions, making it a great introduction to the Middle Kingdom. I recommend starting off your China itinerary in Beijing to get a good sense of both the old and new in China.

Despite being a modern 21st century city, Beijing still has an impressive collection of traditional enclaves and pockets of interesting culture to uncover — perfect for both history buffs and culture vultures.

Table of Contents

Head to Tiananmen Square 

Book your tickets here:, kick back at jingshan park, try the famous beijing duck, book your ticket here:, get lost in nanluogu xiang, eat at wangfujing street, book your great wall trip:, book your show here:, how to get around beijing.

• Luxury: The Opposite House
• Midrange: Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel 
• Budget: Hotel Kapok Beijing

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Plan your trip to china, three days in beijing itinerary.

The first thing you need to know if that Beijing is HUGE and there’s so much to see and explore in Beijing. You’ll need at least a week to experience all of the amazing sights. But if you only have 3 days in the Beijing, here’s my recommend itinerary that will help you make the most out of your time there.

Beijing Itinerary Day 1: Forbidden City

Make your first stop the Forbidden City, the most important imperial palace in China that served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years. Take a crash course in Chinese history and learn all about the milestones and major events that took place in this massive palace.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 14th century is made up of 980 buildings; you’ll need at least 3-4 hours to see it. I recommend booking a guided walk  (skip-the-line access) to truly understand the history of the place.

There is a limit to the number of tickets sold each day, so be sure to book your entrance tickets in advance. It’s closed on Mondays, keep that in mind when planning your trip. You MUST bring your passport with you when buying tickets.

Cross over to Beijing’s most prominent spot, Tiananmen Square, most famous for the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, a pro-democracy movement which ended with the declaration of martial law by the government and the death of several hundred or possibly thousands of civilians.

Here you’ll find Chairman Mao Memorial Hall where you can pay respects to China’s revered founder in his mausoleum. Book this tour to visit Tianamen Square along with the Forbidden City.

Across the road from the Forbidden City is the Jingshan Park , designed based on the principles of fengshui and to protect the palace from northern winds. Formerly a private imperial garden attached to the grounds of the Forbidden City, the grounds were listed as a Key State Park and opened to the public in 1928.

Today you can climb the short hill for fantastic 360-degree views across the Forbidden City and Beihai Park and see locals doing tai chi as the sun sets.

You can’t come to Beijing and not try the famous Peking duck. Its paper crispy skin and tender succulent meat are best savored with plum sauce and thinly sliced cucumber all rolled up in wafer thin pancakes.

There are plenty of good duck restaurants in Beijing, but one of the most famous in town is Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant – it may be a restaurant chain but it’s had a loyal following since 1864. To ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to dine here, make a reservation beforehand.

Beijing Itinerary Day 2: Palaces and Temples

Get up early and have a huge breakfast before you head towards the Temple of Heaven . During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the imperial complex played host to annual ceremonies of prayer. These days, the sprawling gardens here are where locals love to hang out and play chess, perform Chinese opera and fan dances.

From there, take a leisurely boat trip on Kunming Lake to get to the beautiful Summer Palace. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, with natural landscape of hills and water combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges. Book your entrance ticket here to skip the line .

Continue on to the Drum and Bell Towers, where you’ll find sprawling traditional  hutongs (labyrinth-like residential areas) and old Qing Dynasty courtyard homes tucked behind the large landmarks.

This is the best area to get acquainted with the old residential areas of Beijing and get a feel of how people live. You can even hire a rickshaw guide to show you around the nooks and crannies of this area.

Nanluogu Xiang is the most well restored hutong but it’s also the busiest and most touristy. The narrow alleys are flanked by restaurants, cafés and boutiques that has become a hip and cool district in modern Beijing. Don’t miss Mao Livehouse, one of the happening hubs of Beijing’s burgeoning rock music scene. 

For a night of shopping and eating, head to Beijing’s most famous pedestrianized shopping street lined with a slew of antique shops, modern fashion stores, souvenir stands and street food kiosks.

You’ll be able to find everything from SIM cards and mobile phones to silk scarves and snacks to bring home. Food choices range from exotic fare like deep-fried scorpions and star fish to lamb meat skewers and tang hu lu  (candied fruits on a stick).

Beijing Itinerary Day 3: Great Wall of China

With three days in Beijing, this is a must. While it may be quite hectic to squeeze in a daytrip to the Great Wall, it’s definitely an impressive sight you don’t want to miss. Badaling is the closest bit of the wall to Beijing, but it’s extremely crowded and inauthentic. 

If you want to see the wall at its most rugged (and without the throngs of crowd), head a little further from the city to other quieter sections such as Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng and Jiankou. They are far more rugged and spectacular and still lie within 2-3 hours of Beijing.

You can easily spend 3-4 hours climbing the wall — be prepared for steep steps and crumbling walls. There will be a few vendors selling snacks and drinks along the wall, so bring some cash with you if you think you might need something along the way (like a beer!).

Watch Chinese Acrobats

To end your trip to Beijing with a bang, I recommend catching a Chinese acrobatics performance. It’s fun, entertaining and thrilling, and it will keep you at the edge of your seat with an array of juggling acts, contortionist performance and mask-changing stunts. Chaoyang Acrobatics Theater is the oldest acrobatics theater in Beijing, with nightly performances at 7.15pm.

The Beijing subway system is modern, safe, cheap and easy to use. It’s massive and getting bigger every year, with another 12 lines set to be in operation by 2021. It does get crowded, though. Fares are ¥3 to ¥8, depending on how far you are traveling.

Buy a travel card (refundable deposit ¥20) if you don’t want to queue for tickets each time you travel. The travel card also gets you a 50% discount on all bus journeys within the municipality of Beijing. Download the Metroman smartphone app to see the full Beijing subway map, with stations listed in both English and Chinese.

Where to Stay in Beijing

There’s no shortage of affordable hotels in Beijing , ranging from cheap backpackers hostels to quaint guesthouses in reformed hutongs to lavish five-star hotels. I recommend staying near the Tiananmen Square or the Wangfujing district for easy access to the city’s main attractions and eating haunts. My favourite place to stay is in the narrow alleys of hutongs, which make for a more authentic experience.

Luxury:  The Opposite House

A chic, stylish boutique hotel featuring minimalistic designs and   an all white-and-beige interior. Located in the hip Sanlitun Village, the hotel is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, hip bars and boutique shops. We had a spacious and chic suite that felt more like a studio apartment in Scandinavia. Book here.

Midrange:  Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel 

The former home of an administrator from the Qing Dynasty has been transformed into a stunning heritage hotel with classic old-world flair. I would definitely recommend this to those who want a taste of traditional China in their hotel. Check rates here.

Budget:  Hotel Kapok Beijing

Just 200m from the Forbidden City, this modern budget hotel features simple, slick furnishing at close proximity to all the attractions in town. I usually stay here when I’m traveling alone, for the convenience and affordable prices. Book here.

Beijng is the food capital of China, packed with outstanding street foods and top-notch restaurants to satisfy even the most hardened foodie. All your preconceived notions of Chinese cuisine will be defied here in Beijing as the city reveals the layers within its culinary culture.

Xian Lao Man

With a name that translates roughly to “the fillings are huge,” this is definitely the best place to go for authentic dumplings in Beijing.

Zhuang Zhuang de Men Mian

This simple diner specialises in men mian, noodles cooked in a covered ceramic pot atop gas burners. Its menu and decorations are done in a cute doodle style that draws in casual diners.

This tiny eatery in Andingmen serves flavourful and spicy Sichuan cuisine at an affordable price, but be prepared for cramped dining and long waits.

Most people only spend two or three days in Xi’an. But with so many things to do in Xi’an, you could easily stay busy for a week.

If you’re planning to travel all over China, here are some other articles I’ve written that you might find helpful.

• My 2-Week China Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Xi’An
• World’s Tallest Buddha Statue: Leshan, China
• A Story on Rice Planting in Yangshuo, China
• Floating Above the Clouds in Mount Emei

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Alex Steven

Simply amazing! The view of the great wall of China is so impressive and stunning. Loved reading it throughout. Cheers!

Great list! You’re definitely hitting most of the iconic Beijing sites in this itinerary.

My recommendation? Avoid Nanluoguxiang and Wangfujing like the plague unless you want to get jostled, shoved, and shouted at haha.

I reckon any of the hutongs around Andingmen would be a better bet and a more authentic Chinese experience. Wudaoying is a more laid back, hipster-style walking street than Nanluoguxiang, while you can find some great local food in and around hutongs like Fangjia and Fensiting.

Toss in a food tour with somebody like Untour and Lost Plate, and you’ll have a much tastier and less crowded food experience.

Badaling is worth skipping for the same reasons. Huanghuaxiang has both old and new sections dependent on your level of fitness, and Jinshanling (currently closed) and Gubeikou offer a quieter experience.

*Huanghuacheng >_<

Major cool points for mentioning Zhang Mama, by the way! I’m literally about to go have dinner there now!

Great article, Nellie! I’m hoping to make it back to China soon. I was recently in Suzhou, but would love to see The Wall and Beijing someday!

I was just in Beijing and have never seen such a crowd in a subway. It. Was. An. Experience

Great read, Nellie!

Hi Nellie, this is a wonderful itinerary for a traveler to really enjoy Beijing. I always love their food. So yummy!!!

How much do you spend in Beijing daily on a short budget but still visiting all these places?

Beijing isn’t an expensive place. I would estimate I spent around US$30/day not including accommodation. The day trip to the Great Wall is more expensive obviously.

Beijing has so many great landmarks to offer, that 3-days wouldn’t be enough to visit it all. Nevertheless, you wrote an excellent article (with beautifull photos) about Bejing. I can highly recomment Beijing for at least 3 days (or even better 5,6,7 days).

Perhaps is our navigation system for the Beijing metro (subway) usefull as well:

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• Packing List

A Perfect Beijing Itinerary For First Timers 2023

Beijing is a fantastic city – full of traditional culture and history, loaded with modern lifestyles and technology. Whether you’re making the most of your visa-free transit period or you’re looking to spend a considerable amount of time here, this jam-packed Beijing itinerary will introduce you to China’s crazy capital!

Banner Title

Necessary Spacing

Here’s our top 5-day itinerary that covers the best things in the city. Pick and choose the activities if you haven’t got that much time!

• Day 1: Visit Qian’man Street for shopping, then explore Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City with an official guide
• Day 2: Wander around the Summer Palace and take a hutong tour (or you can choose a food/beer tour instead too! )
• Day 3: Hike the Great Wall – so many options but the best all-round section is Mutianyu
• Day 4: Visit the famous Olympic Park and the edgy 798 Art District
• Day 5: Pick up some beautiful antiques at Panjiayuan Market then go bar hopping in Sanlitun

Travelling to Beijing

Travelling to China is not something many people even consider unless they have a layover there. Even then, a lot of people decide to stay in their airport hotel and escape as quickly as they can.

There are plenty of great layover tours specifically designed for a quick visit but if you do have more time, then this is the post you need to fully explore the city!

It’s not surprising that not everyone wants to visit – exploring a huge country like China can be daunting as it’s not as tourist-friendly as many other cities in Asia! The language barrier, the local food and the complex culture can seem like great reasons to avoid China, but honestly, it’s such a fun place to travel.

Beijing is especially interesting because of its history dating back literally thousands of years. Plus, there’s the Great Wall! No, you can’t see it from space but why would you need to when you can climb it yourself?

We spent four years living in Beijing (we were teaching English !) but we still didn’t see everything that the city has to offer. We did, however, create and follow this exact Beijing travel itinerary as if we were newbies so that it would be easy for readers like you to use.

Of course, Beijing isn’t the only place to see in China , but it’s a great place to start if you only have a limited time in the country!

One day in the city definitely isn’t enough, so we have put together a 3 day Beijing itinerary to see all of the best sights and activities. We’ve also added in more things to do in Beijing if you’re staying for more than three days!

Hopefully, you’ll get to see all the beautiful places with this Beijing itinerary – check out this complete guide before you go to make sure you’re prepared and download these apps to make your Chinese trip easier!

I’ve added options for people who like to explore without a guide, and for those who would prefer to book a tour too! There are benefits to both so keep an eye out for the activities that you might not normally think of doing, with or without a guide!

1 – 3 Day Beijing Itinerary

Historical landmarks tours + walking streets.

Fresh off the aeroplane, you’ll want to stretch your legs and take a leisurely walking tour through Qian’men. Start at the subway station, walk south through the central Beijing hutongs and through the famous Dashilan Commercial Street.

You can book tickets for a walking tour here , so you can learn about the history of this part of the city.

Here you can purchase anything China-related, so this is the time to pick up gifts for those back home. The prices here are mostly non-negotiable, however, they are also some of the most reasonable in the whole city. The cost of living in Beijing is low, so if you’re here as a tourist then you can find some great bargains!

At the end of the road, you will find yourself at Qian’men Street, the central road leading back towards Tian’anmen Square. Walk north towards the Qian’mem gatehouse and pass directly underneath.

Across the road will be Mao’s Mausoleum. Here you can go inside and see the preserved body of the revered leader. Regardless of what he did in life, this is definitely a unique experience.

On the other side of the mausoleum is the infamous Tian’anmen Square. It truly is a massive open area. On the right is the museum of China and in the middle is the memorial to all the fallen soldiers in World War 2. At the far end of the square is the imposing entrance to the Forbidden City. This is the first time you will understand the sheer scale of the palace.

Upon entry just follow the crowds to the ticket offices inside the Meridian gate. You really can get lost inside this palace so have a good look around. If you are happy to explore by yourself, buy your tickets here . You can also use a self-guided audio tour like this .

You could easily spend 3 to 4 hours wandering around, peeking in random doors or gardens you might stumble across. There’s a lot of fascinating history and culture to learn about so don’t rush yourself. Keep going north through the whole palace and you’ll eventually get to the North Exit, which is also called the Gate of Divine Prowess.

You can also join a small group tour – you won’t be hassled to buy tickets or pushed into tea scams if you’re with a guide so it’s not a bad idea! Click here to book your space.

In front of you is a very out a place hill inside of Jingshan park.

It’s very cheap to get inside, and after walking to the top of the hill you get a spectacular view over the top of the Forbidden City you have just walked through. Hopefully, you get a low pollution day and get some nice photos, unlike we did!

It is very difficult to put a time on this first day. Some people might walk straight through all of the areas and it takes 3 or so hours.

If you decide to go into every attraction, do some shopping, see the museum and really get a feel for the places it could easily take 7-8 hours! Take this day at your own pace and enjoy soaking it all in!

A fantastic way to end your first day in Beijing is to eat at a Peking duck restaurant. The most famous is Quanjude and you’ll find branches all over the city. Eating Peking duck is quite a theatrical affair – the chef will wheel the food out on a trolley and carve it before you.

There will be lots of different dishes brought to your table for you to try too, as well as the traditional accompaniments for your main meal.

Summer Palace

To get to the famous Summer Palace, you can jump onto a boat and take an Imperial Waterway Cruise from the Beijing Exhibition Centre and take in the views from the water. The ride takes you past the zoo but I wouldn’t recommend visiting as the animals are treated terribly.

The Summer Palace is absolutely beautiful all year round and is very big. I would advise taking some food for a picnic if the weather permits.

Explore with a guide if you are interested in finding out all about this World UNESCO site or just buy your tickets to the park in advance here and visit by yourself.

Hutong Tour

The hutongs in Beijing are full of hidden gems and interesting people. Hutongs are residential areas that consist of narrow lanes, with the houses being built in a courtyard fashion.

However, there are also shops and restaurants scattered throughout Beijing’s hutongs, and they are really fun to explore. Some have become more famous than others, such as Nanluoguxiang, Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie) and Wudaoying.

Pre-book a hutong tour and you’ll be taken to the most popular places. If you’re on a strict time schedule, then that might be the best idea as you’ll be driven around and there won’t be any time wasted wandering down some weird alley and into someone’s kitchen.

However, if you have more time, then you could definitely spend a day wandering up and down yourself, getting lost and finding cool spots that aren’t overcrowded yet.

We recommend starting in Nanlouguxiang, walking up to Houhai Lakes and passing through Yandai Xiejie. Then, get on a subway up to Andingmen station and see Wudaoyaing. You can then take a look at the Lama Temple if you fancy.

You’ll find countless rooftop bars, posh restaurants, local street vendors and much more to entertain yourself for the whole day. You certainly won’t go hungry and with plenty of cocktail happy hours to be found, you’re also likely to get fairly drunk!

Hike the Great Wall of China

You absolutely cannot appreciate a Beijing itinerary without visiting the Great Wall! It’s an astounding piece of defensive architecture, and the photos don’t do its vastness justice.

You’ve got a couple of options of where to go on the Wall as it is actually over 13,000 miles long! Clearly, you won’t be hiking the whole thing but you’ll need to choose the best section for your preferred type of day trip.

The four most popular hiking routes are listed below. Each section of the Great Wall is different, whether that’s because of the facilities, difficulty or scenery. Take a look at the comparison table below to work out which is the best part for you to visit.

When you visit the Great Wall, make sure that you take plenty of water with you. The vendors will charge you around 5 times more than the price should be because they know that you’ll need to stay hydrated!

Visiting Badaling Great Wall

If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike to a popular section of the wall, then go to the very well known and one of the most well-restored sections, Badaling. You’re almost guaranteed to be surrounded by tourists (mostly local as this section is popular with Chinese people).

You might feel safer around other people so Badaling is a great place to go if you want to mingle with others on your hike.

Book a tour here for a full-day tour including lunch.

If you’re planning to visit the Wall alone, make your way to subway line 2 and travel to Jishuitan Station and take the short walk to Deshengmen bus station. I would advise using a map app on your phone so you can find the Deshengmen bus station from the subway as it is a 10-minute walk.

Then find bus 877, which will be obvious because of the queues of people. I have read that there are many fake 877 busses en route to the bus station. If there is someone trying to convince you to get on the bus then it is almost certainly a fake – just follow the signs and people, or ask someone wearing an official uniform!

Bus Timetable:

The bus costs around 12RMB (£1.35/$1.80).

Alternatively, you can take the train from Huangtudian Railway Station straight to Badaling Railway Station. It takes roughly the same amount of time as the bus and will cost you 7 RMB. To get to the station take subway line 8 or 13 and get off at Huoying. The train station is roughly 100m away if you leave from Exit G4.

At Badaling, there is a cable car that you can ride up to the top to take in the scenic views, as well as a pulley ride that you can experience for an added fee. 

There are plenty of restaurants and shops but these are unsurprisingly overpriced.

For those of you who prefer to learn about the history of this section from a local guide, then join a tour like this.

Visiting Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is essentially the best all-round section of the Great Wall. It is beautifully restored, there are fewer people and there are a few restaurants around the entrance if you forget to bring your own food. There’s even a toboggan which I think is the best way to descend the Great Wall!

This excellent tour to Mutianyu has almost 1000 5-star reviews, so it’s a great one to choose if you don’t want to make your way to the Wall alone!

It’s a little bit more difficult to get the Mutianyu independently because there isn’t a direct public bus, but it’s definitely doable. You can also buy return coach transfer tickets here in advance – you just need to turn up at the meeting point and get on the bus.

You’ll need to get to Dongzhimen subway station first (via line 2, 13 or the Airport Express). The subway and the bus station are in the same huge building, so find the Bus Transfer Hall and you’ll need to get on bus 916 Express.

It will cost you 12 RMB and should take just over an hour. You can pay cash or use your transportation card.

You need to get off the bus at Huai Rou Bei Da Jie (it’s the 15th stop). The bus will announce the destination in English but most people will get off here anyway.

You can then get a local bus (H23)  from Mutianyu Roundabout and then walk to the ticket centre, or choose to take a taxi. Be careful of the scammers – only take a metered cab. It should cost around 40 RMB for a taxi and 3RMB for the bus. For super detailed instructions on taking this second local bus, take a look at this website .

There are also cable cars here at Mutianyu, and it’s the most wheelchair-friendly section.

If you’re travelling to Beijing with kids then we recommend choosing Mutianyu to hike, as it’s not too difficult and it’s the safest due to the high-quality restoration. The toboggan, or luge, is also really fun and isn’t too fast or scary.

If you’d prefer to take a guided tour to this part of the Wall, then click here to find out more and book your spot.

Visiting Simatai Great Wall

You should visit Simatai if you want to explore the Great Wall at night time. There are official tours and it’s well lit, meaning that it’s much safer than scaling a random part of the wall alone!

This part of the wall is also not very restored so it is very much unchanged since the time of being built. It’s pretty wild and steep in places though so you can actually take a cable car up if you’d prefer.

You can also only climb this part of the wall if you buy a reserved ticket here . Book at least 10 days in advance so that you’re guaranteed a space. You can also wander around Gubei Water Town as this part of the Wall is right next to it.

There are a few food vendors on the wall but I wouldn’t recommend relying on them for a full cheap meal. Bring your own or, if you’re going into the town then you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving food there.

To get to Simatai, make your way to Dongzhimen Subway station, which can be accessed via lines 2 and 13. You can then take the tourist bus or a local bus. It takes around 2 hours and the tourist bus times are as follows:

The local bus is 980 but you’ll have to transfer onto bus 51 at some point, and the bus station can be difficult to find. For in-depth instructions, if you really want to take this bus, use this website .

Visiting Jiankou Great Wall

If you are looking for a more authentic and wild Great Wall hiking experience, then visit Jiankou. There are no food vendors and definitely no cable cars here!

This tour is a great option if you want to see the wilder parts of the Great Wall without it being dangerous!

Camping on this part of the Wall would be an adventure, but be prepared for some tough climbing ahead! You’ll also have to pay between 5 – 10 RMB to the local villagers to start this hike.

There are small villages surrounding Jiankou where you can find food but most definitely take your own just in case. I wouldn’t recommend hiking this part in hot weather as you’d need to carry so much water and you don’t want to be running out!

You can also hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu , or vice versa, and that will roughly take around 4 – 5 hours as you’ll be covering a distance of 6 miles (10km).

Unsurprisingly, there are no direct buses to Jiankou. You can take a bus from Dongzhimen Station, and then take a local bus to one of the small villages.

Or, you could hire a driver to take you to the village. That way, you are guaranteed a quick and easy return journey to Beijing. Not only that but someone local also knows where you are so if you get into any trouble they could send for help!

Here are the bus times from Dongzhimen:

Once you’re in Yujiayuan, you have two choices. You can pick which village you want to start your hike from. Getting from Xizhazi Village to the actual Wall only takes around half an hour, so many people pick that option.

However, getting a taxi from Yujiayuan station to the village will cost approximately 120RMB. If you would rather have a cheaper taxi ride, go to Wofo Mountain Villa. There are more restaurants and accommodation options here, and it will cost you around 65RMB to get there from the station.

All of the prices of public buses will be 50% cheaper if you use a Beijing Transportation Card, which we do recommend. They’re easy to get form any subway station with a booth. You have to add a 20RMB refundable deposit and then you’re good to go. It makes getting around the city super easy as you can use it for the subway too (although the price won’t change on the trains).

5 Day Beijing Itinerary

If you’ve got more time in the city or you want to skip a few of our suggestions because you’ve already done them, we’ve added in two extra days of activities for you. As you can now get 6 days visa-free in Beijing, this is a perfect amount of time to give you a day of recovering from the flight!

A 5 day Beijing itinerary allows more time to explore local attractions and either find new restaurants or return to those that you’ve already enjoyed! You could even take a couple of day trips from Beijing.

Temple of Heaven

Travel down to Tiantan East Gate station on subway Line 5 to reach the Temple of Heaven. This is another famous and very large temple complex that is beautiful to have a walk around.

You can buy your admission ticket in advance here if you’re travelling in the high season.

798 Art District 

If you’re into art, this is the place to be. In fact, even if you’re not into art, this area is a really interesting part of the city and we would highly recommend taking a visit. You’ll find galleries, museums, quirky shops, tattoo studios, art exhibitions and more here.

Walking around with a guide is great fun because they’ll be able to find the most unique places!

It’s best to get the subway (Wangjing South on Line 14) and then hail a taxi to the actual district, as there’s no direct public transport there.

You could spend at least a few hours wandering around the exhibitions and studios. There are bars and restaurants too but most will close around 6ish to be prepared to eat before then or wait until you get back into the city centre.

Olympic Park

The famous Olympic park, built for the 2008 games, has some great architectural structures to marvel at. You’ll find the Bird’s Nest, the Water Cube (particularly impressive at night time), as well as the Forest Park.

You can spend a few hours here, as there is 2.6 square miles of land and water to explore! There are two gardens – the Northern and the Southern – that you can enjoy. Hire a bike, take a small boat cruise or even get some tennis lessons with a training partner!

Get here by jumping on Line 8 on the subway, and get off at the Olympic Sports Centre, or South Gate of Forest Park. Or, take a walking tour like this one.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Plenty of people visit markets in Beijing and find cheap fake goods or tacky souvenirs. If you want something a little more special, then go to Panjiayuan Market. This is where you’ll find the locals, and you can buy some incredible artwork and locally made crafts.

If you don’t speak Chinese, or this is your first time in China, you might find it a little overwhelming in the market! You can take a shopping tour with a guide to help you navigate the language barrier and stop people trying to rip you off just because you’re a tourist!

There are artists painting simple pieces that you can buy there and then, and there are also beautifully hand-woven embroidery pieces too.  

Of course, not everything is unique, and there will some items that are extremely highly-priced but there is room for a little haggling, especially if you’re buying more than one item from a vendor.

However, only haggle if you don’t think the item is worth what you are paying. So many times I have seen people haggle for pennies and it can be insulting. Of course, do it if you feel you are being ripped off but don’t be rude!

There are a couple of food stalls in and around the market where you can buy cheap and tasty rice meals. Panjiayuan Antique Market is open every day from 8.30am – 6pm during the week,and from 4am – 6pm on weekends.

However, only the permanent shops are open on weekdays, and the market stalls are only open on the weekends.

To get to the market, get to Panjiayuan Subway Station on line 10 and leave via Exit B.

If you’re here to party and shop for western brands, then Sanlitun is where you need to go. This area has heaps of bars, restaurants and shops that wouldn’t look out of place in London.

You’ll usually pay higher prices around here, but if you’re looking for something particular then you can’t complain.

You’ll easily find H&M, Nike, Adidas , Mac and the Apple Store. There’s also an abundance of foreign food – pizza places, Mexican restaurants, cocktail bars and more.

Sanlitun is not the place to go if you want to experience local and traditional Chinese culture, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

The closest subway station is Tuanjiehu on line 10 – use Exit A and turn right at the crossroads. The swarms of foreigners will guide you to where the action is happening!

Alternatively, take Exit D and follow the same road in the same direction – you’ll find more hidden restaurants and bars to hang out in.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Beijing?

Planning your Beijing itinerary involves a few careful considerations because the timing of your visit could really make or break your whole experience!

The first thing that I advise you to do is to AVOID CHINESE NEW YEAR! Before you do any kind of research, find out when the Chinese New Year falls and scratch it out on your calendar.

Not only are flights hideously more expensive around this time, Beijing pretty much shuts down because the locals go to their hometowns to visit their families. China travel is near impossible during the new year.

Yes, there will be fewer crowds, but that’s mainly because they wouldn’t be able to eat at any restaurants! There are also a lot of extremely loud firecrackers being let off across the city for over a week, so that could get annoying!

Another time to definitely avoid Beijing is National Week. Unlike Chinese New Year, it falls at the same time every year so you have no excuse to get it wrong!

National Day is the 1st October and is a public holiday across China. People celebrate the founding of The People’s Republic Of China on that day, and the 6 days following it.

This time though, Beijing gets an influx of domestic tourists because it’s the capital and there are so many links to the country’s history there. Lines for attractions will be extra-long and it’s almost impossible to get a train ticket during this time.

Basically, try to avoid any public holiday in China because you’ll have an experience that is not a true reflection of the country.

Visiting Beijing in winter is also not ideal. During the winter, temperatures regularly fall below -5° Celsius (23°F). The coldest day we saw was during January and it was -17° Celsius but luckily we were travelling south to Thailand that day!

It rarely snows during the colder months as the air is so dry, but you might see some flurries.

The worst thing about Beijing in winter is the pollution and the air quality. There will be days that you are advised not to go out and the air will be a gross yellowy-brown. Other times, you’ll see perfect blue skies and the air will be crisp.

However, airfare and hotel prices will be cheaper so that’s something to think about when planning your Beijing itinerary.

The summer in Beijing is hot and sticky. There are some outdoor pools to cool off in, and some gorgeous parks to picnic in, however, so summer is still an okay time to visit Beijing. Be prepared for intense thunderstorms though!

Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit Beijing because the temperatures are not too warm and not too cold. The air is clear and you’ll experience fewer thunderstorms.

What To Pack For A 3 day Beijing Itinerary

You should be able to buy any clothes and toiletries that you need whilst you’re in Beijing, so don’t overpack. However, as you’ve already read, the seasons can vary drastically so your packing list will differ depending on the time of year that you choose to come.

Our Top Pick

Travel Camera

Panasonic LUMIX ZS70K

*See the full guide to this beauty right here!*

If you don’t have a camera then I HIGHLY recommend the Panasonic Lumix ZS70K . It is an affordable point-and-shoot camera that can be picked up and used by anyone of any ability. The camera captures gorgeous images and surprisingly excellent video whilst fitting in your pocket. The main difference between this and your phone’s camera is that it also has an incredible optical zoom so you won’t miss any of the shots you need to take. Check it out here.

Hand Luggage

Wrangler 20″

People can go WAY overboard when buying hand luggage when you really don’t need to spend a lot of money. We recommend going for something sturdy and affordable like the Wrangler 20″ . It’s exactly what you would expect from hand luggage but also comes with a neat charging trick. If you have a power bank, you can connect the power bank from inside the case and charge your phone from a port on the outside! Check it out on amazon here.

Osprey Arcane

For city exploring and shorter hikes, you’ll need a decent day pack. We recommend one like Osprey’s Arcane , as not only can it hold a 15″ laptop, water bottle and everything else you would need day to day but it is also incredibly stylish (we think). We have used Osprey for loads of different bags over the years and they have all been perfect. Check out the Osprey Arcane on Amazon here.

Multi Adapter

EPIKA Worldwide

If you’re worried about powering your devices on your trip then the simple solution is to take this EPIKA worldwide travel adapter. We have used it all over the world and it has worked flawlessly. Being able to charge up to 5 devices by USB (4 USB-A’s + 1 USB-C) plus a full power outlet socket is incredibly useful and works as an all-in-one solution. Check it out on Amazon here.

Menstrual Cup

We all know that tampons and pads are bad for the environment (not to mention uncomfortable and expensive!) so get yourself familiar with a reliable menstrual cup, like this one from Sirona . These can be reused for up to 15 years – think of the money and plastic waste you’ll save! Made from medical-grade silicone, Sirona’s cup is designed for comfort, sustainability and protection. Click here to choose the right size for you.

Anker 10,000mAh

If you’re worried about your devices losing power throughout the day then we recommend the Anker 10,000mAh power bank . Anker actually makes quite a few power banks but this one comes with a USB-C and USB-A port which means that you’ll be able to charge any of your devices regardless of connection. The 10,000mAh capacity is enough to completely charge an iPhone 12 twice so you should be good for a number of days with this beast. Have a look at the price here.

For a comprehensive breakdown of this list go to our budget savvy packing list guide .

If you are exploring this Beijing itinerary during the winter, you’ll need a few extras too. It also might mean that you pack a few more layers so you might need a bigger bag.

Looking at the average temperatures in Beijing in winter, then a warm coat is definitely something you’ll need! If you’re travelling from southeast Asia then this is going to be a difficult item to keep with you. However, I really don’t recommend going to northern China without one, so perhaps you could use vacuum pack bags like these to save space in your luggage.

If you are buying a new winter coat, choose one that is water and windproof, like this warm ski jacket.

Onto the dreaded pollution masks! They look ridiculous, they mess up your make-up (or so I’m told!) and they aren’t the most comfortable item you’ll ever buy. However, if you wear a pollution mask for a day, when you take it off you’ll see the brown dust inside the filter and realise how important they are!

You shouldn’t have to wear one every day, but on those hazy days, you should make an effort to if you’re outside.

When buying a mask, don’t be that person who thinks a tiny bit of fabric over your mouth is going to protect you. You need to choose a mask that specifically filters out PM 2.5 , because those are the tiny air particles that can sneak past fabrics and flimsy paper masks into your lungs. 

It’s so dry in Beijing in winter that you will notice your lips becoming chapped quite quickly. You can pick up Vaseline or any type of lip balm in a healthy and beauty shop like Watsons, but remember that they won’t be cruelty-free because of China’s animal testing laws. If you want to bring a lip balm that hasn’t been tested on animals, try this vegan one from Hurraw.

Your head and ear will thank you for wearing a warm hat like this thick knitted number during your Beijing travels! Don’t be fooled by those clear blue skies and leave the hotel without it – the reason the sky is clear is that the wind has blown the pollution away so a hat is a must!

A really useful feature of warm gloves is being touchscreen compatible. The technology wasn’t that great when it first came out but toasty gloves like these unisex thermals really are handy when you’re using apps on your phone to help you whilst you’re in China!

Where To Stay During Your Beijing Itinerary

Beijing has lots of different accommodation options, from luxury apartments to local hutong rooms.

The neighbourhoods do vary in Beijing, but realistically the subway system is so good that you’ll be able to visit all of the cool attractions and things to do wherever you stay. Here’s a brief overview of the best places to stay in Beijing though, so that you can pick what suits you best.

Qian’men

We recommend staying in Qian’men if you’re a first time visitor to Beijing as lots of the main tourist attractions are accessible from here. Not only that, but accommodation tends to be cheaper around here.

It’s full of history as the ancient Forbidden City sits 2km north from the subway station, with the journey surrounded by other important features such as Tian’anmen Square, Mao’s mausoleum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

There are plenty of shopping opportunities too – you can pick up cheap but decent souvenirs in the local shops.

Recommended hotel in Qian’men:

New World Beijing Hotel

With its sleek and clean rooms, complimentary toiletries and free WiFi, the New World Beijing Hotel near Qian’men Street is the perfect place to rest after long days of sightseeing.

There’s a lovely indoor swimming pool, a spa centre and a sauna. Rooms have bathtubs, iPod docking stations and a gorgeous rootfop bar!

Book your room here or look at the reviews below first!

Check Out The Reviews Of New World Beijing Hotel Here

When researching things to do in Beijing, you’ve probably stumbled across the infamous Wangfujing Street. You’re probably imagining yourself snacking on scorpions, starfish and seahorses o sticks, just like the locals do, right?

Well, unfortunately, it was a bit of a tourist trap and you’re more likely to find the locals eating at KFC! Of course, there will be some nutters eating these weird snacks, but if you really want to try authentic Beijing food you should be on the lookout for dumplings,  BBQ lamb skewers and sweet + sour pork!

The market is actually under construction anyway but you’re better off not visiting!

When we first arrived in Beijing, we ventured down this street in search of local food and ended up with a sub-par spring roll, which we spent £6 on!! Looking back, we were ridiculously naive so don’t make the same mistakes as we did! That being said, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is still a great place to explore.

There are plenty of good restaurants, shops, bookstores and souvenir places you can wander around. There’s a subway station directly outside the commercial street so you will be able to access the rest of Beijing easily.

If you are interested in checking out the local food scene without being ripped off, then take a tour like this with a friendly guide and learn all about Chinese cuisine!

Recommended hotel in Wangfujing:

Park Plaza Beijing

Relax after a busy day at the hotel spa with a massage, enjoy a cocktail or two a the bar or wind down in the gym. Enjoy the privacy of your own room and bathroom, and take in the gorgeous city views.

You’re only a short walk away from the subway, but also close to a lot of the action too!

Click here to check prices and availability.

Check Out The Reviews Of Park Plaza Beijing Here

Dongzhimen/Sanlitun

The heart of the bar scene in Beijing, Sanlitun is a great place to stay if you’re here to party! There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in this area, and many of those are western names you’ll recognise. Go shopping at H&M, grab a burger at McDonald’s and sip on a Guinness at Paddy’s Irish Bar.

Or, if you have actually come to Beijing for a true Chinese experience then you can still indulge in an authentic Chinese meal, brave some baijiu (China’s version of hell a white spirit) and dip into the local branded shops. 

There’s also the famous Worker’s Stadium where you can catch a game of football. Support Beijing Guo’an (the ones in green) if you want to make any friends!

Recommended hotel in Dongzhimen:

Holiday Inn Express

Stay here if you don’t want to be kept awake all night by party-goers, but you don’t have to travel for an age to get back once you’ve had your fill of happy hour cocktails!

Breakfast is included in the room rate, there’s free WiFi and a fitness centre for guests to enjoy. It’s a recognisable and reliable brand – you can’t go wrong!

Book a room here or check out the reviews first below!

Check Out The Reviews Of Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen Here

This area is famous for the large Hòuhai lake, along with another two smaller lakes that are surrounded by hutongs (narrow historic alleyways with courtyard homes), bars, restaurants and shops.

The area has a much more traditional Chinese feel to it compared to Sanlitun, so come here if you want to try to see how the locals live. There is also plenty of street food for you to try along the way too!

Recommended hotel in Shichachai

Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel

Only 5 minutes away from the lakes, this boutique hotel offers everything from shadow puppet performances, to complimentary breakfast and dumpling-making classes.

Not only that, but the accommodation is beautifully decorated, and the staff are on hand 24/7 to help you with anything you need.

Check Out The Reviews Of Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel Here

How To Get Around Beijing

Somewhat surprisingly, Beijing is an incredibly easy city to navigate. As a short stay traveller, you have a couple of options that I’ve listed below.

Paying by card is less common in China – usually locals and foreign expats use WeChat to pay for everything. Unless you have WeChat and have linked it to a Chinese bank account, you should be prepared to pay for everything in cash just in case! 

If you’re in Beijing for a short while and want to explore the city without going underground or adding to the pollution problem, then a bike-sharing app is the way forward.

Mobike is the most foreign traveller friendly as you can download it in your home country and attach your own bank account to it. You won’t be able to miss these bikes as they’re bright orange and dumped pretty much everywhere around the city. The bikes are usually piled high outside subway stations too.

Once you’ve downloaded the app and added your bank account, simply find a bike, scan the QR code on the app and off you go. Once you’ve finished your journey, put the bike somewhere thoughtful (i.e. not in the middle of the path like everybody else seems to do!) and lock it. You’ll hear 3 beeps which mean that your journey is complete and Mobike is calculating your costs.

Most apps don’t require a deposit anymore, and your journeys will cost you 1.5RMB per ride.

Read More: Download These Helpful Apps Before You Visit Beijing

It is extremely easy to get around Beijing using the subway system. As it’s relatively new (it opened almost 100 years after the London Underground with a huge expansion in the early 2000s), the trains are tall and wide enough to enjoy a comfortable ride. Also, they’re air-conditioned as standard which makes a big difference in the sweaty summer!

The stations also are all very clearly marked with overground signs for all exits, which have English and colour coordinated labels too. When you are on the platform, there are Chinese and English signs for you to read, so you can’t really go wrong. 

When you first enter a Chinese subway station, go to the counter and ask for a Transportation Card. They will need a 20RMB deposit, but once you’ve got it you can top it up when you like and avoid queuing every time you need a ticket. 

A journey on the subway will cost from between 3 RMB to 9RMB, and you can check out how much it will be either on this awesome website (which also has a handy free app) or by checking one of the ticket machines. 

The subway will almost always be quicker than a taxi as it avoids the traffic, but it can be awkward getting to certain places if a transit line is closed.

These little cabs are perfect for getting from A to B if you can’t be bothered to walk, but it’s too close to justify a taxi! Flag one down and be prepared to be ripped off, and then to haggle! A five-minute journey should cost no more than 10RMB if you’re in a busy part of the city.

Make sure you agree on the price beforehand and you can usually pay in either cash or by scanning the WeChat QR code if you have the app.

If you’re concerned about safety, then no, these aren’t ideal but generally, they stick to the side of the road, are clearly seen by drivers and aren’t travelling fast enough to cause any damage if you did bump into something.

The least tourist-friendly but also the cheapest mode of transport, buses in Beijing run frequently and and offer 50% off the ticket price if you use a transportation card. However, they will also have a box for your change if you want to pay cash.

Unless you know of a specific bus stop that you need to get to, it can be difficult to take a bus because there is no English on the bus stop sign.

There is an English announcement, however, so if you can listen out for your destination and remember where you have to get off on your return journey then buses in Beijing can be a good way to get around to places further away from subway stops.

It will cost you 2RMB for the first 6 miles and then 1RMB for every 3 miles after that. The prices are also capped at 12RMB however long you are on the bus for. Remember to beep your transportation card at the front of the bus and scan it again when you get off so that your journey can be registered. 

Taxis (hailing and app Didi – China’s Uber)

Unlike most city taxis, Beijing’s cabs are also really affordable. The main problem with them is that they tend to take a long time to get anyway because of the traffic in the city.

However, if you don’t want to be lugging bags back to your hotel and you want to be dropped off directly outside, then just hail a cab. Make sure you find an official one – you’ll recognise them by their two-tone pattern and hopefully a light on behind the windscreen indicating that they’re free.

Check that the cab has a meter before you get in, and that it is starting on 13RMB. Have your destination written down in Chinese just in case your driver can’t understand you (it’s highly likely that they won’t speak English). 

Do not get into a taxi that isn’t the standard two-tone colour. It’s a “black taxi” and they’re illegal. They’ll charge hideous rates and could even be dangerous.

In a taxi, you’ll be charged 13RMB for the first 2 miles, and then 2RMB per 1.4 miles after that during the day. After 11pm there’s a 20% increase in this fee, but either way your taxi ride will be cheap. If the driver is going at a slow-speed (in rush hour for example) then more will be added, or if you go further than 9 miles there will be extra charges. However, the extra costs shouldn’t make too much of a difference. For example, an hour’s journey from the airport to the centre of Beijing shouldn’t cost you any more than around 100 – 120 RMB.

Another way to grab a taxi in Beijing is to use their online ordering service similar to Uber, which is Didi. The only downside to this is that you have to be able to pay on the app, which means that you need a Chinese bank account.

As a tourist, you won’t have one of these but if you’re visiting Beijing from another part of China as an expat then it’s a great way of getting a cab, especially for those early morning/late night airport pickups.

A lot of taxis in Beijing have their seat belts cut out. I can’t explain it – no one really seems to know or care why they do it, so just watch out. These drivers are also not known for their slow and careful manoeuvring , so if you’re a nervous passenger, perhaps the subway would be a better choice for you!

Beijing is such a cool city and there is so much more to see and do that this itinerary. However, if you’re short on time then these are definitely the best things to do in the city!

Depending on your accommodation choices, Beijing is also the perfect place to explore on a budget as everything can be done cheaply or even for free, and you can take advantage of easy transportation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours in beijing.

Taking a tour in Beijing is a good idea if you are short on time as it leaves nothing for you to organise. You might also prefer a tour if you aren’t comfortable with taking local buses further out of the city. Here are a few of my favourites:

What are some must-dos in Beijing?

If you are only spending 3 days in Beijing, then I recommend visiting the Great Wall as a priority. The Forbidden City is also a must-see, as well as Tian’anmen Square.

Which airport will I fly into?

Beijing has two airports – Beijing Capital International (PEK) and the newly built Beijing Daxing International airport (PKX).

Is it easy to travel around Beijing?

Yes! Pick up a subway card at a station booth and top up the card as and when you need it. The subway in Beijing is quick, cheap and reliable, plus the signs are in English!

How long should I spend in Beijing?

As foreigners can now get 6 days in Beijing visa-free, I would recommend spending at least 3 here. If you have the time and money though, it would be ideal for you to take advantage of the full 6 days by following our itinerary! Spending just under a week here is perfect because you can take a day to rest or enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Have you used this Beijing itinerary? Is there anything decent that I’ve left out? Let us know if you have any other Beijing travel tips in the comments below!

Click on the image below to repin this post!

China is a very peaceful and nice place. Peoples are very friendly there. All the places in Beijing were very attractive and I’m very excited to visit these places. Recently I had to China with my family for 8days.

It is a great place to be!

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The Travel Momento

A Perfect Beijing Itinerary: Detailed 5 Days Guide For First Timers

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If I had to choose one city that perfectly represents China’s spirit, it would be Beijing. Even after almost a month of travelling through China, Beijing has left a special mark with its most unique and best-known attractions and things to do. We share all the details of our 5 day Beijing Itinerary with you below.

Personally, I think it’s an essential stop for anyone visiting China and a great starting point of your travel to China. It provides you with an insight into both worlds – traditional and new. Whether you want to wander through traditional hutongs (alleyways = oldest parts), surround yourself with an enormous collection of historical sights, or observe futuristic skyscrapers, the city has you covered. 

Regardless if you are a first-time traveller or returning travel addict, our 5-days Beijing itinerary will help you navigate through the city’s top attractions spread across the city. This jam-packed itinerary includes all the best bits, handy tips and recommendations to make your trip to Beijing the best experience. Let’s start 🙂

See the complete 3-week China travel itinerary

5 Day Beijing Itinerary

Beijing Day 1: Blend of nature and urban

After arriving at Beijing airport at 8 a.m. and finding our hotel in one of the hutongs, we decided to begin exploring the area we’ll be living in for a couple of days. It’s a great starting point of your Beijing itinerary as it is close to the majority of tourist sites.

Temple of Confucius and Imperial College Museum

  Recommended time: 2 hours

The second biggest Confucius temple in China and the origin of education and knowledge is a must-see on your Beijing itinerary to help you understand the culture and tradition. It has four courtyards and four main sides: t he Gate of the First Teacher, the Gate of Great Accomplishment, the Hall of Great Accomplishment , and the Worship Hall . Among other things you can see various carvings of scholars who passed the official examinations.

Arriving earlier, we suggest heading straight to Imperial College for the most iconic pictures with traditional architecture. Every hour you can also enjoy a traditional show, which lasts for 15 minutes. There is only a small number of chairs in front of the stage. If you are tired or want to have the best view, come 5 minutes before the show.

Yoghe Temple or Lama Temple

 Recommended time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

Around the corner from previous stop, you can visit the largest and most preserved lamasery in present China. It consists of five main halls separated by courtyards: t he Gate Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Harmony and Peace, the Hall of Everlasting Protection, the Hall of the Wheel of the Law , and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happiness.

The most important feature is the Hall of the Kings of Heaven, featuring Buddha’s statue surrounded by the four kings. Each of them features one symbolic objects (snake, sword, shield, and toad).

You can sit down in the shadows of the temples to relax, observe people and/or the process of praying.

Houhai Lake

 Recommended time for a walk around it: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Known for numerous restaurants with traditional food, outdoor seating overlooking the lake, and famous rickshaw rides, it’s also home to one of the best-known hutongs . You should stop by at night, when the lights come up and people fill up every corner. If you are looking for authentic, traditional Chinese food, this is the place to go.

Beihai Park

 Recommended time: 1,5 – 2 hours

Beautiful scenery complemented by gardens, pagodas, and gorgeous artwork has much to offer. There are restaurants and bars as well as playgrounds for children. In the middle of the lake is the Island of Exquisite Jade with a beautiful 17th-century White Pagoda. The island is accessible by boats of all imaginable forms or through a bridge connecting it with the walk side. You can also take a paddle and enjoy the lake or relax and leave it to locals.

We decided to walk through the bridge and explore the island’s splendid architecture. It turned out this is a popular place for locals to relax and enjoy their time.

The Travel Momento insider tip : If you leave by the southern exit, you will come out by the Forbidden City’s western part.

As we were visiting Beijing during the national holidays in October, the Forbidden City was closed on that day. If you are visiting outside of the celebration, you can finish the first day by visiting the Forbidden City .

We decided to take the bus to visit the biggest commercial street in Beijing, Xidan commercial street , which also represents the financial district of Beijing. 

Business / Financial Area

 Recommended time: 30 minutes

As Gregor is working in finance, visiting the bank’s headquarters has become a must on every trip 🙂

Take a walk around this area to witness China’s other side: the modern, technological, and futuristic. Here you can find the headquarters of China Construction Bank, The People’s Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, and Agricultural Bank of China.

We decided to return to Houhai Lake to start our foodie trip down the traditional Chinese cuisine flavours.

EVENING/NIGHT ALTERNATIVE : You can stay on a vibrant Xidan comercial street full of malls with Chinese and European shops and restaurants. Just don’t forget that European brands are way more expensive here.

Beijing Day 2: Chasing the views

We recommend beginning the second day of your Beijing itinerary with a trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace, and imperial gardens.

Summer Palace

 Recommended time: 3 hours

Connected to the city centre with a subway, the largest royal park in China is easily reachable for all of you travelling with children. You need to purchase a subway ticket and then an additional ticket for the tram connecting you with the closest gate.

With 733-acres you can easily spend here the whole day. We recommend you take some time to walk around the lake towards the palace and enjoy the ensemble of pavilions, gardens, bridges, corridors, and temples. 

The Summer Palace has four parts : Kunming Lake Area, the Court Area, Front and Rear Area of Longevity Hill. The later offers great views overlooking the lake. There is not a more photogenic traditional place that this one and one of the few with many places to hide and enjoy tranquil harmony. 

You can purchase a ticket covering all the levels or pay for a particular level before entering it. 

The Travel Momento insider tip:  Climb the Longevity Hill to reach the Buddhist Temple for stunning views overlooking the lake and surroundings. 

Old Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan Park

 Recommended time: 1 hours

Existing to the east of the current Summer Palace, you can continue to the ruins of the old palace. It is an essential part of Yuanmingyuan Park that consists of three gardens: Garden of Perfect Brightness, Garden of Eternal Spring, and Garden of Elegant Spring.

The Travel Momento insider tip: Make sure to enter on the right side. Otherwise, you have to walk through a huge park to see the ruins.

On the way back to the city centre, we stopped to see the masterpiece of all times – the Olympic Park.

Olympic Park

 Recommended time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (if you visit the indoor)

The so called Bird’s Nest and Water Cube building hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. Despite not being in use anymore, it doesn’t look less powerful than it did back in the days. A great architectural piece with a park to sit down or walk around the building. You can see it straight after exiting the subway station.

Beijing Day 4: Step back into the history

Continue your adventure by exploring the rich past of China. 

Tiananmen Square

 Recommended time: 20 minutes 

Tiananmen Square is the main square of Beijing and the most prominent spot that every Chinese wants to see at least once in life. With over 440,000 square meters is also the largest city square in the world. 

Over history, Tiananmen represented the entrance to the Imperial City, within which is located the Forbidden City. When you look at the gate entrance, you will see two lions in front of it and two lions guarding the bridges. This is not surprising as the Chinese see lions as protectors from evil spirits.

In the middle of the square is the Monument to the People’s Heroes devoted to all the fallen soldiers in World War 2. It represents one of the largest monuments ever built in China.

Around the square, you can find the most important political and historical buildings –   The Great Hall of the People , where meetings of the China National People’s Congress take place, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall with the crystal coffin of Chairman Mao’s body, and the Museum of China .

Forbidden City

This is a fantastic and most visited historic landmark in Beijing! So much to see and so much to learn. It should definitely be on anyone’s list of must-sees in China regardless of the available time.

There is only one entrance to the city, the Southern Gate, where you will already see a large queue of people waiting to go through security. It’s closed on Mondays, and from our experience it’s also opened during the national holidays in October.

Home to 24 of China’s former emperors since 1406 has five sections: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Meridian Gate, Imperial Ancestral Temple, Zhongshan Park, Gate of Heavenly Peace.

The Travel Momento insider tip:  You need to bring your passport for identification purposes. 

National Museum of China

 Recommended time: 2 hours

Want to dive deep into China’s development into modernity? Then this is the place to visit. It features a great display of ancient Chinese cultural relics, archaeological discoveries, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, Buddhist statues, Ming and Qing furniture, and ethnic customs.

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

 Recommended time:  10 minutes

You can also visit the inside and pay respects to the founder of China.

Going around the mausoleum you will arrive at Zhengyang Gate and Dashilan Street, where you can drive down the street with an ancient tram.

Temple of Heaven

 Recommended time:  1,5 to 2 hours

Temple of Heaven was an important temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where emperors would pray for good harvesting during the winter solstice. It consists of three main buildings: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, The Circular Mound Altar, and The Imperial Vault of Heaven . In the latter, you can find the famous Echo Wall, which can transmit even the quietest of sounds and voices enabled by three unusual echoing stones.

Nowadays, the complex gardens are a place for locals to hang out, play board games (especially chess) and perform dances. It’s a great place to get some insights into how Chinese people spend their free time. So interesting to see how they cheer and bet, and how loud it can get.

Although we arrived late in the afternoon and it was crowded, we could still get empty pictures with the temple.

Beijing Day 4: Reaching the top of China

After getting a feel for the city, it was time to see one of the world’s greatest wonders – The Great Wall of China. You cannot truly experience Beijing or even China if you haven’t seen the Great Wall.

We were waiting for this since we landed, and it had completely surpassed everything we expected. There are no words to describe the feeling when you stand on the wall and look around what people built centuries ago.

For this day trip, we booked a guided tour on Viator to get information that only locals would know.

Great Wall Hiking Tour from Jinshanling to Simatai West

 Tour time:  9 hours

This part of the wall is further away from Beijing than other sections. But it has its own perks – it’s less crowded and quieter.

Some parts of the wall are really steep and slippery, especially if you are walking in sandals. I (Tjasa) speak from first hand experience as I had to get on my hands to climb up. But the views on the top of the watchtowers are worth it!

Along the way, you can find locals selling snacks and drinks, so make sure to have money with you. Even with several water bottles, we had to buy some cold refreshments as there are no shadows to hide from the sun.

Silk Market

 Recommended time:  9 hours

Like every woman, I (Tjasa) had such big plans for everything I would be able to buy. The truth is that the prices are not as low as you might have heard or saw on the websites with Chinese clothes and shoes.

This place exists just for the tourist. You won’t find many locals there. The majority of the products are duplicates. If you decide to purchase something, always negotiate. Some retailers are willing to change the initial price substantially and will also run after you to persuade you to buy the item.

Night visit of Tianmen Square

We concluded the day with the visit of the main square at night. 

You might be surprised, but there were more people than during the day. The square and surrounding building light up. It’s worth seeing the iconic place at night.

Beijing Day 5: Outskirts of the city

To conclude our Beijing itinerary we headed to the surroundings of Beijing for some cultural inspiration and finish the day by absorbing the spirit on the main street. 

798 Art District

 Recommended time:  1 to 3 hours (if you want to visit the galleries)

An interesting place representing the heart of alternative and modern art and culture in China. It used to be an industrial area that was turned into a unique district of murals, sculptures, graffiti walls, and wall arts. Even if you are not interested in art, we would recommend visiting this area. It’s a nice walk through the community representing a contract between the city’s past and present.

Drum and Bell Tower

 Recommended time:  30 – 45 minutes

Originally used as musical instruments, they quickly became the official time announcers of Beijing. We recommend climbing both of them for some nice views of traditional hutongs and Houhai Lake. While enjoying the view, don’t forget to catch the drum performance. It runs at 09:30, 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:45.

When visiting this site, you can also take a walk through the most well-restored hutong, Nanluogo Xiang, where you can sit down for lunch or snack in many restaurants and cafes. Due to its restoration, this hutong is super touristy and busy and doesn’t represent the traditional way of living.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

  Recommended time:  completely up to you

Shopping heaven with the best food diversity. From local to international shops like Starbuck, Wangfujing pedestrian street is a popular destination, especially for young people. It also offers delicious food ranging from duck and chicke to desserts. 

Sum up of this 5 day Beijing itinerary

The aim of our Beijing itinerary is to give you a chance to explore it all. The unique landmarks and highly tourist sights while providing you with the opportunity to dive into the culture and tradition. 

You can combine different days or start clockwise. It’s up to you to decided what suits you the best. 

Enjoy exploring this amazing city!

Still have some questions regarding your trip to China? Click here for the most comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to explore China like a local. 

We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!

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This is a great itinerary for Beijing. I lived in China so have been many times and you hit all the best places for sure. I used to love looking for quiet places in the city with great views, and of course the shopping. I often found the Pearl Market was a little quieter and a little less touristy than the Silk Market so I often got slightly better deals, but both were great for finding cheap clothes, shoes and jewellery

The structures and temples are so beautiful. I love the architecture and colors and the way it all ties into the culture. What a great list of things to see!

It really is so outstanding to see it in person and the meaning behind it.

I’ve been all around the region but been saving Beijing for a special trip. You definitely convinced me it’s next on my list!

can’t get over the oriental architecture 😍

It definitely is breathtaking, especially when you see it in person.

I can’t believe they don’t use the “birds nest” anymore??? Such a waste lol. But great article, thanks for sharing all this information

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One Week in Beijing: My Experience, Your Itinerary

A trip to Beijing is not for the faint-hearted. There is so much to see and do in Beijing, China, that planning the trip can be overwhelming. But trust me, Beijing is worth it. If you’re going to fly halfway — or all the way —  across the world, you might as well make it count. Once you’ve read up on everything you need to know before you go , it’s time to plan the itinerary. You can fit a lot in one week in Beijing, if you do it right.

My 5-day trip to Beijing and Xi’an was action-packed and had its fair share of hiccups, but the journey was both incredible and unforgettable. You can do it in five days, but a week would be ideal. Allow my experience to help guide and plan your itinerary!

Day 0: The Arrival

We arrived in Beijing in the early afternoon. I thought we’d have plenty of time to get settled in our hotel and hit the ground running with our exploration. I realized that we probably should have done a little more research on communication and transportation.

Why, you ask?

We fell into the oldest tourist trap in the book. Unsure of the best way to get from the airport to our hotel, we took a taxi. Not just  any  taxi, but an unmarked taxi. Basically, we just got in a car with a guy who had a taxi meter app on his phone. Heed my Beijing travel tips post and warnings — there is a better way! Fast-forward to the end of our trip in which we were in love with the metro system and took the metro to the airport express train. It cost us a fraction of the time and price of the taxi on the way to Beijing.

The lesson was quickly learned after paying way too much for that taxi. We also quickly learned the lesson of not booking a stellar hotel in Beijing. There are  tons of hotel possibilities in Beijing, but believe me when I say that a 3-star hotel is really a 1-2 star hotel by most peoples’ standards.

After assessing the smoky, dingy hotel room we’d signed up for during our stay, we adopted the acronym YOIBO (You’re Only In Beijing Once) and booked a room in a much  better hotel, the Grand Millennium Beijing  in the Central Business District. Crisis averted, and after checking in and eating some delicious dumplings, we were back on track for an amazing trip.

Day 1: Summer Palace, Confucius Temple, Olympic Park

I’m not sure if I’ve ever walked more in one day than our first day in Beijing. I legitimately was limping at the end of the day from walking so much. Michael and I were super excited to see and do everything, and we certainly started it off with a bang.

Summer Palace

One of the many UNESCO Heritage Sites in Beijing, the Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful and expansive city parks I’ve ever visited. It was built in the early Qing dynasty around 1750 and was used as a space for rest and relaxation as well as a residence for royals. We walked around the park for hours, exploring a fraction of the over 3,000 structures of the 1.1 square mile park, including ancient temples and the beautiful lake in the middle. We took a boat across the lake and marveled at the natural beauty combined with the intricate architecture of the ancient buildings.

Our first tourist sight in Beijing did not disappoint. I highly recommend spending at least half a day walking around the Summer Palace. Walking through the different temples and ancient structures was remarkable; each served a specific purpose to the Chinese royals at the time.

Confucius Temple

Michael is a fan of Confucius, so the Confucius Temple was a must-visit after the Summer Palace. The Beijing temple is the second largest Confucian temple in China after the temple in Confucius’ hometown. Officials and followers paid their respects to Confucius at the Beijing temple, which holds rows upon rows of ancient stone tablets with inscriptions from scholars and beautiful, intricate gated entrances. It was a peaceful visit in comparison to the crowded Summer Palace.

Olympic Park

A trip to Beijing isn’t complete without a visit to Olympic Park, home of the 2008 Olympics. Actually, Olympic Park wasn’t high on my list of places to go in Beijing, but it was exciting to watch the Olympic buildings light up as the sun set. Hundreds of visitors walked along the promenade between the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube buildings. Imagine excitement and chaos during the actual Olympic Games!

Day 2: Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, Night Market, Sanlitun

Great wall of china.

Of course, we went to the Great Wall of China! It rained all day and was foggy almost the entire time, but the few moments in which we had a clear view of the wall extending over the mountains made it so worth it. We arranged for a taxi from our hotel to take us to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s said to be less crowded than the Jinshanling section, which is closer to Beijing. We would have liked to explore the more wild, unrestored section of Jiankou, but the unrelenting rain kept us on the beaten path in Mutianyu.

We donned our ponchos and took the cable car up to the Great Wall. Stepping foot on the Great Wall for the first time was surreal. It’s amazing how easy it is to get up close to such an ancient part of Chinese history. Luckily, the rain meant fewer tourists, though there were still quite a few people visiting at the same time as us. We walked up and down the wall in search of a clear view amidst the thick clouds, and when it finally came, the view was breathtaking.

It took over one million laborers to build the Great Wall, which spans over 13,000 miles and is well over 2,000 years old. The amount of labor and effort that went into constructing this wall is absolutely incredible.

I wish I could say that the Ming Tombs was worth it. Sigh .   You can’t win them all. But really, miscommunication with our driver and not enough research led us to a visit that wasn’t worth the drive. Of the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, only three are open to the public, as well as the Sacred Way, which is a road with animal sculptures on either side. That’s the part of the Ming Tombs that I really wanted to see! We ended up only paying for one tomb — the tomb that wasn’t near the Sacred Way — and we were going to have to pay extra to drive to see it. Fatigue and disappointment at the first Ming tomb set in, so we headed back to Beijing instead. It was a miss on our part, but if we’d planned it better the Sacred Way would have been awesome.

Night Market and Sanlitun

Our days were so full of action that we were exhausted by the end of the day. We opted for culinary exploration at the Donghuamen Night Market, where we snacked on spicy scorpions and dumplings. I’ve always been a sucker for street food  and Beijing’s night market didn’t disappoint. The tiny alley was flanked with little stalls of starfish, scorpions, and mystery meat of all kinds.

We grabbed a few beers afterward in Sanlitun, one of the popular neighborhoods for nightlife in Beijing. A relaxing ending to another busy day!

Day 3: Flight to Xi’an, Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, Hot Pot

Terracotta warriors.

If you have one week in Beijing (or more) and can spare a day or two away, a trip to Xi’an is a must. Xi’an is where you’ll find the Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures of the army of the first emperor of China. The collection consists of over 8,000 soldiers, all with unique facial features that depict  real soldiers.  Some were fat, others were thin, and they had different hairstyles, uniforms, and ranks. The collection is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It really made me think about who each soldier was and what it was like to live during that time in China.

The Terracotta Army was built as part of the mausoleum of the first emperor of China to protect him. It also includes chariots, horses, and various types of soldiers. Excavation is still underway and pieces of the soldiers are pieced together, bit by bit. Definitely get a guide on-site at the museum so you can make the most of your visit and learn about the history of the collection.

Hot pot is one of the most satisfying meals you can have, and it’s even better in China! We were starving after walking around the Terracotta Army museum all day. TripAdvisor recommended Haidilao Hot Pot in the heart of Xi’an. It was hands-down one of the best restaurant choices I’ve ever made.

But it didn’t seem like it would be at first. We were seated on little plastic stools in a crowded room and given a snack that tasted like Chex Mix along with some juice that was way too sweet. We were the only non-Chinese people in the room and it took us a little while to realize we were actually in the waiting room.

The actual restaurant was so big!  The entire floor of the building was full of tables of people laughing and enjoying cooking meat and veggies in the steamy broth simmering in the middle of their tables. We had our own attendant to help us order and make sure we were satiated. We donned our aprons and dove into ordering more than we could handle. Our broth was spicy, even by my standards, and I live for spicy food.  At times I thought my throat was closing in on me, but the delicious food and lively atmosphere were unparalleled.

Day 4: Train to Beijing, Peking Duck dinner

I hit snooze on my alarm and groaned as I opened my eyes and realized it was still dark outside. It was around 5 am and our flight back to Beijing was in about two hours. With the unreliable WiFi and email access, it is a miracle my inbox was able to refresh and that we found out our flight back to Beijing was  canceled . One look out the window told us everything we needed to know. The rain was pouring down on Xi’an in unrelenting buckets.

Our plans to return to Beijing with enough time to visit the Forbidden City were shot. We would have to pack in  both the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City the next morning all before heading to the airport around noon to catch our flight home.

But first, we had to get back to Beijing. Prices for the next available flight were expensive, so we opted for the bullet train. It took about 4.5 hours to travel ~750 miles. I took in as much as I could of the rain-smeared view of the Chinese countryside out the window as Michael slept. Although it was frustrating to have to pack in the sights on our last day, the soft sway of the train made for a soothing, unexpected journey.

And at least we made it back to Beijing in time for dinner! It was our last meal in Beijing and we wanted to go out with a bang. It would be Peking duck or bust.

We made reservations at the restaurant at The Opposite House,  a gorgeous, trendy hotel that looked like it would be a dream to stay in. The meal was incredible.

Another brief history lesson: Beijing used to be called  Peking . The duck is roasted by being hung in an oven and sliced in front of the diner. It’s eaten in a thin pancake with bean sauce, cucumber, and spring onion along with sauces. Yes, it can feel awkward to see a duck hanging and getting roasted, but yes, it’s  delicious . Peking Duck is a traditional Beijing dish from the imperial era;  you can’t have second thoughts about what the royals ate! From the wine to the food, this Peking Duck dinner was the perfect date to end our Beijing trip.

Day 5: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City

The rains from the previous day burned off the Beijing smog as we awoke to blue skies for the first time all week. It was our last half day in Beijing and the gorgeous weather had us anxious to see the sights we had outstanding on our list.

Temple of Heaven

Emperors of years past used to visit the Temple of Heaven to pray to heaven for good harvests. This beautiful and serene green area is dotted with temples and religious complexes. The temples were adorned with symbolic references to the four seasons, earth, and heaven and the vibrant colors of red, blue, green, and gold shined bight in the morning light. It was easy to see why the Qing and Ming emperors chose the Temple of Heaven as their praying grounds for the good of their community.

Forbidden City

Knowing what I now know about how long it takes to see the Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City, I would’ve visited the Forbidden City first. Visiting the Forbidden City alone takes hours, and we only had about one hour to do it! We could’ve spent the entire day exploring this beautiful area.

Smack-dab in the middle of Beijing is the Forbidden City. It houses the Palace Museum and consists of almost 1,000 buildings. The former palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the walled Forbidden City is where you’ll find countless ancient artifacts and beautifully adorned structures.

We ran through throngs of people to try to see as much as we could, but we only saw about half of it, and very quickly. It broke our hearts to tear ourselves away, but we simply didn’t have enough time to see all the buildings and the aerial view from the north side of the Forbidden City.

If we were to repeat this Beijing trip, there’s nothing I would have done differently, except visit the Forbidden City before the Temple of Heaven. We had to make the best of our one week in Beijing despite the canceled flight, long train ride, and few hours spent figuring out our hotel situation.

However, if we had more time, I would’ve wanted to stroll around the 798 Art District and discover more of the local scene. One week in Beijing doesn’t allow much time for anything other than seeing the main sights, but if you do it right, it’s one memorable cultural experience you’ll feel lucky to have.

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What a great trip, thanks for sharing your adventure!

WOW,Great trip,glad that you able to take such a wonderful trip.

When is the one week in Albania tour?

Inspiring and informative, thanks for sharing with us. Look forward to visiting the Great Wall one day.

Oh, I love the ancient architecture of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Your post makes me feel desired to travel to Beijing immediately. Thanks so much for your sharing!

I am an Italian /American who lived in China for 5 years snd I loved every minute of it. I visited the sites you went to several times and never grew tired of seeing them. Thanks for sharing!

Sorry to hear about your taxi situation! they can be tricky sometimes!

Beijing is such an amazing city and on our trip we had someone plan our trip for us (we don’t anymore), but it was amazing, such an amazing spot and so so sooo much to do, see and eat!

Thanks for sharing your 1 week Itinerary! 🙂

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The Ultimate Travel Guide for 3 Days in Beijing

Located in the northern part of the country, Beijing is the cultural and political capital of China. No first-time visit to China would be complete without a stop in Beijing, because it is full of important and iconic sights—the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, etc.

Beijing is a natural place to start a longer itinerary in China thanks to its new and massive airport. There are daily direct flights from cities around the world including Europe and North America. There is enough to do and see in Beijing to fill more than a week of travel time, but I would recommend starting with 3 days in order to hit all the major highlights.

What You'll Find In This Post

The Best Jam-Packed 3 Day Itinerary for Beijing, China!

Day 1: beijing historical landmarks.

Start your first morning in Beijing with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Before entering the temple however, stop at the exercise park located near the gate. This was one of my favorite parts of the complex because it is a popular place for retirees to hang out in the morning. You can see elderly Chinese people doing Tai Chi, morning exercises, playing mahjong and sipping on green tea—it is a lively scene and a lot more interesting than you might think!

Once you’re done getting out-stretched by flexible 80 year olds, head into the Temple of Heaven . This stunning temple is located in the center of a large park and it takes about an hour to walk around this picturesque location. The symmetrical design of the temple is striking and you will find yourself marveling at the fact that the roof has no nails. It is all hand assembled with notch and groove building techniques.

Tiananmen Square is the next stop on your whirlwind tour of Beijing. This is one of the largest public squares in the world and is the heart of Beijing's political history. Within the square, you'll find several important sights including Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum , the National Museum, and People’s Hero Monument . Prior to entering the square you will be required to go through security so keep your belongings to a minimum to avoid lines.

At the end of Tiananmen Square is the entrance to the Forbidden City which is probably the most famous and magnificent of the stops on your first day in Beijing. The Forbidden City was the former imperial palace during the Ming & Qing dynasty.

The Forbidden City is a massive UNESCO World Heritage Site and it will take a minimum of 2 hours to walk through and see everything. I would recommend hiring a local guide to give you more history and information about this sight, since there is a lot of take in. You’ll essentially walk through the complex which is laid out in a progressive line. When you reach the end of the tour, you’ll head out the gate and up the hill to Jingshuan Park which offers a stunning view of the Forbidden City, especially at sunset.

End your first day in Beijing with a ride through the old city in a traditional bicycle rickshaw, called a Hutong. You will see the traditional one-story single family homes that used to be characteristic of Beijing, and many of them offer home-hosted dinners so you can eat with a local family. There are also dumpling making lessons in this area where you can make (and EAT!) handmade Chinese dumplings.

Day 2: Great Wall of China

Badaling & mutianyu wall sections, peking duck dinner.

I would not recommend visiting Beijing without a stop at the Great Wall of China. This is one of the 8 wonders of the world and is absolutely a must-visit location in China! Of the 6 wonders that I have visited thus far, I think the Great Wall of China is the most impressive because it just goes on and on and on. It is massive and when you see the terrain that it is built on, you will be in awe of its scale! The Great Wall of China doesn’t actually run through Beijing, and you will have to drive at least an hour or two outside of the city to reach one of the designated access points. Badaling is the most well known of the access points but I personally recommend the Mutianyu section of the wall instead. A few reasons why I thought it was better are:

• It is newer and the surrounding infrastructure is better
• 2. There are SIGNIFICANTLY less crowds here
• 3. You can ride a toboggan off the wall at the end!

Once on the wall, you can simply hike and walk along it as much or as little as you like. There are watch towers every couple hundred feet which offer sweeping views of the landscape. However, be warned that with the poor air quality in China, your views may be limited because of smog.

It is also important to know that the wall is built on mountains so… it is steep at some points! This isn’t the easiest hike in the world and you will probably work up a sweat climbing the various stairs on the wall. There are also no vendors allowed on the wall, so bring your own water and snack supplies if you plan to be out hiking all day.

After your adventures on the Great Wall, drive back to Beijing and end your day at a Peking Duck dinner. This is one of my favorite experiences in Beijing and it is a super fun meal to enjoy after a long day of hiking. Peking Duck dinners are popular with tourists, but you'll also see plenty of Chinese people celebrating family occasions or birthdays at these restaurants.

Day 3: Tourist Highlights

Summer palace, beijing zoo and olympic park.

For your final day in Beijing, head back outside of the city to explore a few final icons of China —the Summer Palace and the Beijing Olympic Park. Both are located on the north side of the city and can be accessed by car or public transformation.

Start with the Beijing Olympic Park . I was lucky enough to be in China during the Beijing Olympics in 2008 for their inaugural usage, so I have a special appreciation for these incredible structures. The Olympic Center is a sprawling area consisting of several buildings and a park that you can leisurely walk through for an hour or two. The highlights are probably the opening ceremony stadium, affectionately named the Birds Nest , as well as the Aquatic Center whose walls are glass bubbles of LED lights that light up in different patterns and shapes at night.

Following the Beijing Olympic Park, head west to the Summer Palace . This gorgeous complex was the summer location for the emperors of the Qing dynasty and consists of ornate buildings, elaborate gardens and beautiful curated natural scenery. If you take in the palace at a leisurely pace, it would probably take about half a day to see the major attractions. You could probably hit the highlights in about 2 hours if you were short for time.

On your way back into Beijing, make a stop at the Beijing Zoo . I am not normally one to recommend zoos, because I don’t really agree with the ethics of them, but the Beijing Zoo is one of the few places in the world where you can see pandas. I happened to be in Beijing following the Sichuan earthquake, and there were almost 20 pandas at the zoo during that time as part of a rescue and restoration effort. It’s pretty incredible to see them in person, and the zoo is worth it even if you only go to that exhibit.

What to Know About Beijing Before You Go?

Before arriving in Beijing, it is a good idea to mentally prepare yourself for what Beijing is like. Beijing is considered a "tier one" city in China with approximately 22 million people in the metropolitan area, so things simply take longer here because of the sheer density of this place. Beijing is also not a particularly picturesque or beautiful city. There is a utilitarian sense to life here that you’ll probably notice right away. The air quality is quite poor and traffic can be a nightmare. There are times when it is quite frustrating to travel in Beijing, and it is a good idea to set your expectations accordingly. Flexibility is the name of the game when traveling here. Is your first time traveling to China? My 10 tips for first-timers will make sure you are prepared!

When to Travel to Beijing?

Tourism is busy in Beijing throughout the year, so crowds are fairly unavoidable. Summer is definitely the busiest time, but the weather is also pretty unpleasant then too. It can be frigid in Beijing in the winter, but crowds will be the smallest as long as you avoid the Chinese New Year. The best times of the year for weather are mid-spring or early fall.

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3-Day Beijing Itinerary

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• Beijing in 3 days
• 1-Day Beijing Itinerary
• 2-Day Beijing Itinerary
• 4-Day Beijing Itinerary
• 5-Day Beijing Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: south side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, great wall of china.

Great Wall of Badaling

Juyong pass, 798 art zone, the palace museum, forbidden city, hall of supreme harmony, meridian gate, jingshan park.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Where to eat

Wangfujing snack street, summer palace, yuanmingyuan park, beijing zoo, beijing olympic park, national stadium, china science and technology museum.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Top searches in Beijing

Popular road trips from beijing, what's the weather like in beijing.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Beijing for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Beijing in January
• Weather in Beijing in February
• Weather in Beijing in March
• Weather in Beijing in April
• Weather in Beijing in May
• Weather in Beijing in June
• Weather in Beijing in July
• Weather in Beijing in August
• Weather in Beijing in September
• Weather in Beijing in October
• Weather in Beijing in November
• Weather in Beijing in December

All road trips from Beijing

• Beijing to Hong Kong drive
• Beijing to Seoul drive
• Beijing to Shanghai drive
• Beijing to Kyoto drive
• Beijing to Hanoi drive
• Beijing to Xi'an drive
• Beijing to Osaka drive
• Beijing to Tianjin drive
• Beijing to Macau drive
• Beijing to Hangzhou drive
• Beijing to Busan drive
• Beijing to Qingdao drive
• Beijing to Hiroshima drive
• Beijing to Minato drive
• Beijing to Suzhou drive
• Beijing to Fukuoka drive
• Beijing to Chengdu drive
• Beijing to Nanjing drive
• Beijing to Guangzhou drive
• Beijing to Nagasaki drive
• Beijing to Nagoya drive
• Beijing to Kanazawa drive
• Beijing to Dalian drive
• Beijing to Datong drive
• Beijing to Jinan drive
• Beijing to Hakone-machi drive
• Beijing to Vladivostok drive
• Beijing to Jeju drive
• Beijing to Xiamen drive
• Beijing to Halong Bay drive

Explore nearby places

• Dachang County
• Gu'an County
• Xianghe County
• Yongqing County
• Laishui County
• Dingxing County
• Huailai County
• Xiong County
• Xinglong County
• Zhuolu County
• Yutian County
• Anxin County
• Wen'an County
• Xushui County
• Jinghai County
• Chicheng County
• Dacheng County
• Ninghe County
• Luanping County
• Xuanhua County

All related maps of Beijing

• Map of Beijing
• Map of Langfang
• Map of Dachang County
• Map of Gu'an County
• Map of Xianghe County
• Map of Sanhe
• Map of Zhuozhou
• Map of Yongqing County
• Map of Gaobeidian
• Map of Laishui County
• Map of Bazhou
• Map of Ji County
• Map of Dingxing County
• Map of Huailai County
• Map of Yi County
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Beijing throughout the year

• Beijing in January
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Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023

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With China back in the travel game, we can’t skip out on a guide to the Forbidden City. So if you’re looking to head to Beijing any time soon (or in the far future), bookmark this list for the best hidden gems this city has to offer!

Are you ready to experience the ultimate blend of ancient and modern culture? Beijing, the Forbidden City, is home to one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO heritage site. For over  800 years, this city has served as the great capital of China and is the perfect destination for history buffs and culture lovers. However, don’t let its ancient past fool you as it is also a city of excitement, adventure, and delicious food. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a taste of something new, our guide has got you covered. Join us as we take you on a journey through the must-see sights and hidden gems of Beijing!

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1. Walk The Great Wall Of China

Image credits: China Highlights

Extending 21,000 kilometres (4000 miles), the Great Wall of China is definitely the number one attraction you have to see in Beijing. As a wonder of the world, the Great Wall is the largest man-made structure on Earth and has been the symbol of Chinese culture for decades. 

In Beijing, there are several sections of the wall that you can choose to climb and enjoy the horizons from. For those travelling with children and the elderly, it’s recommended that you take the cable car and enjoy an easy walk at the most popular section — Mutianyu. For those who want an amazing night view, head to the Simatai Great Wall — the only section open at night for tasteful lighting and a little evening romance. For our active adventurers, the Jinshanling Great Wall and Jiankou Wall are considered the best and steepest sections for hiking and running.

Ticket Prices:

Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Address: Huairou District, China, 101406

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about the Maglev Museum

2. Dine In At Quan Ju De For The Best Peking Duck In The City

As Beijing’s oldest roast duck restaurant, Quan Ju De (全聚德 ) serves the most authentic traditional Beijing roast duck (or Peking duck). Enjoyed by people from all walks of life, the restaurant’s famed dish has seen many famed and high-profile visitors, such as Richard Nixon and Fidel Castro. 

Upon ordering the Signature Roast Duck, the restaurant will carve it tableside for you in three different ways. As you sink your teeth into the flavourful salty meat, you can taste the layer of juicy fat underneath its golden-brown skin that’s wrapped with pancakes of shallots and cucumber. What’s interesting about this restaurant is that every duck comes with an ID number and certificate — from the very first duck roasted since the opening of the restaurant 150 years ago. 

Unfortunately, the restaurant does not take reservations due to its popularity. At most of its storefronts, customers will be expected to queue for a table — with some reporting average waiting times of up to one and a half hours. 

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Address: 9 Shuaifuyuan Hu Tong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100005  

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about the Shanghai Tower

3. Visit The Marco Polo Bridge — The Very Spot Where World War 2 Started

Image credits: Viator

Venture out to Beijing’s far western suburbs and visit the Marco Polo Bridge . Fun fact: This bridge obtained its name from Marco Polo’s famous travel diaries as he believed it to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world (and from the small fortified town of Wanping). Spanning 266.5 meters, the bridge is built entirely from granite and is decorated by hundreds of stone lions — each statue having its own clan of little lions upon a closer look.

In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army demanded to enter the town to search for a missing soldier. When they were refused, the army opened fire — leading to a full-blown invasion of China and the start of the second Sino-Japanese War and World War 2 by extension. 

History buffs are bound to have a field day as bullet points can be found throughout the town and the bridge, a permanent reminder of one of the darkest periods in Chinese history. Located at the eastern end of the bridge stands the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which tourists can visit to learn more about the historical event.

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5:30 PM

Address: No. 77, South Street, Luguoqiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, China, 100165

Price: 20 yuan

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about Guyi Garden Restaurant

4. Introduce Your Taste Buds To A Donkey Burger

Image credits: The Food Gallery

Originating from the northern Hebei Province, Beijing has adopted the Donkey Burger as its own. Found in both fine dining restaurants and street-side stalls around the city, most have described the palatable pockets of shredded meat to be tender, sweet, and delicious. Some chefs even mix it with chunks of fat or green peppers before sandwiching between crispy buns.

Lauded by many as the best donkey meat place in town, Wang Pang Zi (王胖子) specialises in flaky pastry pockets filled with lightly spiced shreds of donkey meat. The best item on the menu definitely has to be the Mixed Lean And Fat Donkey Meat Burger (9 yuan), which doesn’t taste stringy or gamey at all.  On the other hand, daring consumers can try the Donkey Penis Burger (12 yuan) — just make sure you order a bowl of clear savoury soup to wash it all down!

Address: No. 80 Gulou West Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100035

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about Yu Garden

5. 798 Art District

Image credits: Culture Trip

Are you an art lover looking for your next cultural fix? Look no further than Beijing’s 798 Art District — a must-see destination for any visitor to the city. Located in northeastern Beijing, the district is home to a wealth of galleries, museums, and artist studios showcasing some of the best contemporary art in the city.

Known for its unique architectural style, which is a combination of Bauhaus and Chinese elements, the art district hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, making it a great place to catch a glimpse of the local vibrant art scene. Visitors can find a mix of local and international artists that exhibit their works here, including works by Chinese contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei, Liu Xiaodong, Yang Fudong, and Zhang Dali. 

Whether you’re a serious art collector of just enjoy admiring the work of talented artists, 798 Art District is a must-visit destination for all! 

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM

Address: Wangfujing, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about Wang Bao He

6. Enjoy A Super Sweet Tanghulu In The Streets

Image credits: On The Gas

Known as the Chinese toffee apple, Bing Tang Hu Lu or Candied Fruit on a Stick, is an extremely popular street snack and dessert for locals and tourists alike. Traditionally, a skewer with hawthorn fruits (shanzha) is dipped into liquid sugar and then dried to create the old Beijing-style dessert. The result is a super crunchy and sweet stick that is bound to have your tastebuds in a fix! 

In keeping up with the modern times, vendors are including other fruits to suit tourists’ tastes and preferences, including strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapples, and grapes. Visit Wangfujing Snack street located in the heart of the city for a wide variety of traditional Chinese snacks. For an average of 10 yuan per stick, the dessert can be readily found in any street — just keep an eye out for colourful sticks of fruits!

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about the Huangpu River Cruise

7. Take A Hike On The Fragrant Hills

Image credits: TripAdvisor

Located on the western outskirts of Beijing, the Fragrant Hills offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, sightseeing, and picnicking. Covers over 160 hectares, the park is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage in October and November. 

Imagine yourself walking through the park and feeling the crunch of red leaves under your feet and the crisp autumn air on your face. Now that is what we call true bliss in nature. The park also has several hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone here!

Don’t miss the ancient temples and pavilions scattered throughout the park. The most famous of these is the Cloud Dispelling Hall which offers an amazing view of the city. For our less active travellers, you can also take a cable car ride to the top of the hill as an alternative way to enjoy the majestic view.

Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM

Address:  No 40, Maimai Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100093

Price: 15 yuan

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Find out more about UnTour

8. Experience A Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony At The Lao She Tea House

Image credits: Attraction

Looking for a truly authentic Chinese cultural experience? Look no further than the Lao She Tea House . Imagine yourself transported to a traditional Chinese tea room, surrounded by the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese music and the aroma of the finest Chinese teas. Offering a variety of Chinese tea ceremonies, we suggest trying the traditional Gongfu tea ceremony — a ritualistic way of making tea that originated from China’s Fujian province. There, you’ll learn about the history, health benefits, and the proper way of making and drinking tea. Aside from sampling tea, lay your worries bare as you relax and enjoy traditional Chinese music and performances as well. 

To commemorate your visit, pick out a Chinese tea pet to bring home with you! Made from a special type of clay that’s said to absorb the flavours and aromas of tea, these cute little critters are believed to enhance your experience and bring you good luck and prosperity.

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM

Address: No.13, Dongmianhua Hutong, Donhuamen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Prices: 80 yuan – 580 yuan, depending on the type of tea ceremony

Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Get your tickets here

Ready To Venture Into The Forbidden City?

Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Beijing, you’re ready to venture out into the Forbidden City! But amidst the excitement of China being reopened, don’t forget to book your flight tickets and accommodations with your YouTrip card via YouTrip Perks for extra cashback and discounts!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our  Telegram  (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our  free weekly newsletter here  or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Safe Travels!

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The Wanderlust Kitchen

Three Days in Beijing: Itinerary and Photos

Linda Published on June 26, 2016 / Last updated on February 17, 2023

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A Three Day Beijing Itinerary might not seem like much, but you still have plenty of time to see the sights! This itinerary covers the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as some lesser-known spots you shouldn’t miss. 

If you’re planning a trip in the near future, make sure you  register for travel insurance  before you go.

You can also check out my  list of essential items for backpackers !

China is a fascinating place to travel, even if it feels a little uncomfortable the first time you visit. I’ve done my fair share of travel all over the world, and I’ve never felt as out of place as I did in China. Prepare yourself for some culture shock!

I’ve included lots of pictures below, though a fair number of them had to be converted to black and white because the heavy pollution in the city washed out all of the color in the original photographs (for an idea of how bad it can get, check out these photos ).

We all came back with nasty sore throats due to the air quality, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. I was told by several locals that people only wear face masks if they are sick (to avoid infecting others), but if I were to go back I’d wear a mask on heavy pollution days.

There’s one piece of advice I can’t recommend strongly enough: get a guide!

My travel companions (my sister, Emily, and her bestie, Paige) and I purchased our trip to China as part of a discounted group trip, but we didn’t want to participate in the huge group tours. We were able to secure a fabulous tour guide for less than what it would have cost us to be shuffled around in a group of 50 travelers!

Beijing Travel Blog Notes and Tips:

• How many days in Beijing should you plan? You can see the major sites in three FULL days. This itinerary is for three days in Beijing, not including travel days. You’ll want to arrive the evening before day 1, and leave the morning or day after Day 3.
• The streets are confusing – I’m pretty sure that all of the street signs hanging in intersections only tell you what road you are on, NOT what the cross road is. This can be very confusing, as it’s the opposite of how we mark our streets here in the U.S. It’s very easy to get lost here, so do what you can to plan ahead.
• Bring your own toilet paper with you EVERYWHERE. You’ll thank me later.

Alright, without further adieu…

Beijing in Three Days

8:00am: Temple of Heaven – Get up early and eat a huge breakfast before you head towards the Temple of Heaven. Observe the local elders in the gardens leading to the temple.

You can witness traditional music performances, dance, exercise, and even a bit of gambling.

Be sure to walk through the courtyard near the  Seven Star Rocks and take a look at the matchmaking market. I wouldn’t recommend taking pictures while you witness this exchange; you might get some nasty looks!

Once you’ve walked through the gardens you’ll reach the actual complex. Head inside the museums and read about the fascinating history of this site. Here’s a (not so) fun fact: I was told that ritual animal sacrifices were conducted here up until the early 1900s.

10:00am: Forbidden City – First things first: You MUST bring your passport with you when buying tickets. Our guide forgot to tell us this, and all three of us just happened to be carrying them with us that day so we could still get in.

There is a limit to the number of tickets sold each day, so get there right after you finish up at the Temple of Heaven. It’s closed on Mondays, so you might need to swap around this itinerary if your arriving at the beginning of the week.

Traffic is pretty nasty around this area, so I’d recommend being dropped off or taking the Subway. If you don’t bring a guide with you, skip picking one up at the entrance. Grab an Audio guide (available in 40 languages); they are cheap and reliable! You could easily wander around in here for hours upon hours, so try to remember to pack a few snacks in your bag because you’re going to have a late lunch. Don’t miss the Imperial Garden, it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Use the bathrooms here before you go – they are much nicer than the public restrooms available near Tiananmen Square and the Dashilan Hutongs.

1:30pm: Tiananmen Square – Have some lunch in a local restaurant, then walk through Tiananmen Square which is just a 20-minute walk south of the Forbidden City. Be sure to read up on the 1989 protests before you visit so you can appreciate what took place here. I wouldn’t recommend asking anyone you’re not very familiar with about the protests, as it’s a very sensitive and controversial subject.

2:30pm: Hutongs (Old Town) –  For a glimpse of old Beijing, take an hour or two to walk through the tree-line alleyways of a “hutong.” If you’re in a hurry, or you’re just tired of walking, you can hire a rickshaw to cart you through a neighborhood.

Head towards the area of Dashilan, which is just southwest of Tiananmen Square or try the imperial hutong courtyards if you’re looking for something more regal (head northeast from Jingshan park, just north of the Forbidden City.

Evening: Peking Duck – If you’re a meat-eater, you can’t leave Beijing without chowing down on some Peking Duck! It seems like there are hundreds of establishments boasting the “best” Peking duck, but ask a local where they eat Peking duck and they’ll be sure to help you out.

Warning! LOTS of photos ahead.

All Day: Trip to Jinshanling (Great Wall of China) – Many visitors to Beijing visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall (about 50 miles from the city), but I think it’s worth the day trip to visit the Jinshanling gate. We only saw two other people on the wall the whole day!

It’s about two hours outside of the city, and the hike itself takes 4 hours, so bring snacks and be prepared for a long day! There will likely be two or three vendors selling snacks and drinks along the wall, so bring some cash with you if you think you might need something along the way (like a beer!).

The hike can be very intense, so wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. Some parts of the wall were so steep we had to get on hands and knees to crawl up!

Many parts of this section of the wall are in disrepair, so use caution!

Personally, I loved seeing the crumbling parts of the wall, but if you’re looking for a more well-maintained section you might be better off sticking to Badaling.

(Had to throw this cheesy picture in here… you might recall that is the same pose we did when we went on Safari in Kenya (check out What You Need to Know Before Your First African Safari ).

Summer Palace – The Summer Palace is a large garden complex located just outside of Beijing.

There are lots of beautiful views to check out, and on a non-polluted day (which my guide continuously referred to as “foggy”) you can see for miles from the top of the palace structures.

Lama Temple or Beijing Zoo – You’ll have some time to explore this afternoon, and many people like to go to the Beijing Zoo to see the pandas. I had planned to go while I was there, but after reading reviews about the zoo conditions and animal treatment, I decided to boycott it. Do your own research and follow your gut!

Another option is to visit the Lama Temple, which is the biggest Zen Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. You can burn incense, explore the shrines, and spin a Tibetan Prayer Wheel. I loved this experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Tibetan culture.

Donghuamen (Wangfujing) Night Market – Besides hiking the Great Wall, this night market was my favorite experience in Beijing. This is a great place to pick up some souvenirs and gifts, provided you’re prepared to haggle over prices. Try some of the candy-coated strawberries for a sweet treat, or any of the various “creatures on a stick” if you’re feeling a bit more brave. I saw scorpions, centipedes, and even seahorses! The stalls are open from 4pm-ish to 10pm-ish.

Whew! That is one exhausting itinerary. You’ve probably worked up an appetite just reading through this post, so why don’t you check out my Spicy Sichuan Cabbage and Vegan Potstickers – they were inspired by my trip to China!

Until next time!

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Linda! Welcome to The Wanderlust Kitchen, where I share recipes and travel adventures from all around the world. Here you'll find a world of recipes you can have confidence in. These recipes celebrate authentic food heritage as well as modern techniques and ingredients. Be adventurous and try a new recipe and travel somewhere you have never been before.  Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!  

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The above mentioned description is very good. I think this description is your experience. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Thanks for the post, it is really helpful! Is there a hotel you stayed at that you would recommend in Beijing?

Not really, everywhere I stayed was awful haha

I always love Beijing Anetta. And its nice that you chose that part of the wall.

This helps a lot! We’re going to Beijing for 3 days, as well, and I’ve been having a hard time figuring out how much time everything will take! Looks amazing!

Nice post, you have added so attractive images here. Really, Beijing is a so beautiful place for travelling. The Great wall, summer place and Forbidden City are top tourist attractions in Beijing. I had gone to Beijing with my family before one year. We stayed and travelled there 5 days. One travel company Beijing Transfer Tours, helped us to travel there.

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My 7-day self guided travel itinerary to Beijing revealed

One of the main concerns in planning a holiday to Beijing is definitely to whether join an all-inclusive travel package from one of the local travel agents or, just book a flight and travel around the city by ourselves. Many are worried by the communication issues, conveniences issues as well as the proximity issues of travel sites in Beijing. But if I were you, I would definitely plan for a self guided travel to Beijing as what I did recently. One of the reasons is I hate all those travel hoaxes in all-inclusive travel packages .

Traveling to and around Beijing by ourselves is not as complicated as many may think. Public transport, travel sites, restaurants, and supermarkets have sufficient English indications to be at least understandable. Most hotels receptions could also help you somehow or other and many can speak English.

I spent 7 days in Beijing and I found traveling in Beijing is a breeze. If you ever wonder how I did it, here is my 7-days self guided travel itinerary summary to Beijing:

The Beginning

We took midnight MAS flight and arrived at Beijing Capital Airport early in the morning at 6AM. Easily accessible, the Beijing Airport Express train transferred us to Dongzhimen train station hub. Within the station itself and over the ticketing counter, we bought Yikatong card ( Beijing transportation prepaid and discount card ) and topped it up for our usage during this coming 7 days. From Dongzhimen, we took subway to Dengshikou station, the nearest station which is 10 minutes walk to our hotel as well as Wangfujing Street. After checking into our Sunworld Hotel , grabbing a copy of the Beijing city map, its Subway route map, packing my photography equipment in a daypack, and we were ready to explore Beijing!

The following itinerary is simply my personal preference based on our mood on that day and no strict rules being applied. As long as we have sorted out those important prerequisite elements in any successful travel , and followed those 5 steps to achieve a peace of mind trip , we can freely and with full peaces of mind exploring our destinations however we like it.

Day 1 Itinerary:

• Strolling down the Wangfujing Street in early morning from Dengshikou Street junction in the North to Dong Chang An Street junction in the South;
• We had lunch at Tianjin’s Goubulibao restaurant ;
• Took a subway from Wangfujing station to Bird Nest , the national Olympic stadium of Beijing;
• Took a local bus to tour around the Beijing city centre Dongcheng district and stopped at Tiananmen Square and Qianmen ;
• Strolling down the Qianmen street and had our dinner at Quanjude Beijing Roast Duck restaurant at Hepingmen;
• Took subway back to Dengshikou station, where our hotel was, and
• Buy some mineral water and instant noodles at 7-Eleven in front of our hotel and called it our first day in Beijing.

Day 2 Itinerary:

• We woke up quite late today. We had our breakfast at one of the local restaurant nearby;
• Taking subway to our main destination of the day, The Forbidden City or Palace Museum;
• We really took our own sweet time and spent the late morning and the whole afternoon in this UNESCO World Heritage Site;
• We left the Forbidden City at 4PM via East exit and walked along Donghuamen Road towards Wangfujing junction;
• We had our dinner at one of the local Home Style cooking restaurant along the street;
• When approaching Wangfujing junction, along the Donghuamen street, there is the Donghuamen Night Food market stretching as long as 1km!
• What would be the best night activities in Wangfujing? Shopping time!
• They closed shops very promptly at 10PM. We went back to our hotel;
• Along the way, there was the local famous Wangfujing Catholic church at Baishu Hutong and young Beijing people gathered at the small square in front and enjoyed themselves with singing, dancing and drinking.

Day 3 Itineary:

• The main destination of the day was The Great Wall ; We woke up relatively early to catch a bus to Jishuitan . From the station we walked for another 10 minutes to Deshengmen Arrow Tower which is the main regional bus station in Beijing. Bafangda coach No. 877 is the direct bus to Badaling section of Great Wall .
• We arrived at the front hill of Badaling Great Wall. Instead of hiking up the wall ( the Great Wall is quite high up from ground level ), we took the pulley car cost RMB60 both ways to North Tower 4.
• From Tower 4, we slowly hiked up the steep corridor of Great Wall through Tower 5 to 7 and stopped at Tower 8, the most famous tower of Badaling Great Wall or is better known as Haohanpo ( Real heroes Slope ).
• We let it all hang out on the wall and admired the beautiful scenery around, albeit the visibility on that day was a real let down for me as a travel photography hobbyist.
• We left Badaling Great Wall at around 4PM and reached Wangfujing 2 hours later.
• Before calling it our 3rd day in Beijing, we did another round of shopping at Wangfujing! 🙂

Day 4 Itinerary:

• We engaged a taxi to do a city tour today;
• Our first stop was Prince Kung’s Mansion , the siheyuan styled of residence first constructed by the highly corrupted Imperial minister of He Shen ;
• We had lunch at one of the local lamien ( Pulled noodles ) restaurant in Hutong around Drum Tower ;
• Next was The Summer Palace . The imperial summer retreat garden is so huge that we had to spend a few hours there just to briefly walk through it and along the Kunming lake and the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Fo Xiang Ge);
• After the long walk, our friendly taxi driver brought us to the Bird’s Nest stadium for a footology therapy session; 🙂
• Our night activity that day was watching Chinese Acrobatic show at Chaoyang auditorium;
• It was already close to 9:30PM when we were back to our hotel, we walked to the nearby Donghuamen night food market for our supper!

Day 5 Itinerary:

• Today, we went to Tiantan, The Temple of Heaven , which could be easily reached by subway. The compound is huge and we spent the whole morning within the park;
• At noon, we found a Bianyifang Roast Duck restaurant branch along Tiantan East Road. Need me say more? We had another roast duck meal in there!
• Tiantan East Road is another shopping street with various shops selling especially local fashion and foods, frequented mainly by local people. Jean bought quite a few jackets and jeans for Chloe and Dylan;
• Not getting enough? We went ahead and be a shop-aholic to visit Xiushuijie (Silk Street, 秀水街), the counterfeit paradise indoor market of Beijing!
• We had dinner at Wangfujing’s Snack Street at night and continued our never ending shopping spree there until all shops closed at 10PM.
• Another tiring but enjoying day in Beijing.

Day 6 Itinerary:

• The penultimate day for us in Beijing, we decided to have a rather relaxing walkabout in hutong area of Dongcheng district;
• The first travel site we went to was Yonghegong and Kongzhimiao ;
• The we strolled down hutong after hutong in Nanlouguxiang area before reaching the Drum Tower;
• We had our wonderful lunch in Yaojichaogan restaurant;
• The next stop was Tobacco Porch street which led us to Houhai and Qianhai areas;
• We didn’t spend much time in Houhai and we continued to walked down the Di’anmen Dajie Road ;
• We stopped at Qiulixiang , the most famous Chinese roast chestnut shop in Beijing, to have our chestnut high tea session! 🙂
• Taking a local bus to Wangfujing, we (again) had our last minute souvenirs hunting!
• We went back to our hotel early to take a good rest before catching our flight on the next day.

Day 7 Itinerary:

• We checked out our hotel and took subway to Dongzhimen station;
• We returned our Yikatong transport card here and took the Airport Express train to the Beijing Capital Airport from there;
• After checking in to our flight, we were ready to fly home again to mark the end of our immaculate journey!

You can view more uploaded photos from the above Flickr slide show. This photo slide show is being updated regularly to include more travel photos of Beijing. So come back for more!

For more details on places and foods in Beijing, view also my earlier posts on The top 10 places to visit in Beijing , and The Top 13 local foods to try in Beijing . This is the end of my brief coverage of my 7-day self guided travel itinerary to Beijing. I hope it could at least give any interested traveler some guide on how you could plan for your trip to Beijing. This is just the summary of my travel to Beijing. To know more in details on each one of the travel attractions in Beijing, watch out my latest Travel stories in Beijing on this travel blog regularly or, subscribe to my free email Feeds for future updates. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide to China

About The Author

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.

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If the Forbidden City is the palace of emperors, a place steeped in secret history, then Yiheyuan is a place to enjoy natural beauty in a peaceful, elegant setting. Yiheyuan is also known as the Summer Palace – the resting place to enjoy the scenery of Empress Dowager Cixi.

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Located next to the majestic Wanshou Mountain and the poetic Kunming Lake, the decoration, ornamental plants, and architecture of this place are worthy of being the cradle of Chinese garden art, and have great cultural significance for the Chinese people. Flowers and the world.

Beihai Park

Address: 1 Wenjin St, 西安门 Xicheng District, China, 100034 Hours: 6:30–9 AM

Beihai Park was built and used during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Beihai Park is only used for royal purposes. The park was built in the classic Suzhou garden style.

Beihai Park is located on a small island, located in downtown Beijing, northwest of the Forbidden City. It is considered one of the oldest surviving royal gardens in China, this place is truly a green gem in the heart of the city.

The garden art style of Beihai Park represents a wonderful combination of cultural and artistic values. This park became a prime example of the sophistication and perfection of garden art in Chinese culture. Considered a royal garden, Beihai Park was once a favorite destination of ancient Chinese kings and aristocracy.

Beihai Park in reality is really beautiful and touching as described in the song. Every winter, Beihai Park is very lively and becomes an outdoor fun spot for many friends of all ages.

Hutong Old Town

Beijing not only has the most luxurious and magnificent tourist attractions or the most modern buildings, but also hidden in it the small alleys and ancient streets that have existed side by side with the capital for thousands of years. Tourists leisurely renting bicycles here will encounter the old town of Hutong.

Hutong has small, long, narrow alleys, formed according to Siheyuan architecture (means the term “quadrangle”). Siheyuan are traditional Chinese houses, with a garden, built on 4 sides, in front of the house there is a large yard, a well for living, all daily life is encapsulated in quadrangle. Neighborhoods are formed by many quadrangles connected together, forming Hutong, which then connects with other Hutongs to form settlements like a chessboard. The word Hutong also refers to such neighborhoods.

Lama Temple

Address: 12 Yonghegong Ave, 国子监 Dongcheng, China, 100007 Hours: 9 AM–5 PM

Lama Temple is also known as The Yonghe Temple (Palace of Peace and Harmony), is the unique Tibetan temple in Beijing. Built 300 years ago, it is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet. Lama Temple was built in the Han-Tibetan style, with a large scale, harmonious and unique architecture, impressive.

Originally, this place was Palace of Peace and Harmony, built in 1694 for the mandarins in the Qing dynasty to stay. Later became the palace of the Yongzheng emperor. When he ascended the throne, in order to serve the diplomatic relations between the Qing Dynasty and Tibet, a part of Palace of Peace and Harmony became a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Since then, the Lama Temple has been the place to study for Tibetan Buddhist monks as well as to receive delegations from Tibet. Today, the Lama Temple is a famous sight, attracting many tourists in Beijing.

Jingshan Park

Address: 44 Jingshan W St, 景山 Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100009

Jingshan Park is always an ideal place for tourists who love nature, especially those who want to stand and enjoy the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Jingshan Park has a history of more than 800 years, and is the highest point of the central axis of Beijing, north of the Forbidden City, is a royal garden with beautiful scenery, surrounded by red walls, covers an area of 23 hectares.

In the park there are lush and towering old pine and cedar trees and you can see the whole city from above. Jingshan Park is located at the central point of the north-south central axis of the ancient city wall of Beijing, to the north of the Forbidden City. This place was originally a forbidden garden of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time, this park is also located in the most central location of Beijing. When it was found, Jingshan was a park for the royal aristocracy, later expanded for many people to visit, becoming a large man-made park of Beijing city. There are three garden gates in the main buildings of the park, namely the Jingshan gate, the Shanzuosi gate and the Shanyouli gate.

Yuanmingyuan Park

Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Haidian District, 圆明园 邮政编码: 100084 Hours: 7 AM–5 PM

Yuanmingyuan Park, the original name is Yu Garden, is a complex of palaces and gardens built in the 18th century and early 19th century. Located 8 km northwest of the capital Beijing, Yuanmingyuan is also a place where the Qing Emperors lived and ruled. In ancient times, the Yuanmingyuan area was just a place with dense trees. Palaces and temples were then built during the Liao and Jin dynasties. Many palaces were built during the Yuan Dynasty and became increasingly famous in the Ming Dynasty.

The beauty of Yuanmingyuan in the four seasons always has its own characteristics: spring welcomes the wind, summer sees lotus flowers, autumn enjoys the scenery, and snow pedals in winter. The scenery of the four seasons is beautiful and poetic, and this has an attraction that attracts you to visit Yuanmingyuan at least once in your life. This is a place not to be missed when traveling to Beijing.

Prince Gong’s Mansion

Address: 17 Qianhai W St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100035

In the southwest corner of Beijing, there is a long quiet street shaded by green willow trees. In this street there is a large mansion, which is the Prince Gong’s Mansion (Prince Kung’s Mansion), one of the best preserved of the existing mansions in Beijing. In 2012, this place was ranked as a national scenic spot.

This place is like a priceless treasure, the only feudal relic still intact to this day. The Chinese have a saying: “One mansion, half of the history of the Qing Dynasty” is enough to express the cultural value of this place.

Prince Gong’s Mansion has a formal architectural layout, with excellent craftsmanship and staggered spaces. The overall Prince Gong’s Mansion fully expresses the magnificent and rich royal style as well as the simple and elegant folk style. The mansion consists of two parts, the mansion and the garden, about 330m long from north to south and wider than 180m from east to west.

Coming here, you will have the opportunity to understand more about the real life of the mandarins in Qing Dynasty. The vast space of Prince Gong’s Mansion is as majestic as a miniature palace with the most sophisticated architecture.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

Address: WC66+9GP, Wangfujing Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100006

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street has a history of more than 100 years, not only focusing on many international brands but also many long-standing famous brands. This place is also a shopping and dining paradise for Beijing’s youth as it concentrates on shopping and dining places…

Wangfujing during the Ming Dynasty had many mansions of the royal family and princesses, so people called it “Wangfu Road”. During the Qing Dynasty, there was a well on this road. People often lived here, so it was changed to “Wangfujing” (“Jing” means well).

From 1999 until now, this place has been transformed into a shopping street, many of Beijing’s busiest commercial centers have taken this place as their “stronghold”, becoming a characteristic whenever Wangfujing is mentioned. In addition, this place is also famous for its night food area, with many diverse Chinese dishes, served hot on the spot.

Beijing Olympic Park

Address: X9VV+PF8, Chaoyang, China, 100875 Hours: 6 AM–9:30 PM

Beijing Olympic Park: a symbol of the great development of modern China

Beijing Olympic Park is the main venue of the Beijing Olympics 2008. This is the gathering area for Olympic venues including extremely famous arenas such as the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the Center National water sports, National Stadium, Science museum… Note: General park admission is free, but if you want to visit separate parts such as Bird’s Nest stadium or Water Cube… you need to separate ticket must be purchased.

Known as the “bird’s nest stadium”, Beijing National Stadium is a unique architectural wonder of Beijing, a special highlight of every Beijing tour. Construction began in 2001, this stadium can accommodate 91,000 people, and is one of the largest Olympic facilities in the world.

National Centre for the Performing Arts

Address: 2 W Chang’an St, Xicheng District, China, 100031

Also known as the “egg” or “crystal oasis” theater with modern and unique architecture. Inaugurated in 2007, this theater has an entire elliptical dome made of titanium and glass. From a distance, this theater looks like a pearl floating on the surface of the lake. The best time to see the Beijing National Opera House is in the evening, when the theater lights up and shows off all its splendor.

CCTV Headquarters

Address: 32 E 3rd Ring Middle Rd, 呼家楼 Chaoyang, China, 100020

With a height of 405m, this is one of the tallest towers in the world and has a unique and novel architecture. The TV tower is open for visitors to visit with many items: The observation deck – where you can capture the entire view of Beijing, luxury restaurant – where guests dine in the magnificent sunset of Beijing.

Thirteen Tombs (Ming Dynasty Tombs)

Address: 764F+3C3, Changchi Rd, Changping District, China, 102200 Hours: 8 AM–5:30 PM

The Ming Dynasty Tombs, also known as “Thirteen Tombs” are the mausoleums of the 13 emperors after the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing. The Ming Tombs is located south of the foot of Tianshou Mountain, Changping District, about 44 km northwest of Beijing.

The Thirteen Tombs were recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. The location and architecture of the tombs are classic representations of Chinese feng shui theory.

The natural environment of Ming Dynasty tombs is characterized by being surrounded by green hills, open halls, and meandering streams. The location of each tomb is against the mountain, in front is the lake, surrounded by mountains on the left and right. Compared with mausoleums built on the plain, the natural landscape of this mausoleum is more beautiful, and can more clearly express the majesty and grandeur of the emperor’s mausoleum. The Ming Dynasty Tombs are the best-preserved ancient mausoleums among the emperors and are the burial place of the most emperors in Chinese history.

Feudal Chinese also believed that to have another life after death. The Emperor is the richest and most powerful man, living his whole life in the most luxurious and beautiful mansion in China. They want that glory to last even after death. The mausoleum is considered the emperor’s representative hall after his death, so a lot of attention was paid to the location and construction of the mausoleum.

What to eat in Beijing?

Peking duck.

This dish is at the top of the list of Beijing delicacy. Although roasted duck can be found anywhere, the taste of roasted duck in Beijing is sure to be memorable once you eat it, and cannot be confused with other places. The roasted duck here has shiny, golden brown, crispy skin, duck meat inside is still sweet and soft, dip with a special dipping sauce that has viscosity and aromatic spices. Peking duck is a dish that plays an important role in royal banquets.

Peking Style Hot Pot

It is a favorite dish of Chinese people when the weather gets cold. Hot pot has a variety of dipping dishes, which can be lamb, beef, shrimp, fish, vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, mushrooms… The most popular in Beijing is lamb hot pot.

Lamb hot pot: Lamb is a famous dish of Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, but lamb hot pot is one of the familiar dishes of indigenous people in Beijing. Lamb hotpot dipped in peanut sauce is the traditional way of eating of this dish. (The peanut sauce mixed with minced garlic, coriander, chili and roasted peanuts is the standard Beijing flavor).

This is a traditional Chinese dish often eaten during holidays. Dumplings are made from wheat flour, the filling is made from shrimp and pork along with minced vegetables. There are many ways to prepare dumplings such as steaming or boiling. You can enjoy dumplings on any street when traveling to Beijing.

It is a traditional Chinese dish during holidays. Mantou is filled with salt pork, sesame oil, white pepper… fried or steamed and eaten with soy sauce.

Zha Jiang Mian (Old Beijing Fried Sauce Noodle)

This is a mixed noodle dish similar to Spaghetti in the West. The noodles will be blanched in boiling water until cooked, then drained, then mixed with the sauce and added with some herbs or vegetables to make the dish more fragrant and rich. The special feature that makes this type of noodle delicious is the hot thick sauce with the main ingredients being minced meat sauteed with onions and bean sauces. For those who like spicy food, you can add chili.

Wonton noodles

Wonton noodles are also one of the uniquely delicious traditional dishes in Beijing that you should try. There are many types of wontons such as shrimp wontons, crab wontons, vegetable wontons, mixed wontons… to suit the diverse needs of diners. To make this dish, the chef needs to prepare a pot of broth to simmer the bones with radishes and dried shrimp. Imagine enjoying a hot bowl of wontons with a delicious flavor on a cold day, perhaps no one can resist.

Braised Shark Fin with Fish Maw

Braised Shark Fin with Fish Maw is a traditional dish of Jin Dynasty cuisine in Beijing’s main cuisine, this is the first dish among the Jin Dynasty dishes, Braised Shark Fin with Fish Maw is a dish that is likened to pellets. The precious gem, the Japanese representative of Tanjia cuisine, ranks first among all dishes made from shark fin. Once a royal dish of the Qing Dynasty, the fin meat after being cooked is soft and fragrant, has a transparent apricot yellow color, is as soft as wax, has an extremely special flavor, the entire fish fin is succulent and seems to melt into the mouth.

Peking Shredded Pork with Sweet Bean Sauce

This is considered one of the unique dishes of Beijing cuisine. Pork after processing will have a moderate sweet and salty taste, rich sauce, and unique flavor. Making Peking Shredded Pork with Sweet Bean Sauce is not difficult, but making the meat soft, smooth and the sauce is evenly mixed is not easy at all. Pork tenderloin will be used as the main ingredient of this dish, and special Beijing yellow sauce and sweet noodle sauce, after processing, the sauce will have a rich flavor and fragrant tender meat, attractive.

Beijing Fried Fish fillet

Fried fish fillet is a famous traditional dish in Beijing. This dish is golden in color, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, greasy and thick. Outside the thick sauce, the boneless fish is fried crispy. When eaten, you will taste the sour, sweet, salty and fresh flavors of the fish. The dish created by Wang Yushan, a royal chef during the Qing Dynasty, was a dish reserved for Empress Dowager Cixi, and was also a must-have dish at royal meals. After that, in turn, more dishes such as “stir-fried filet”, “stir-fried shrimp” and “fried kidney” will be born combined with “fried fish fillet”.

Grilled sea cucumber with green onion

This is a famous dish in Yantai, Qingdao, Jiaodong Peninsula, Shandong province, belonging to Shandong cuisine. It is one of the “Eight Treasures of Ancient Times”, has a sweet fragrance, rich nutrition, and helps nourish the lungs and kidneys. After sea cucumbers and green onions were introduced to Beijing from Shandong, Wang Shizhen, a famous chef from the older generation at Fengzeyuan restaurant in Beijing, made improvements, aiming at the strong properties of sea cucumbers, he used thick sauce to put in the sea cucumber. After grilling, the dish has an extremely attractive aroma, achieving the effect of color, flavor, shape, and beauty.

Stinky tofu

It is a favorite dish of many locals. Stinky tofu is made by fermenting tofu. When served to diners, the stinky tofu will be fried until golden brown, sprinkled with sauce and served with cilantro.

Tanghulu (Candied fruit)

Candied fruit is the most famous snack in Beijing that you can easily buy them to enjoy. This type of candy has a filling made from chestnuts, kumquats or hawthorn, the shell is made from seasonal fruits. This eye-catching candy color is not only said to bring good luck but is also used as a remedy for gastrointestinal diseases.

Not only apples, this is an attractive snack made from fruits. Strawberries, pineapples, apples, grapes, plums… are stir-fried with sugar and then skewered onto bamboo sticks.

Malatang (Spicy numbing hot soup)

This is a dish that tourists can encounter in a street cart or a small restaurant, anywhere, anytime in Beijing. Sellers will display large aluminum trays containing spicy broth. The ingredients for making broth are usually chili, star anise, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices depending on each stall. People will put meat and vegetable skewers into that broth tray, and then count the skewers and pay for them after eating.

Dipping skewers (Malatang) of Beijing and the northern provinces of China are meats, vegetables… skewered into small sticks dipped in broth (spicy or non-spicy). When eating with dipping peanut sauce. This dish is sold in all streets and alleys in Beijing, especially in university gates where there are many students.

Chinese Tea Eggs

Instead of ordinary boiled eggs, this type of tea egg is mixed with cinnamon, alum sugar, herbs, so when boiled, it has a very fragrant smell. After soaking in the egg, the shell will be separated and continue to boil. This dish is not only delicious and sweet, but also extremely nutritious.

What to buy in Beijing?

Coming to Beijing, shopaholics cannot ignore the busiest shopping places. From commercial centers to popular markets, each place gives you different experiences.

China World Mall is a modern luxury shopping district with high-end brands, it is the largest shopping mall in Beijing. There are also other high-end services such as beauty care, bars and restaurants, entertainment services.

If you want to shop for cheaper items, you can visit Hongqiao market. This is the largest market in Beijing where you can find any item here. From fashion items, souvenirs, toys to electronic items. If you want to discover food, you can go to Vuong Phu Tinh Street to enjoy countless delicious dishes as well as entertainment here. Items you can buy as gifts are: handicrafts and antiques, tea – a famous drink of the Chinese, Chinese silk or pearls…

Here, we have detailed compiled about what to buy and where to shop in Beijing, read the article .

Where to stay?

You can find rooms in Qianmen area, where transportation is convenient and hotel and homestay prices in this area are also more stable (fluctuating around 300 yuan). If you want to find cheap hotel rooms in Beijing, you can go to some areas near the beginning of the subway stations such as Xizhimen and Songjiazhuang areas. Although it is a bit far from the center, the traffic is very convenient, only about 30 minutes to the center.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Eclat Beijing ( Agoda , Booking )
• NUO Hotel Beijing ( Agoda , Booking )
• Grand Millennium Beijing ( Agoda , Booking )
• New World Beijing Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Shangri-La Beijing ( Agoda , Booking )
• JEN Beijing by Shangri-La ( Agoda , Booking )
• Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Opposite House ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top & best hotels in Beijing on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Beijing you can refer to

• Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)
• [Cool Summer] Universal Beijing Resort Ticket
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour from Beijing (With Pick Up)
• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Admission Ticket in Beijing
• [Up to 20% Off] Private City Transfers for Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
• Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour by Bus with Options
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall-Downtown Beijing Round Trip Bus Pass
• Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
• The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ticket in Beijing
• Beijing Wildlife Park Admission Ticket
• Beijing Happy Valley Ticket
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
• 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Asia
• 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

Read more China guide here .

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2024 beijing travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more for first-timers in china.

Traveling to Beijing, China for the first-time this 2024? Check out this detailed BEIJING TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with travel information such as sample DIY Beijing itinerary, top things to do, hotels, budget and expenses, how to get around, and travel tips and reminders to help you plan your trip.

I hope this travel guide help you plan an unforgettable beijing adventure. now, let's get started, beijing travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers, visa requirements to enter china.

HOW TO GET TO BEIJING FROM MANILA?

HOW TO GET OUT OF BEIJING AIRPORT?

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN CHINA?

HOW TO GET AROUND BEIJING?

WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?

WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS IN BEIJING

• Good location. Near almost everything and well connected by subway. It's just 5 minutes walk to/from Zhangzizhonglu station on Line 5 of the Beijing Subway.
• Room rates are quite affordable. We got it for 2,000 pesos per night for a standard double room.
• 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and luggage storage are available.
• There are many convenience stores, groceries, eateries and restaurants, massage, located just 2-5 minutes walk from the hotel.

Beijing Chengtai Business Hotel

Other hotels in beijing.

• Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
• Jianguo Qianmen Hotel, Beijing, China
• King's Joy Hotel, Beijing, China
• Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel, Beijing
• Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
• Nostalgia Hotel Beijing
• Novotel Beijing Xinqiao, Beijing, China
• The Emperor Tiananmen Beijing

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BEJING (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)

Temple of heaven.

Palace Museum and Forbidden City

The Great Wall of China

Other options to see The Great Wall of China

• Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour
• Badaling Great Wall Helicopter Tour
• Simatai Great Wall Hike & Gubei Water Town

Lama Temple

Temple of Confucius

Tiananmen Square

Dashilar Hutongs

Qianmen Street

Jingshan Park

Beijing Olympic Park

BEIJING SAMPLE ITINERARY - 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS

Day 1: arrival + forbidden city & tiananmen square, day 2: great wall, ming tombs & beijing olympic park.

• Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Tour (pre-booked via Klook for ₱ 1,368 including lunch and transportation). Additional 70 RMB for the Badaling Cable Car.
• Join the Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Join-in Tour here !

DAY 3: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, WANGFUJING, DEPARTURE

Beijing budget trip and expenses.

• You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
• You will be staying in a hotel near a Subway Station. We booked our room at Beijing Chengtai Business Hotel for PHP 2,000 per night.
• You will be using a travel Sim Card from @travelsimph for 900 pesos.
• Your budget for breakfast is around 15 RMB for breakfast, and 25-30 RMB for lunch and dinner.
• Conversion rate used is 1 RMB = 7.41 PHP.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱ 4,000 / 2 = ₱ 2,000 per person [ BOOK A ROOM HERE ]
• The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) Ticket - ₱ 439 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• Great Wall and Ming Tombs Join-in Tour - ₱ 1,368 per person [ RESERVE A SLOT HERE ]
• Travel sim card - ₱ 900 per person

TOTAL - ₱ 4,707 PER PESON

Breakdown of expenses, total ₱ 8,004 per person.

• Round trip airfare Manila-Beijing-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

BEIJING TRAVEL BLOGS

• Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Tour
• How to get to Beijing from Shanghai?
• SHANGHAI TOWER, "The Tallest Building in China and 2nd in the World!"
• Top Things to do at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND in China

BEIJING VIDEO BLOG

You may also watch my beijing video blog below. please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my youtube channel :).

BEIJING TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

I hope this Beijing Travel Guide Blog help you plan an amazing and memorable Beijing China adventure! Xiexie!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 4 comments :.

A well informed blog. Reading your blog helped me a lot to plan my trip.

nice, how much the cost for the ticket? and all expenses?

hey mervz, thanks for sharing your trip information! much appreciated!

Very helpful blog, thank you, Keep up the good work!

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

3 Day Beijing Itinerary Beijing Travel Blog

I’ve been asked many times ‘how many days in beijing’  well, here is the perfect 3 day beijing itinerary.

A trip to Beijing is essential for any China Itinerary and this 3 Day Beijing Itinerary covers all of the highlights of Beijing.

If you are wondering how many days to spend in Beijing, I think 3 days in Beijing is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring and seeing all the sites.

Check out my post on the Most Famous Landmarks in China to find out other cool places to visit in China.

I had a great time in Beijing eating, walking around and people watching, visiting the major sites, and even doing a little shopping.

This Beijing Travel Blog will tell you where to visit, where to stay and what to eat of course!

Beijing China Itinerary Day 1

Pandas at the beijing zoo.

One of the top things on my list for Beijing after the food was to go to see the pandas at the Beijing Zoo. As I still couldn’t get access to the wifi I had to ask at the front desk how to get to the zoo.

They gave me a map and the name of the subway station- Dong Wu Yuan Station and since I had the Beijing subway app I was all set to explore for the day.

I went up to the first counter and said pandas and he pointed me over to another counter. I went over there and said pandas only again and they charged me 20 Yuan to get in. I was happy with that as I was told it was 40 Yuan.

Now I have to say it wasn’t the best idea to go to the zoo on a Saturday but I thought I was doing well getting there at 9am. I was shocked by the crowds but I had only been in Beijing for less than 24 hours and not accustomed to all the people everywhere all the time. Over 6 million people visit this zoo every year and I was the only westerner I saw while I was there.

The panda house is quite close to the entrance of the zoo so I showed my ticket and got in. Within minutes I was inside the panda house looking at my first panda chilling in his enclosure.

I spent about an hour observing the first panda as I didn’t know there were more and I had a pretty good spot to take some photos. I then realised there was a lot more to the panda house and about 8-12 pandas there in total.

I went outside to see the pandas playing there. This was by far the best way to observe them and I got some really great shots there.

Then I went to the last area which was a bit of a cross between indoor and outdoor. This was a really nice enclosure but by this time all of the pandas had already eaten and played and were just chilling and resting.

As I had been in the panda house for two hours I decided that was a good enough amount of time and decided to leave. You could really tell how much busier the zoo had gotten so I was glad to be leaving.

Read my post on visiting The Terracotta Army  in Xi’an

Summer Palace in Beijing

As I mentioned in my arriving in China post, I had a hard time connecting to the Internet and getting my VPN to work. While I was out for the morning I stopped at a cafe and connected to the wifi and realised I was quite close to the Summer Palace in Beijing. I figured I had about 6 hours until my dinner plans so why not go.

At the entrance of the Summer Palace overlooking Kunming Lake.  I took a boat to the pavilion across the lake and walked around for a few hours and saw the marble boat and the long corridor and the Great Opera Hall.

In December 1998,  UNESCO  included the Summer Palace on its  World Heritage List . It declared the Summer Palace “a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value”.

I spent a few hours here wandering around.  I really thought I would be able to find a quiet place to sit down and people watch but with 50,000 people walking around even in a place this big that wasn’t really possible for me.  I can’t imagine coming during the high season.

The 20 CYN entrance fee is very reasonable for such a large place and so much to explore.  I definitely recommend visiting the Summer Palace Beijing as its only 9 kilometres from central Beijing.

Things to do in Beijing at Night

Black sesame kitchen – a cooking experience.

I was googling Chinese cooking classes in Beijing when I came across Black sesame Kitchen. Technically not a cooking school but more of a cooking experience in a Hutong where the host tells you about the dishes and you get to eat them.

I knew I wanted to learn about the art of Chinese cooking and this experience did not disappoint – it is a bonus that its also the number 2 restaurant in Beijing out of 9,000+ restaurants!!!

When the taxi driver drops me off in front of the hotel I knew from the directions that the restaurant is down an alley way so I started to head that way but there was an ‘argument’ happening outside. I wasn’t too worried as it stopped quite quickly but it didn’t make me want to walk down the dark alley in a hurry. After five minutes I finally found the place and there were a couple of other people there.

We had a great group of people, many who were just travelling to China and others who were expats and had been several times, and our lovely host Coco Yue who always kept our wine glasses topped up.

• Pan-Fried Dumplings with Seasonal Filling 锅贴 • Three Mushroom Stir-Fry 炒三菇 • Beef with Hangzhou Peppers 杭椒牛柳 • Five-Flavored Eggplant 彩色茄子 • Red Braised Pork Belly 上海红烧肉 • Stir-Fry Kale 清炒菜心 • Kung Pao Shrimp 宫保大虾** • Wild Rice Stem with Chinese Bacon 茭白腊肉 • Chongqing Spicy Chicken 重庆辣子鸡 • Home Made Black Sesame Ice Cream with Candied Seasonal Fruit 黑芝麻冰淇淋和拔丝水果

The menu was simply fabulous. I ate more dumplings than I should have and I have to say they were so much better than I could have imagined. But hands down my favourite dish was the eggplant. If I could have fit more in I would have eaten a bowl all to myself.

And then when I didn’t think I could eat anymore Coco brought out the black sesame ice cream with candied banana AH-MAY-ZING. I had seconds. This was such a great flavour of the sesame which is quite nutty with the toffee banana.  GO. NOW. GO. HERE.

Day 2 of this Beijing Itinerary

Tiananmen square.

One of the great things about our hotel location was that it was so close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. We were just one metro stop away and since its so cheap to take the metro we hopped on it and then got to the square.

There are several monuments located here and the mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The National Museum of China is to the east of the square and Great Hall of the People to the west with the Forbidden City to the North and the  Zhengyangmen  Gate Tower to the south. It is quite a site! Its also used as a massive meeting place where people get up for the flag raising at sunrise and again at sunset.

Forbidden City

After exploring the square we heading north under the subway to the South gate of the Forbidden City. This was one of the points where I realized having a guide in China was a good idea. First because you can only enter the Forbidden City through the South gate and secondly because there were long queues and he had our tickets and we were able to go straight in. And of course he provided a lot of details and history on the place.

Constructed in 1407 you must explore the Forbidden City via the South gate and then exit through the North gate. This is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world with over 300 million visitors a year. Of that, only 18 million foreign visitors come to the Forbidden City with the rest being Chinese. Expect to see crowds!

Hutongs of Beijing

In the modern city of Beijing lies a place where you can still see the authentic old Beijing. The place is known as Shichahai Area where most local residents still live in traditional courtyard-style houses dotted along old hutongs of Beijing. People say that the real culture of Beijing is the culture of the Hutong and Courtyards. How true that is.

They attract more tourists from home and abroad than the high-rise buildings and large mansions.

Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning water well. At nine meters (about 30 feet) wide, it is the name given to a lane or small street that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).

Now they have become representatives of local culture, thus it is the first choice for people who would like to learn about the local history and culture. In the Yuan Dynasty,

Mongolians attached great importance to water, so almost every community in the city was designed around a well, which provided the daily water for the locals. Until now, one can still find dry wells in some old alleys.

We went around the hutongs by rickshaw and visited a local family in their 300-year old courtyard. And the we experienced a 20-minute rickshaw drive through the zigzag and narrow alleys or hutongs.

Day 3 Beijing China Itinerary

A day trip to the great wall of china.

The Great Wall of China spans 13,170 miles from Hushan in the east to Gansu in the west. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the whole nation, he had the different sections connected and since then, the wall served as the defensive line on the northern border, resisting the intrusion of northern nomads.

The Mutianyu section of the wall is about 3.4 miles long. This section of the wall has been fully restored to make it safer to hike along. Mutianyu is one of the prettiest sections and less crowded part of the wall and about an hour and a half drive from Beijing.

There are 23 watchtowers distributed at close intervals along the wall. We walked up through the North Entrance and then hiked up to watchtower No. 10. From there we went a ways along the wall to Watchtower No. 15 and then started to head back down towards Watchtower No. 6 where we took the toboggan down near the South Entrance.

I’m just happy that wasn’t the case however we did have one celeb there that we caught a glimpse of !?! Mark Zuckerberg was there the day we were and took the toboggan down as we got to the top. The guy working at the top was so happy to get a selfie with him!

Best Area to Stay in Beijing – for 3 days in Beijing

I can recommend the Novotel in Beijing. I thought because it was an American chain that I would not have a language barrier, boy was I wrong. I arrived at 2pm and my room wasn’t ready even though my check-in time was 12pm.

The rooms are nice, the staff are helpful but the location is prime.  I had easy access to all of the sites and places to eat.

The Chongwenmen Business Hotel is right across the street from the Novotel which is also popular and used for Gadventure tours.  Both hotels are close to the Jingfeng Railway Signal Station.

On arrival in China at the Beijing Airport I was greeted with long immigration lines and a haze throughout the airport. Once I made it through I went to get my luggage and exchange a bit of money to take the train which was RMB25 into town.

The airport express takes about 30 minutes to get to Dongzhimen station and from there I transferred to Line 2 and took the subway to the Ibis Hotel.

Fast Facts about China Travel

• The currency is the Chinese Yuan and 1USD is about 6.67 CNY • Always carry toilet paper as you will not find it in most bathrooms in China. • The internet is a pain in China and its censored. The VPN I used did not work most of the time and I do not recommend them.

More resources on China

China is one of the largest countries in the world. Given its size, the climate is extremely diverse ranging from tropical regions to a subarctic climate in the north. The type of clothing you pack depends on the season and also the intended region of travel. The Northern regions tend to have hot summers and chillingly cold winters while southern China tends to be wetter and milder.  Check out this guide to China Travel Tips .

• Drive on the Left – check out this  beautiful hotel in Yangshuo • Eternal Arrival – Allison listed the Sichuan Province  as the place to go in 2017.

Sharing is caring.  Pin for later!

Nicole LaBarge is a travel expert who has been traveling internationally for over 25 years and she has visited over 115 countries all while working a 9-5. She has lived in England, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand. Check out her detailed destination guides and travel product guides.

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10 Things To Do in Beijing, China

• February 9, 2024
• Last updated: February 8, 2024
• Asia , China , Destinations , Things to do

Home » Travel Blog » 10 Things To Do in Beijing, China

Heading to China? Read on to find out about 10 best things to do in Beijing.

Beijing city is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. The name Beijing means Northern Capital, and it intended to distinguish the town from Nanjing, which was the Southern Capital.

It is a hustling and bustling capital city, with a population of about 21,5 million people. It is the second largest city by population in the World after Shanghai. It is the nation’s cultural, educational and political center.

The Beijing Capital International Airport is the second busiest in the World since 2010. The subway system of the city is the longest and second busiest after the subway of Shanghai.

The city has a 3000 years old history. Beijing was the home of the Emperor for the last eight centuries until Chairman Mao took over control. It was the empirical capital surrounded by the massive Great Wall of China.

Today, China is still communist. However, it is capitalistic Communism. Beijing is a fascinating city with some of the most famous landmarks of the Chinese history. It has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are plenty of sites to see for a week-long visit to Beijing.

10 best Things to do in Beijing

The great wall of china.

The Great Wall is the most famous site in China, and it is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. It is a 21,196 km long wall surrounding Beijing. The wall was started to be built around the 7th century BCE. The majority of the existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (14th-17th century).

The best way to see the wall is by joining a tour or going privately. I saw the Chinese Great Wall two times, and I was always astonished by the size and length of it. Last time we visited the Badaling stretch, where we saw a few bears near the entrance, and we also took the cable car to see the wall from above.

This part of the wall is the most famous part of the Great Wall. It was a great experience to hike up and down on the hilly walls and observe the surrounding environment around us.

Tiananmen Square

Every Communist Country has a giant square in the middle of the city, where big speeches by the commander are held, and big marches take place to honor the communist leader. The square was initially built in 1651, but it was enlarged four times its original size during the leadership of Chairman Mao.

It is one of the largest squares in the World being 500 meters wide and 880 meters long. On the square, visitors can see the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

You should start your Beijing sightseeing on Tiananmen Square, as this is the center of the city.

Forbidden City

One of the main tourist attractions in Beijing is the Forbidden City. Forbidden City was the home of the Emperor between 1420 and 1912. The palace consists of 980 buildings, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

Chairman Mao’s large photo greets everyone at the entrance of the Forbidden City. Here you can see beautiful, well-decorated palaces of the Emperor and his household. Today it is the home of the Palace Museum. The Palace Museum is the most visited art museum in the World.

You can even dress up in a traditional outfit and take pictures of yourself in the palace. The palace is a fascinating place to visit. It is one of the best Beijing tourist attractions that everyone must see, who visits the Chinese capital.

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Temple of Heaven

One of the top things to do in Beijing is to visit the Temple of Heaven in the South-Eastern part of the city. Here emperors came to worship heaven in the hope of a good harvest.

It’s a beautifully decorated temple complex, which is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Beijing. The temple was named to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, and it is described as a masterpiece of landscape design and architecture.

An extensive park surrounds the temple complex, where the locals gather to play games and pass their spare time.

Tea Tasting in the Hutong Area

If you are wondering what to do in Beijing after a day of sightseeing, check out the Hutong area, where you will find many cool local shops, and you will be able to see how some Chinese people live in Beijing.

Here the locals live in small, garage-like rooms, where they usually have a shower, but no toilet. Tenants of the hutongs use the public toilets on the street. These days, the Chinese government is trying to control the population growth and started destroying the hutongs , so that people are forced to move back to the countryside.

One of the best Beijing attractions is to go tea tasting in the Hutongs. During tea tasting, I learned many interesting things about Chinese teas. We tasted white tea, oolong tea, green tea, and jasmine tea and had some Chinese snacks to accompany the tea. We learned interesting things about Chinese tea-drinking traditions and customs.

Extra tip: If you are wondering what to see in Beijing at night, head down to the Hutong area and check out its vibrant cafes and bars after sunset.

6. Visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinique and Try Acupuncture

One of the most interesting things about China is Traditional Chinese Medicine. Healing people with needles dates back thousands of years. Chairman Mao revived Traditional Chinese Medicine, and since then acupuncture has been widely used.

Today, Chinese medicine is used worldwide to treat issues that Western medicine cannot cure. Cupping is widely used by athletes to eliminate muscle pain, and acupuncture is used to reduce various pains and insomnia.

I visited a Traditional Chinese Hospital two times during my week-long visit to Bejing and enjoyed getting a foot bath and acupuncture to cure some of my health issues.

After having a heat map to detect irregularities in my body, acupuncture, and acupressure were performed to eliminate some of my problems. I ended up leaving the hospital with two bags of herbs for tea and a foot bath.

I visited a private TCM Clinic which is one of the best clinics for acupuncture in the country. You can find it at Beijing Dacheng TCM Acupuncture 2 Floor Qingqing Plaza, No. 1 Building, No 39 Yunada Road, Haidian District, Beijing email: [email protected]

Summer Palace

One of the best things to see in Beijing is the Summer Palace which dates back to 1153. It is about 15,5 km outside of Beijing.

It is very relaxing to spend time in the garden and walk around the lakes, the garden, and the palaces. I enjoyed strolling around this beautiful garden for an afternoon. It is one of the best Beijing things to do to visit the Summer Palace.

Three-quarters of the area is covered with water. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, and it was declared “a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.”

Try The Peking Duck

The Peking Duck is the most famous specialty of Beijing, and it has been prepared since the imperial era. The chef serves thinly sliced duck and crispy skin at the guests’ table.

The dish is served with small pancakes, veggies, and hoisin sauce. It is a tasty dish and a must-try when you visit Beijing. By the mid-20th century Peking Duck was a favored dish of tourists and diplomats.

The dish became the favorite of Harry Kissinger, the Secretary of State of the United States during his first visit to China in 1971. Peking Duck was also favored by Fidel Castro and Helmut Kohl.

This dish can be ordered at many restaurants around Beijing, but some of the best places to eat Peking Duck are Quanjude and Bianyfang. These traditional restaurants have been around for a century and are famous for preparing some of the best ducks in town.

Shop at the Fake Markets

One of the highlights of my Beijing travel was a visit to the fake markets. Here you can buy anything and everything you can imagine. You can buy beautiful Chinese souvenirs, porcelains, clothes, counterfeit bags, and electronics.

The market has many floors, and you can find something for everyone here at relatively low prices. The only bad thing about the market is that you have to bargain very hard.

Sometimes the prices start high, and you have to keep on bargaining until you think you reached a reasonable price. Also, the vendors will try to convince you to buy things all the time. They don’t take No for an answer, so it ‘s hard to walk away when you don’t want to buy.

Visit the Olympic Park

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008, and it is going to host the Winter Olympics in 2022. It is the only city that will host both the Winter and the Summer Olympics in history.

The Olympic Park is on the outskirts of Beijing with many futuristic buildings and modern stadiums. The Beijing National Stadium was constructed for the game. It is also called the bird’s nest, and it can host 91,000 people.

It was the site of the opening and the ending ceremony for the games. Here you can also visit the Beijing National Aquatics Center. Here you can take a photo with the Olympic mascots and walk around and explore some of the coolest architectural creations. It is one of the best Beijing points of interest.

Beijing is a great city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. You will surely enjoy this diverse, fun city, whether you come here for cultural exposure, history, healing or shopping. Make sure to spend more than just a few days in the Chinese capital to be able to visit all the famous sites above to get a proper Beijing experience.

Barbara Wagner

• Published: February 9, 2024

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1 thought on “10 things to do in beijing, china”.

I was just in Beijing and have never seen such a crowd in a subway. It. Was. An. Experience !!

Great read and pics, Barbara!

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Visiting Beijing in Winter – a complete guide

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

When we were doing our round the world trip we knew we had to do a stopover in Beijing so we could go and hike the Great Wall of China. But our itinerary meant that we would be visiting Beijing in winter. In this guide we round up everything from Beijing Winter weather and pollution, what to pack and the perfect Beijing in winter itinerary.

Table of Contents

Why You Should & Tips for Visiting Beijing in Winter

So when we were planning our trip to Beijing we had no choice other than visiting Beijing in Winter. We had some concerns visiting Beijing in January and there were definitely some advantages and some disadvantages to visiting Beijing in Winter 

Why You Should Visit Beijing in Winter 

• Beijing and the Beijing tourist attractions are notoriously busy places. Visiting Beijing in the Winter means you are likely (Outside of any public holidays) to find the main tourist attractions in Beijing far less busy than during Peak times. 
• Beijing Winter weather tends to be dry (there is very little rain in Beijing during Winter. 

Disadvantages to Visiting Beijing in Winter 

• It is cold! Very cold! See the next section for a break down of Beijing winter weather by month but if you pack correctly this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. 
• There are some big public holidays during the Beijing Winter Months such as New Years Day and Chinese New Year. So while Winter tends to be far less busy these holidays can be some of the busiest days of the year travel wise. As long as you avoid these days you should be find. 
• The pollution – this was the number one disadvantage for us travelling to Beijing in Winter. Pollution in Beijing during Winter is far worse than in summer.  We used the Air Visual App  every day while we were there. While we got good weather and air quality on the day we went to the Great Wall the other days we were in Beijing the Air Pollution was over 400 (the seriously dangerous to health level) especially in the morning s which definitely impacted our itinerary. 

Tips for Visiting Beijing in winter 

• Always book tickets in advance – even in the off season Beijing tourist attractions can get very busy
• Download the Air Visual app to check the pollution levels each day. We have tips for travelling to Beijing with air pollution here but if you suffer from breathing conditions be sure to speak to your doctor before travel.
• Stay in a hotel with great indoor facilities and access to an indoor mall in case you get awful pollution. We stayed at and would thoroughly recommend staying at the Grand Hyatt Beijing as this has the best indoor pool I have ever seen, fantastic service and access to an indoor mall which meant we still had things to do when the pollution was too high to go outside.

Beijing Winter Weather 

There is no two ways about it Beijing Winter Weather is cold – Very cold! But I would not let this deter you from visiting Beijing in the winter. While the winters are cold, the good news is that winter is a largely dry season in Beijing. Here is a brief overview of the Beijing winter weather by month to help you pick when you want to travel 

Beijing weather November

November is really the month when Winter starts to hit in Beijing. Beijing weather November tends to be cold and there is a chance that snow may start to fall. The average high in Beijing in November is around 10 degrees and lows of 0. The good news is that you will rarely see rain if you travel to Beijing in November 

Beijing weather December 

In December the temperatures in Beijing really start to drop. The average high is  only four degrees while the temperature can drop to -6. However you usually don’t see any rain in the month of December but there is a chance that you may get snow and that snow tends to stick around because of the low temperatures. 

Beijing weather January

Beijing is typically coldest in January. Having travelled to Beijing in January I can attest to it being bitter with temperatures between 0 and -8.  We were quite lucky with out Beijing weather in January as we had one particular clear and sunny day where temperatures reached 3 degrees however all other days were well below zero. 

Beijing weather February   

After the cold of January the weather Beijing weather February starts to warm up with temperatures going above 0 but many days will still be below. 

What to wear in Beijing In Winter – A Beijing Winter Packing List 

If you are worried about what to wear in Beijing in Winter don’t worry as our Beijing Winter Packing List will make sure you are covered with everything you need to survive a winter trip to Beijing. 

This for me is the number one tip for surviving Winter in Beijing. I recommend getting up and out early to see many of the sights especially if you want to visit the Great Wall of China we recommend getting an early start if so you will definitely need thermals as the morning temperatures are cold.

Shoes with a good sole! 

If you are up and out early you may encounter some slippery streets so be sure to have good soles on your shoes unless you fancy going skating.

We also advise packing proper Hiking Boots for when you are are on the Great Wall of China in Winter as even on the restored sections there are on uneven surfaces which would be better to walk on with hiking boots especially if you are travelling in Beijing in Winter when icy weather will also add to the terrain. 

We also recommend taking a children’s carrier back pack if travelling with babies or toddlers on the Great Wall! we walked for several kilometres on our trip and even though my little one is a great hiker even she sat in the toddler back pack  carrier for a bit.

Best Things to do in Beijing in Winter 

Walking the great wall of china .

Our number one reason for visiting Beijing was to go walking on the Great Wall of China! There are of sections of the Great Wall you can visit:

• Badaling 
• Jinshaling 
• Simatai 

If you are visiting in Winter and worried about weather then I would recommend considering Badaling or Mutianyu. Out of the two we decided to go to the Mutianyu section and were very happy with our decision. Both these are about the same distance from Beijing but Mutianyu section is not as busy as Badaling and is well restored that even means in snowy or icy weather the wall is accessible. 

Visiting the Great Wall of China in Winter means you are much more likely to have a more pleasant and less crowded experience than during peak season. We went on New Years Eve and had concerns about the business (we’ve all seen those photos of the wall crowded with people) but during our half day hike we only saw a hand full of people. 

Also the Wall looks absolutely beautiful in the snow – maybe even better than in sunshine which is an added bonus.

We used Great Wall Hiking for our trip and throughly recommend. 

But you can find other options on Get Your Guide  here! 

Forbidden City 

Again, the Forbidden City is one of the most tourist attractions you can visiting anywhere in the world not just Beijing! In Winter you will find the crowds and the queues much shorter than in Winter. 

I would recommend booking your tickets in advance even when travelling in the off season to make sure you don’t have to queue for so long.

You can find ticket and tour options here!

Tiananmen Square 

Close to the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square – the site of the famous protest! This places again can get very crowded but in Winter it is less so.

Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival

This festival is actually about a two hour drive north of Beijing and is one I would recommend for those that have slightly longer in the city than the free tourist visa allows! While not as big as the famous Harbin Ice Festival in China the Longqing Gorge Festival is still worth a visit for those visiting in Beijing in Winter. This is an absolute winter wonderland and a must for any Beijing bucket list.

If you aren’t hiring a car on your visit to Beijing – we didn’t and we were really pleased with our decision you can take an organised tour there.

Try Traditional Chinese Cuisine 

Traditional Chinese Winter Cuisine is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Beijing day! The most famous Winter dish is a Chinese hot pot but if you would like to sample a greater variety of cuisines why not take a food tour.

You can book your Beijing Food tour here! 

If you are wondering what to do in Beijing at Night why not consider watching a traditional Chinese theatre show – a great way to escape the cold nights.

Depending on your tastes you could see: 

• a Kung Fu Show 
• an Acrobatic Show 
• The Beijing Opera

Click the links above to check prices and book (advance booking is essential) 

Skiing in Beijing in Winter 

Again north of the city there are a plethora of ski resorts that are easily accessible from the city! The easiest to reach are in Miyun County and located near the Longqing Lantern Festival and the Badaling Section of the great wall. If skiing is your thing and you have a few days in Beijing for Winter then this should be added to your Beijing Winter itinerary.

Beijing Hot Springs 

Another great winter activity in Beijing is to visit Hot Springs! There are several hot springs resorts located in the skiing district so this can be combined in the same trip.

Visiting Beijing in Winter Itinerary 

Day One of our Beijing Winter Itinerary 

Day One of your Beijing Winter Itinerary is dedicated to  visiting the Great Wall! Our favourite section is the Mutianyu section and we recommend a half day or full day to  this activity.

Advance booking is essential and we recommend taking a private guided tour to make the most of your day

Evening – Book a table and have dinner at Made in China at the Grand Hyatt Beijing – by far our favourite meal we had in Beijing especially the Peking Duck. 

Day Two 

Today is all about exploring the central area of Beijing. Get up and out early and start your day at the Forbidden City! Again I recommend booking your ticket in advance or getting a guide to do a walking tour to find out more about the history of the city. You can find more tour and ticket options here. 

Once you have spent a long day at the Forbidden City head to Tiananmen Square. 

And then pick up a food tour in the evening to sample some traditional authentic Chinese cuisine .  

Day Three 

Today is all about shopping and exploring the city.

For those travelling with children or who are interested in seeing pandas should head to the zoo!

A perfect way to explore the Hutongs and the zoo is taking this guided tour! 

Evening – Book yourself a ticket to see why of the many Chinese theatre shows.

Day 4 – 5 

These days are for those visiting China on more than the free stopover visa! If you have more time and want more winter activities the next two days combine skiing, the lantern festival and the hot springs resorts.

Have you visited Beijing in Winter? What did you do and what advice do you have?

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What to do in Beijing, China | 2023 Guide

Beijing,  the capital of China, is often compared (and contrasted) to its great rival, Shanghai, the glitzy and glamorous metropolis and the country’s biggest city and a global financial hub. But the two couldn’t be more different.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Beijing prides itself on thousand-year-old history, and Shanghai is often labeled as a glittering tribute to modernity and the Western lifestyle. Both are interesting cities that in a way complement each other, offering you an opportunity to see the various sides of Chinese past, present, and future.

But if you only have time to visit one or the other, choose Beijing.  It’s a fascinating city with a vibrant mix of traditional Chinese culture and modern-day luxuries that in and of itself will shock and inspire the everyday traveler.

There are endless things to do in Beijing. It’s home to centuries-old traditions, numerous historical monuments, bustling city streets, traditional cuisine, and great nightlife. And we know what you’re thinking: Beijing is notorious for its poor air quality – why should I visit?

Well, here’s the rub: the red-alert pollution levels that the city has been experiencing over the past couple of years have  paved the way for environmentally responsible businesses to sprout up all over the city!  Plus, there are definitely ways for you to experience the Beijing attractions in a responsible way.

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

Best Time To Visit Beijing

Unlike many other cities around the world that offer a unique travel experience any time of the year, Beijing isn’t very welcoming for the majority of the year. There are four distinct seasons in Beijing: windy spring, long, hot summer, cool autumn, and long, cold winter.

You don’t want to find yourself in Beijing in the winter,  which goes from early November to late March. It is bone-chilling, cold, windy, and incredibly unpleasant.

Don’t be fooled by the warm summers  (from early June to late August); the weather is very hot and rainy, and the smog makes the experience of visiting Beijing tourist attractions during this time of the year just as unpleasant as visiting in the heart of winter.

Without a doubt, the  best time for Beijing sightseeing is in the fall  (September to early October) when the weather is reasonable (about 20-25°C) and rainfall is limited. Spring (April-May) can be another alternative.

For more info on the weather in Beijing throughout the year, check out “ Best Times to Visit Beijing ” by  US News Travel.

Things To Do In Beijing

You won’t have to wonder long about what to do in Beijing. The city has a plethora of sights and Beijing attractions to explore during your visit. Having served as the capital of China for more than 800 years, Beijing is home to some of the most important historical and cultural remains in the country.

Hike The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China ,  one of the most famous monuments in the world, is, of course, one of the must-see Beijing tourist attractions. You can visit different sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy a completely different experience at each one.

We spent a day hiking in the Mutianyu Section and loved our visit. This section of the wall has been restored and is well set up for visitors, but it wasn’t nearly as crowded and busy as we expected. The scenery was beautiful, and the hike was very manageable.

If you are looking to check out some unrestored sections  or want to get an idea of what options are available, consider reading up on   The Best 10 Sections/Parts of the Great Wall to Visit  before you go.

Visit Tiananmen Square

Inside the city, the most important landmark is   Tiananmen Square  in Dongcheng District. Named after the original gate of the Forbidden City, or the ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’, it is the world’s largest public square that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Comparable to the likes of Times Square in New York and Red Square in Moscow, Tiananmen Square can accommodate upwards of a million people and is surrounded by important landmarks like the  Great Hall of the People , the  Museum of Chinese History,  the  Museum of the Chinese Revolution , the  Qianmen Gate , and the  Forbidden City .

See The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City ,  (also known as the  Palace Museum ), which housed 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is the best-preserved imperial palace in China and is one of the most important Beijing attractions to add to your itinerary. This massive complex sits on the northern edge of  Tiananmen Square  at the epicenter of Beijing.

Plan ahead for your visit to the Forbidden City, especially if you are in Beijing in the summer, during the busiest tourist season.  Tickets to the Forbidden City are limited to just (!) 80,000 per day , a limit that’s frequently surpassed in the summer.

You can pre-book your tickets in advance on a local website (your hotel/hostel will be able to help) or arrive before 9am to ensure that you grab a ticket first thing in the morning.

Extra Tips: What to Do in Beijing

If you’re wondering what some of the best things to do in Beijing when you need a break from the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of options.

Aside from the Palace Museum, there are more than 100 other museums in Beijing, although most are not visited by tourists. Among them are the  National Museum  in Dongcheng District, the  Military Museum  (in Haidian District), the  Capital Museum  in Xicheng District, and the  China Aviation Museum  located in the Beijing/Northern Suburbs.

Green Spaces

Locals and visitors alike also love to spend time visiting Beijing’s parks and green areas. The locals escape to these green oases not only to relax but also for sports, dancing, singing, and general recreation. If you are looking to spot an authentic  Tai Chi  be sure to visit one of these parks in the early hours of the day.

The Summer Palace  located just 15 km from central Beijing, is said to be the best-preserved imperial garden in the world, but there are other parks also scattered around Beijing. Some of the best are  Zhongshan Park  in Xicheng District,  Beihai Park  (Former Imperial Garden) in Xicheng District,  Chaoyang Park  in Chaoyang District, and  Ritan Park  in Chaoyang District.

Temple of Heaven complex, located in the southeastern part of central Beijing is another great nature escape. While the main Beijing tourist attraction here is the Taoist temple, the area around the temple grounds covers 2.73 km² of parkland.

Beijing Olympic Park  was originally built to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and has since become a recreation center for the public to enjoy. Covering 1,159 hectares, Olympic Park encompasses a central area, the  Olympic Forest Park  to the north, and the stadium to the south. The park is also home to fantastic modern sculptures like the  Bird’s Nest  and the  Water Cube.

To break away from the bustling tourist crowds in the popular spots, consider visiting one of Beijing’s beautiful, peaceful temples. After the Temple of Heaven, the  Lama Temple  is Beijing’s second most famous temple. Still, an active monastery, the Lama Temple welcomes visitors to find a spot of peace in the busy city.

Nestled in Beijing’s western hills, the  Tanzhe Temple  dates back over 1,600 years to the Jin dynasty. Wander the beautiful halls and gardens, which are home to the famous Dragon Lake and ancient, massive ginkgo trees said to be over 1,000 years old. 

Conveniently located near the Pingguoyuan Subway Station in western Beijing, the  Fahai Temple  is a wonderful place to see ancient art. During the Ming Dynasty, the temple’s artisans painted beautiful murals that have been wonderfully preserved. These murals showcase the history, culture, and art traditions of the Ming Dynasty.

But Beijing is not all about the historical sights and thousand-year-old landmarks. There is another side to the city, which is modern, vibrant, and full of interesting things to discover.

Beijing is a great place for shopping. From  street markets to small boutiques and high-end shopping malls, there is something here for everyone.

Wangfujing Shopping Street  is just a short walk from Tiananmen Square and has a wide variety of stores. From bookstores large department stores, and authentic snack shops, there is plenty in this area to see. 

Another shopping area close to Tiananmen Square is  Qianmen Street , which is lined with modern shops housed in historic buildings with traditional Chinese architecture. This area is especially beautiful at nighttime. 

For a luxury shopping experience, head to the  Silk Market  located on East Xiushui Street. Located just a short subway ride from The Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square, this street is full of shops specializing in items made with silk, jewelry, and jade ornaments.

Beijing is full of art, and if it’s contemporary and street art that interests you, the 798 Art District is a must-see while you’re in Beijing. Housed in a former factory complex, this art district is home to studios, avant-garde galleries, and an inventive culinary arts scene. There are also lots of shops offering vintage vinyl, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese accessories like silk scarves, parasols, and fans. 

If you are looking for  other cool things to do in Beijing , take time to check out  Time Out’s Checklist  of    Best Things To Do in Beijing  and see how many of these quirky Beijing must-dos you can cross off the list during your visit.

READ NEXT: Best Things to do in China

Getting Around Beijing

One of the best ways to experience Beijing tourist attractions is to explore the city on a  guided walking tour . There are different tours available, some that focus on The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, others that visit temples, and even nighttime and river cruise tours through the city.

If you want to see even more of the city but want to skip out on taxis or hop-on-hop-off buses, rent a bike!  Beijing is the world’s original city of bikes, so it’s easy to find train stations offering hourly rentals.  If you’re really into ecotourism and cycling, check out Bamboo Bicycles Beijing – it’s a DIY bike shop where you can learn more about bamboo bicycles, rent one, or BUILD ONE for yourself!

How cool, right? Not necessarily the easiest souvenir to carry home with you, but it will be one of a kind and totally environmentally friendly!

Where To Stay In Beijing

Deciding on where to stay in Beijing can be tough as a lot of the city’s attractions are spread out.  Staying in the city center (Dongcheng suburb) definitely helps,  and we think  the east side of the center is a bit easier than the west side  if you want to be in close proximity to sights, shopping, and entertainment options.

Where To Stay In Beijing: Luxury

It’s easy to find amazing luxury hotels in Beijing that won’t cost an arm and a leg. During our trip, we stayed at the   Fairmont Beijing ,  located in the heart of Beijing’s central business district and within easy access to Wangfujing Street and the Forbidden City.

The hotel offered the utmost hospitality and was a perfect introduction to the confusing world of Beijing. Plus, their state-of-the-art purifying air service,  “Blueair Zone” , installed in every bedroom, helped us escape Beijing’s horrific smog and stay well throughout our visit. Oh, and their breakfast spread was by far the best we’ve had in our time in Beijing!

Where To Stay In Beijing: Budget

If you are looking for a more affordable option, we highly recommend staying at one of Beijing’s many hostels. Hostels in Beijing are not the usual stuffy dorm rooms, they offer beautiful clean and well-stocked private rooms that beat many hotel rooms, so don’t let them turn you off. Our favorite was the locally owned   Happy Dragon Alley Hotel , located near Dongsi Subway station in Dongcheng.

Where To Stay In Beijing: Sustainable

If you’re trying to choose an accommodation that minimizes your environmental impact during your trip to Beijing – there are options for all budgets! Here are some of our favorites:

The Opposite House : This hotel is in the heart of the city and offers bamboo bicycles to all of their guests to sightsee with! The hotel was constructed with repurposed material, was designed to rely on natural light, and is completely paperless!

Brickyard : This accommodation is a restored tile factory-turned hotel. It’s located in a beautiful village near the Great Wall and aims to provide guests with a luxurious stay without negatively affecting the local environment or community. Everything about this hotel – from its construction to the food served in its restaurant – is eco-friendly!

Airbnb is an excellent option for those looking for a more local experience in Beijing. With over 300 accommodation options to choose from, you are bound to find a home you love for your stay in China’s capital. Private rooms start at just $10/night, and you can easily find a nicely decorated apartment in the heart of the city for just $30/night.

Where To Eat & Drink In Beijing

Chinese food in Beijing is nothing like the Chinese food you might’ve tried back home. Here, you’ll find restaurants that specialize in cuisine from all over China, from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangzhou, Tibet, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and more.

These are some of the   Most Popular Beijing Dishes You Should Try  while in Beijing, along with the best restaurants that serve these delicious finds. Don’t miss an opportunity to sample  Beijing’s famous Peking Duck  during your culinary adventures.

For brunch, head to one of these   Beijing’s Best Brunch Places  that offer everything from delicious hangover meals to indulgent weekend splurges.

If you’re looking for a sustainable/green/eco-friendly restaurant  to try in Beijing,  here are a few of the most popular options . But truly, there are so many of them popping up all over the city that a quick Google search will reveal new options all the time!

Another tip to make your Beijing trip more environmentally friendly is to take your own cutlery or chopsticks with you.

For a unique food experience, you can sign up for an  organized  food tour.  It’s not only a great chance to taste authentic homemade cuisine, but the tours also support the local community.

For something a bit quirky, why not check out one of  Beijing’s cat cafes?  The locals love them, and if you can successfully locate any of   these cat cafes  in the tiny hutongs, you’ll probably be the one foreigner in the house.

For   Beijing’s best street food  follow this beginner’s guide to the quintessential street food dishes of the capital and be sure to try  Jianbing or Baozi , Beijing’s most famous breakfast food, and  Roujiamo , Slow-cooked pork belly sandwich.

If partying is on your list of things to do in Beijing, then be prepared to be overwhelmed! From amazing international-standard bars to cocktail lounges, clubs, plays, ballets, and live music, the city has it all. But as  Lauren Johnson  points out in her article on  USA Today , once the party really gets started, the group always ends up at one of  these amazing clubs .

For a different kind of drink, don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of the   Best Teahouses in Beijing , but be careful not to become a victim of the   Beijing Teahouse Scam .

How Much Time Do You Need in Beijing

The majority of visitors stay in Beijing for 3-5 days, just enough time to cover most of the Beijing attractions and venture out to the Great Wall. Tour companies suggest that 3 days should be the minimum, but  we managed to linger for over 10 days  and never got tired of this vibrant city!

Here are a few itineraries to help you figure out the best things to do in Beijing and plan your stay in China’s capital:

• Beijing In Three (Long) Days
• Three Days in Beijing
• 4-Day Grand Beijing Travel
• 7-day self-guided travel itinerary to Beijing

Have You Ever Been To China’s Capital? Can You Suggest Other Things To Do In Beijing? Tell Us Your Favorite Places To Visit In Beijing!

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

4 thoughts on “what to do in beijing, china | 2023 guide”.

Absolutely fantastic posting!! Good Compilation of details about Beijing China…Appreciative Work

Awesome article, very informative! I’ve placed a link for it on my website to provide my readers with the best information possible, I hope you don’t mind. Check it out here:

https://angelinaroundtheworld.com/7-things-to-do-in-beijing/

Love, Angelina DiGiovanni

Interesting blog, it reminds me Beijing, at the Ming Tombs, Emperor Yongle selected his burial site and created his own mausoleum here, named the Changling Tomb

Many thanks for this very good city guide of things to do in Beijing. Beijing is a fantastic city, that I can highly recommend to visit. The best way to visit the landmarks and to discover the atmosphere is a 1 week visit. Perhaps is our navigation system for the Beijing metro useful as well when visiting this city.

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Thursday 26 December 2013

8 days in beijing - day 1.

7 comments:

hi, I happen to visit your blog while searching for what to wear. I'll be heading to Beijing in December and was wondering if a wool sweater + a fleece outer coat will be enough for me to survive? i have pretty good cold tolerance but this will be my first winter experience. thanks in advance!

Hi, You should be fine cos' Beijing is not windy. But if you feel cold, just buy some winter wear there, it's cheaper and more trendy there than in Singapore. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi! Did you experience any flight delays to and fro? Thank you!

Nope, I was very lucky.

Hi Susan i was hoping to read your next day tour in beijing. Im going there this coming january.

Hi! This is my link for my 8th day in Beijing, all the links from day 2 to 7 are inside too. http://susanwong.blogspot.sg/2014/02/8-days-in-beijing-day-8.html Thank you very much for reading my blog. Do drop a comment again if you have any questions, will try my best to anser.

This time your vacation trip in Beijing for 8 days was very pleasant. Thank you for sharing your vacation experiences and knowledge. theapartmentsubud.com

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It’s another Singapore Travel blog – Escapes from the Little Red Dot

About the author

My name is Yeo Zi Yi . I come from a tiny city named Singapore, known to some as the Little Red Dot. I have been living here since birth thus I often get the urge to escape from this dot from time to time. Getting away from the stress and the sea of people to see the world brings me great pleasure.

When I graduated in 2005, I took a 20ish days trip with a Contiki tour to Central Europe and bringing out wander-lust in me. Since then, I have been travelling at a minimum of 2 times a year if I can afford it. I travel usually with my wife, whom shares the same interest and we aspire to travel the world. We have been to many places but as we reminisce now, memories of some visits have started to become foggy. And so I started this blog to jot down interesting events that have happened. Hopefully this would be able to bring us back to the time when we were there, when we revisit these pages.

Why write another Singapore Travel Blog?

I wrote this blog as detailed as possible in order to remember the little interesting info and experiences that I picked up during my travel. Each page represented a day of the trip (if it was worth a page) and it might be a little confusing. If lost, always start back at Home and then to the Past Escapes pages.

I have included the itineraries that we have done for the trip and were trips from Singapore. Hopefully this would become not only a blog for me to ramble on but also a blog with itineraries for like minded travellers to refer to when planning for their travel.

Just like life itself, the itineraries started to change from being a couple only travel (BC – Before Child) to being more family friendly/oriented (AD – As Dad) post 2014. The trip also evolved and became more inclusive of our son’s interest as he grows up. Therefore, those without kids might find post 2014 lacking, shallow and even boring.

Last but not least…

Read if you enjoy, and comments are always welcomed! Have fun exploring! Follow me on Instagram @madyeomad for pictures. Reach out to me, while planning for that trip, by dropping a comment or email and I will try to help as much as I can remember!

©Escapes from the Little Red Dot – A Singapore Travel Blog

6 thoughts on “ Home ”

Hello! We’d like to sponsor your post! Do you have a contact email we can reach at? tks!

You can reach me at [email protected] Not sure what you meant by sponsor though

Greetings from Singapore from a fellow traveller! 🙂 Stumbled to your website while researching on our upcoming Switzerland trip (Been there 10 years ago…revisit thus need planning again.. 🙂

We have added your blog to our list of Singapore Best Travel Blogs! http://discoverbooktravel.blogspot.com/p/singapore-best-travel-blogs.html

Have fun travelling!

Tommy Discover . Book . Travel

Thanks for dropping by and also placing my ramblings under your list of blogs! Hope you find something useful during this visit and enjoy your travels!

Just dropping by to inform that we have moved to a new domain @ https://discoverbooktravel.com .

Your listing @ Our Singapore Best Travel Blogs has also been moved to https://discoverbooktravel.com/singapore-best-travel-blogs/

Thank you for your continued support! 🙂

Beautiful webpage! Thanks for the notice.

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