How-to & Go-to Guides of All Things Around China.
Beijing, China’s capital, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient imperial history and ultramodern innovation. With over 3,000 years of history, this megacity offers an incredible array of experiences—from walking in the footsteps of emperors in the Forbidden City to marveling at the futuristic skyline of the CBD.
This 5-day Beijing travel guide will take you through the essential highlights, cultural experiences, and hidden gems that make this city unforgettable. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, or architecture enthusiast, this itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences.
Day 1: Imperial Beijing – Walk in the Footsteps of Emperors
Morning: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
Start your Beijing adventure at Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), the world’s largest public square. Arrive early (7:30 AM) to avoid crowds and witness the flag-raising ceremony if you’re lucky.
Tiananmen Square with the National Museum of China and Monument to the People’s Heroes
From Tiananmen Square, enter the Forbidden City (紫禁城), China’s imperial palace for over 500 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 980 buildings spread across 72 hectares.
Pro Tips for the Forbidden City:
- Book tickets online in advance via the official website (English available)
- Rent an audio guide (¥40) or join an English tour for historical context
- Don’t miss: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden
Afternoon: Jingshan Park
After exploring the Forbidden City, walk north to Jingshan Park (景山公园). Climb the Wanchun Pavilion for the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops—a photographer’s dream!
Stunning panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park
Evening: Wangfujing Street
Head to Wangfujing Street (王府井大街) for dinner and shopping. This famous pedestrian street offers everything from traditional snacks at the Donghuamen Night Market to international brands.
Dinner Recommendation: Try Peking Duck at Quanjude (全聚德), the most famous restaurant for this Beijing specialty since 1864.
Day 2: Temples & Gardens – Serenity in the City
Morning: Temple of Heaven
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven (天坛), a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex was where emperors prayed for good harvests.
The stunning Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven
Highlights:
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (the iconic circular building)
- Echo Wall (whisper secrets and hear them echo)
- Circular Mound Altar (where emperors held ceremonies)
Afternoon: Summer Palace
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace (颐和园), another UNESCO site and the largest imperial garden in China. This “Garden of Gardens” features beautiful lakes, bridges, and pavilions.
The iconic Seventeen-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace
Don’t Miss:
- Longevity Hill (climb for views of Kunming Lake)
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge (most photographed spot)
- Marble Boat (a unique stone pavilion on the lake)
Evening: Houhai Lake
For a relaxing evening, stroll around Houhai Lake (后海) and its surrounding hutongs (traditional alleyways). This area is popular with both locals and tourists for its bars, cafes, and lakeside views.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure – Walk on China’s Greatest Icon
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China—one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While there are several sections near Beijing, we recommend Mutianyu for its beautiful scenery and manageable crowds.
The magnificent Great Wall at Mutianyu, with its distinctive watchtowers
How to Get There:
- Bus: Take bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou North Avenue, then transfer to bus H23 or H24 to Mutianyu
- Tour: Join a guided tour (includes transportation and entrance fees)
- Private car: Hire a taxi or private car (most convenient but more expensive)
Tips for Mutianyu Great Wall:
- Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds
- Take the cable car up (¥140 round trip) and walk down for the best experience
- Allow 3-4 hours for exploring
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water/snacks
Evening: Return to Beijing
After your Great Wall adventure, return to Beijing and relax at a local restaurant. Try hot pot (火锅), a popular Beijing dish perfect for replenishing energy after a day of walking.
Day 4: Modern Beijing & Hutong Exploration
Morning: 798 Art District
Start your day at the 798 Art District (798 艺术区), Beijing’s premier contemporary art neighborhood. Housed in converted 1950s factories, this area features galleries, studios, cafes, and boutiques.
Highlights:
- Ullens Center for Contemporary Art
- Pace Beijing gallery
- Unique street art and sculptures
- Designer shops and cafes
Afternoon: Hutong Tour – Explore Traditional Beijing
In the afternoon, dive into Beijing’s traditional side with a hutong tour. These narrow alleyways are lined with siheyuan (traditional courtyard homes) and offer a glimpse into old Beijing life.
Recommended Hutong Areas:
- Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷): Popular with tourists, lined with shops and cafes
- Shichahai: More authentic, with fewer tourists and traditional courtyard homes
- Dashilan (大栅栏): Historic commercial street with traditional shops
Experience: Take a rickshaw tour (¥100-200 per hour) to explore the hutongs in style and learn about local life from your driver.
Evening: Qianmen Street
End your day at Qianmen Street (前门大街), a historic commercial street with traditional architecture and modern shops. Try local snacks like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and tanghulu (candied hawthorns).
Day 5: Cultural Experiences & Shopping
Morning: Lama Temple
Begin your final day at the Lama Temple (雍和宫), one of Beijing’s most important Buddhist temples and the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.
Beautifully decorated prayer halls at the Lama Temple
Highlights:
- Hall of the Heavenly Kings
- Hall of Harmony and Peace (houses a 18m tall Buddha statue)
- Incense burning area (follow local customs when offering incense)
Afternoon: Panjiayuan Market
For unique souvenirs, visit Panjiayuan Market (潘家园旧货市场), Beijing’s largest flea market. This is the perfect place to find antiques, traditional Chinese arts and crafts, and other unique items.
Shopping Tips:
- Bargain! Start at 30-50% of the asking price
- Look for: Chinese calligraphy, paintings, jade, porcelain, and silk
- Be cautious with “antiques”—many are reproductions
Alternative Shopping: Silk Street Market
If you prefer a more organized shopping experience, visit Silk Street Market (秀水街), a modern mall offering silk products, clothing, electronics, and more. English is widely spoken here.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your Beijing adventure with a farewell dinner featuring Peking Duck, Beijing’s most famous dish. For an authentic experience, try Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭店), known for its innovative take on this classic dish.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Beijing
Transportation
- Subway: The Beijing Subway is efficient and affordable (¥3-10 per ride). Download the “Metro Beijing” app for maps and route planning.
- Taxis: Readily available but make sure the driver uses the meter.
- Didi: China’s version of Uber—convenient but requires a Chinese phone number.
Language
- Download translation apps like Google Translate (works offline) or Baidu Translate
- Learn basic phrases: “ni hao” (hello), “xie xie” (thank you), “duo shao qian” (how much)
Weather & Clothing
- Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit
- Summer (June-August) is hot and humid
- Winter (December-February) is cold and dry
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential
Etiquette
- Remove shoes when entering temples or someone’s home
- Queue properly (jumping queues is considered rude)
- Ask permission before taking photos of people
Conclusion
Beijing is a city that captivates with its contrasts—ancient palaces standing alongside modern skyscrapers, traditional hutongs neighboring contemporary art districts, and world-famous landmarks waiting to be explored.
This 5-day itinerary has taken you through the essential highlights of Beijing, but there’s always more to discover. Whether you’re marveling at the Great Wall, exploring ancient temples, or sampling delicious street food, Beijing offers an unforgettable travel experience.
Ready to start planning your Beijing adventure? Visit gotochina.guide for more travel guides, cultural insights, and practical tips for your trip to China!
