Beijing-6-day-itinerary

Beijing Itinerary (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Beijing

  • Morning: Arrive in Beijing.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties. The complex consists of over 980 buildings, including halls, palaces, temples, theaters, and gardens.

    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the Forbidden City.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (9 am - 5 pm, April to October; 8 am - 4 pm, November to March).

  • Evening: Head to Wangfujing Street for shopping and dinner. This street is known for its high-end department stores and restaurants.

    • Recommended restaurant: Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, a well-known place for trying Beijing’s signature dish.
      • Address: 3 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District

  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in the Wangfujing area. Some recommended hotels include:

    • Waldorf Astoria Beijing: A luxurious hotel with excellent service and facilities.
    • The Peninsula Beijing: A high-end hotel with modern amenities and a prime location.

Day 2: Explore the Ancient Temples

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction in Beijing. This temple was used by emperors to pray for good harvests.

    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the temple complex.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (6 am - 5 pm, April to October; 6 am - 4 pm, November to March).

  • Afternoon: Visit the Lama Temple, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Beijing. This temple is famous for its beautiful gardens and Buddha sculptures.

    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the temple complex.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (9 am - 5 pm, April to October; 8 am - 4 pm, November to March).

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Beijing restaurant. Some recommended restaurants include:

    • Donglaishun Restaurant: A local favorite for trying traditional Beijing cuisine.
      • Address: 35 Dongzhimennei Hutong, Dongcheng District

  • Transportation: Take subway line 5 to the Tianqiao Station and then take bus 108 or taxi to the Temple of Heaven. For the Lama Temple, take subway line 2 to the Anleng Street Station.

Day 3: Great Wall Adventure

  • Morning: Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded section of the wall located about an hour and a half away from Beijing’s city center.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day hiking on the wall.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (8 am - 5 pm, April to October; 7 am - 4 pm, November to March).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Simatai Great Wall, a less crowded section of the wall located about an hour and a half away from Beijing’s city center.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day hiking on the wall.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (8 am - 5 pm, April to October; 7 am - 4 pm, November to March).
  • Evening: Return to Beijing and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 4: Summer Palace

  • Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s most famous attractions. This palace is known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and temples.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the complex.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (6 am - 5 pm, April to October; 6 am - 4 pm, November to March).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Olympic Stadium, a must-visit attraction for sports fans. This stadium was built for the Beijing Olympics and offers guided tours.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the stadium complex.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (9 am - 5 pm, April to October; 8 am - 4 pm, November to March).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 5: Hutong Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Houhai Lake, a historic lake located in Beijing’s city center. This lake offers a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the area around the lake.
    • Tips:
      • Take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the scenery.
      • Try some traditional Beijing snacks from street vendors.

Day 6: Last Minute Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. This square is surrounded by famous landmarks, including the Forbidden City and the Museum of Chinese History.
    • Recommended time: Spend at least half a day exploring the area around the square.
    • Tips:
      • Buy tickets in advance to skip the line.
      • Plan your visit according to the opening hours (8 am - 5 pm, April to October; 7 am - 4 pm, November to March).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Peking Roast Duck Restaurant, a famous restaurant that serves Beijing’s signature dish.