Day 1: Ancient Wonders and Imperial Grandeur
Morning: Start your Beijing journey at the magnificent Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and the symbolic heart of modern China. From there, walk directly into the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex that housed emperors for over 500 years. Give yourself at least two hours to wander its sprawling courtyards, ornate halls, and museum exhibits. Don’t miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden at the north end.
Afternoon: Exit the Forbidden City’s north gate and head toward Jingshan Park, located right across the street. A short but steep climb to the top of the hill rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the Beijing skyline.
After a break, explore the surrounding Hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. Dive into the local rhythm of Nanluoguxiang, a popular hutong with a mix of boutique shops, snack stalls, and hidden tea houses. It’s touristy, yes, but still atmospheric and great for your first introduction to old Beijing.
Evening: In the evening, stay in the hutong area for dinner, then stroll over to the serene Houhai Lake area. It’s lovely at night with softly lit bridges and lively bars dotted around the lake. You can walk, people-watch, or sit down with a drink and unwind from a culture-rich day.
Save Tip: Book directly through the official website of Forbidden City to avoid third-party mark-ups plus download free audio guide apps.
Splurge Tip: Book a guided tour of the Forbidden City with skip-the-line access and expert commentary—it’s a huge site with deep historical layers that really come to life with the right guide.
Day 2: Great Wall
Morning: Today is dedicated to one of the world’s most legendary landmarks: the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is a favorite for many—it’s well-preserved, less crowded than Badaling, and offers stunning mountain scenery. It’s about 1.5–2 hours from the city by car.
You can hike up or take the cable car, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can ride the toboggan slide back down! Spend a few hours exploring the wall, climbing its watchtowers, and taking in the scenery that stretches for miles.
Afternoon: After your hike, enjoy a local-style lunch near the wall, then head back to the city in the early afternoon. Depending on your energy level, take a break or explore the 798 Art District, a converted factory area that’s now a hub for contemporary Chinese art and culture. You’ll find galleries, installations, quirky shops, and cafés in a vibrant creative setting.
Evening: In the evening, unwind with a traditional Peking opera show or go for a more modern spin by catching an acrobatic performance. Alternatively, a relaxed evening walk through the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube beautifully lit up could be just the right pace.
Save Tip:
Skip organized bus tours to the Great Wall and hire a driver or use public transport—it’s more flexible and often cheaper, especially if you’re in a group.
Splurge Tip:
Treat yourself to an evening at the Liyuan Theatre, one of the city’s most famous venues for authentic Peking Opera performances. Some tickets even include a behind-the-scenes peek at how the performers apply their makeup—a rare and fascinating experience!
Day 3: Temples and Pandas
Morning: Begin your day at the peaceful Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Come early and you’ll see locals doing tai chi, dancing, and playing traditional instruments in the park around the temple—a true slice of Beijing life.
Next, head to the Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. While the zoo itself is fairly standard, the panda house is the real draw—come in the morning when they’re most active.
Afternoon: From there, make your way to the Summer Palace, a sprawling lakeside retreat once reserved for royalty. You could easily spend the whole afternoon here wandering through Longevity Hill, crossing the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and strolling along the Long Corridor with its painted beams.
You can also take a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake for a refreshing break with fantastic views.
Evening: For dinner, explore the streets around Qianmen. This area has a mix of old Beijing charm and newer shopping developments. In the evening, walk down the lively Dashilan Street, a historic commercial lane full of lights, local snacks, and traditional crafts.
Save Tip: Skip the zoo entrance fee by heading to the Panda House only, or view pandas at the Beijing Aquarium, which often includes bundled tickets.
Splurge Tip: Take a private boat ride across Kunming Lake for beautiful views and a romantic end to your palace visit.
Day 4: Tombs, Markets and Modern Beijing
Morning: Spend your final day exploring the Ming Tombs, located about an hour north of the city. These imperial burial sites are nestled at the foot of Tianshou Mountain and include Changling, the grandest of the tombs, and Dingling, which allows visitors to go underground.
On your way back, stop at the Sacred Way, a tranquil, statue-lined path once used in imperial funeral processions. It’s scenic, peaceful, and a nice contrast to Beijing’s bustle.
Afternoon: Back in the city, head to Panjiayuan Market, a treasure trove for antiques, souvenirs, and quirky finds. Whether you’re hunting for Mao memorabilia, vintage postcards, or traditional Chinese art, this flea market is full of surprises.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, finish your shopping at Wangfujing, Beijing’s famous pedestrian shopping street. While parts of it are glitzy and modern, the snack street offers a wild range of street food that’s a feast for the senses (and your camera).
Evening: Spend your final night taking it easy with a walk down Chang’an Avenue or, if you’ve still got energy, go for one last visit to the Olympic Park or check out the CBD skyline for that ultra-modern contrast to the ancient city you’ve explored.
Save Tip: Skip overpriced souvenir shops in tourist zones—Panjiayuan Market has more unique finds at better prices if you’re willing to haggle a little.
Splurge Tip: Book a private evening city tour that drives you past the city’s most beautiful nightscapes, like the Olympic stadiums and illuminated landmarks—great for photos and effortless sightseeing.
Download the Alipay app and connect your credit card so you can use it practically pay for anything. The app can also be used to hail cabs (DiDi Travel) and also useful features like translation.