Beijing, China-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Imperial Beijing

  • Morning: Start the day at the iconic Tiananmen Square (9am-5pm), a large public square in the heart of Beijing. Take a stroll around the perimeter and admire the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Forbidden City (8:30am-5pm), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spend at least 3-4 hours exploring the vast complex.
  • Evening: Head to the trendy Qianmen Street, a historic shopping street turned nightlife hub. Grab dinner at Din Tai Fung, a popular Taiwanese restaurant with excellent xiaolongbao.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Grand Hyatt Beijing, a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Transportation: Take the subway (Line 1) from Tiananmen Square to Qianmen Street, or hop on the airport bus from the nearby airport.
  • Tips:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the Forbidden City.
    • Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor activities.
    • Try some traditional Chinese snacks at street vendors around Qianmen Street.

Day 2: Cultural Delights

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven (6am-5pm), a Taoist temple complex that was once used for royal sacrifices. Explore the beautiful gardens and temples.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Panjiayuan Antique Market, a sprawling market featuring ancient Chinese art, antiques, and souvenirs. Haggling is encouraged!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck, a renowned restaurant serving Beijing’s signature dish.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the same hotel, Grand Hyatt Beijing, or explore other options in the area.
  • Transportation: Take the subway (Line 5) from the Temple of Heaven to Panjiayuan Market.
  • Things to know:
    • The Temple of Heaven is a sacred site; dress modestly and follow rules for visiting the temple complex.
    • Haggling at markets can be intense – set a budget before you start!

Day 3: Modern Beijing

  • Morning: Visit the National Aquatics Center (8am-6pm), also known as the “Water Cube,” a striking example of modern architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Sanlitun Embassy Quarter, a nightlife and shopping hub featuring international brands, restaurants, and bars. Try some Western cuisine at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a popular restaurant serving traditional Chinese dishes.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the same hotel, Grand Hyatt Beijing, or explore other options in the area.
  • Transportation: Take the subway (Line 10) from the National Aquatics Center to Sanlitun Embassy Quarter.
  • Tips:
    • Try some street food at the nearby markets for a quick snack.
    • Explore the trendy boutiques and art galleries around Sanlitun.

Other Recommendations

  • Try traditional Chinese tea: Visit the Hongqiao Market or Xidan Shopping Street for a vast selection of teas and teapots.
  • Visit the Beijing Zoo: Home to giant pandas, red pandas, and other exotic animals. Take the subway (Line 4) from Tiananmen Square.
  • Take a stroll along the Great Wall: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Beijing. Visit Badaling Great Wall or Mutianyu Great Wall.

Travel Tips

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Bring a translation app to help with communication.
  • Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
  • Weather: Beijing has four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly for your visit.
  • Health: Visit a doctor before traveling and take necessary vaccinations.

Remember to stay safe, be respectful of local customs, and enjoy your time exploring this incredible city!