Day 1: Arrival & Wangfujing Street
Start your Beijing adventure with a stroll through Wangfujing Street, one of the most famous shopping streets in China. Try local snacks like tanghulu (candied fruit skewers) and explore the Wangfujing Snack Street.
Accommodation: Stay near Wangfujing or Qianmen for easy access to major attractions.
Day 2: Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Spend the entire day exploring the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Book tickets online in advance (¥60 in peak season).
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Must-see: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, Treasure Gallery
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds
In the evening, visit Tiananmen Square to see the flag-lowering ceremony.
Day 3: The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Take a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded than Badaling and beautifully restored.
- Transportation: Take bus 916 from Dongzhimen or join a tour (¥150-200)
- Cable Car: ¥140 round trip (recommended)
- Entrance Fee: ¥45
- Best Time: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October)
Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace
Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests. Watch locals practicing tai chi and playing traditional games.
Afternoon at the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden with Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
- Summer Palace Entry: ¥30 (peak season)
- Don't miss: Long Corridor, Marble Boat, Tower of Buddhist Incense
Day 5: Hutongs & Nanluoguxiang
Explore Beijing's traditional Hutongs (narrow alleys) by rickshaw. Visit a local family's courtyard home.
Afternoon in Nanluoguxiang, a trendy area with boutique shops, cafes, and bars set in restored hutongs.
Day 6: 798 Art District & Sanlitun
Morning at 798 Art District, Beijing's contemporary art hub housed in a former military factory complex.
Evening in Sanlitun for shopping at Taikoo Li and experiencing Beijing's nightlife.
Day 7: Lama Temple & Departure
Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), Beijing's most important Tibetan Buddhist temple (¥25).
Last-minute shopping at Panjiayuan Antique Market (weekend only) or Silk Market.
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Metro: Clean, efficient, with English signs. Download "Beijing Subway" app.
- Didi (Chinese Uber): Available and affordable
- Taxis: Make sure driver uses meter
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and clear skies.
Budget (per day, excluding accommodation)
- Budget traveler: ¥200-300
- Mid-range: ¥400-600
- Luxury: ¥800+
Useful Apps
- WeChat Pay / Alipay (payment)
- Didi (ride-hailing)
- Baidu Maps or Apple Maps
- Pleco (translation)