Beijing 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Take the airport express train (40 minutes, ¥25) or a taxi (50-60 minutes, ¥100-150) to your hotel
• Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and take some time to rest
  • Recommended hotels:
    • Budget: 7 Days Inn Wangfujing (starts at $30/night)
    • Mid-range: Novotel Beijing Wangfujing (starts at $80/night)
    • Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing (starts at $300/night)
• Evening: Explore the surrounding area and try some local street food
  • Recommended street food: Jia Jia Tang Bao (try their steamed buns, starts at ¥10)

Day 2: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

• Morning: Visit the Forbidden City ( tickets start at ¥60, open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM)
  • Explore the vast complex of imperial palaces and courtyards
  • Recommended spot: The Meridian Gate (Wu Men) for stunning views of the square
• Afternoon: Walk around Tiananmen Square (free admission)
  • Visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong ( tickets start at ¥20, open from 8 AM to 5 PM)
  • See the National Museum of China ( tickets start at ¥10, open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM)
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peking roast duck dinner
  • Recommended restaurant: Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (starts at ¥180 per person)

Day 3: The Great Wall

• Morning: Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall (tickets start at ¥45, open from 7 AM to 5 PM)
  • Explore the scenic and less crowded sections of the wall
  • Recommended spot: The watchtower with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains
• Afternoon: Return to Beijing and visit the Ming Tombs ( tickets start at ¥30, open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM)
  • See the Chang Ling Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Di
• Evening: Try some local snacks and drinks in the Wangfujing area
  • Recommended spot: The Wangfujing Snack Street (starts at ¥10 per snack)

Day 4: Temple of Heaven

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven ( tickets start at ¥20, open from 6 AM to 7 PM)
  • Explore the beautiful gardens and walkways
  • Recommended spot: The Imperial Vault of Heaven for stunning views of the surrounding area
• Afternoon: Visit the nearby Yonghe Palace (tickets start at ¥25, open from 9 AM to 5 PM)
  • See the impressive palace complex and its stunning architecture
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony
  • Recommended spot: The Tea House of Beijing (starts at ¥50 per person)

Day 5: Hutongs

• Morning: Explore the narrow alleys and courtyards of Beijing’s hutongs
  • Take a guided tour or wander on your own to discover hidden gems
  • Recommended spot: The Nanluoguxiang Street for its stunning architecture and local culture
• Afternoon: Visit the nearby Panjiayuan Antique Market (tickets start at ¥10, open from 9 AM to 5 PM)
  • Browse the stalls selling everything from ancient artifacts to modern souvenirs
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the hutong area
  • Recommended restaurant: The Hutong Restaurant (starts at ¥100 per person)

Day 6-7: Shopping and Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any areas you missed earlier
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight

Tips and Essentials

• Weather: Beijing’s weather can be hot in summer and cold in winter. Pack accordingly.
• Transportation: Use taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation like buses and metro lines to get around.
• Language: Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Learn basic phrases to communicate with locals.
• Currency: The Chinese yuan (CNY) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Other Tips

• Respect for culture and traditions: Dress modestly when visiting temples or government buildings.
• Food safety: Avoid eating from street vendors that may not have proper food safety standards.
• Scams: Be cautious of scammers targeting tourists, especially in crowded areas like Tiananmen Square.

Have a wonderful trip to Beijing!