Beijing, China-5-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Beijing, China

Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and take a taxi or metro (Line 2, 24-minute ride) to your hotel. Check-in to a comfortable hotel such as:
- Grand Hyatt Beijing
- The Peninsula Beijing
Afternoon: Visit the Forbidden City ( tickets: RMB 60, open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), the largest imperial palace in China. Explore the vast complex of courtyards, temples, and halls.
Evening: Enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine at:
- Donglaishun (near Forbidden City), try their famous roast duck
- Jia Jia Tang Bao (in the heart of Tiananmen Square), indulge in delicious steamed buns

Morning: Take a day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall (tickets: RMB 45, open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). You can take an organized tour or public bus from Beijing. Explore the ancient watchtowers and enjoy stunning views.
Afternoon: Visit the Ming Tombs (tickets: RMB 50, open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring elaborate mausoleums of Chinese emperors.
Evening: Savor local street food at:
- Li Qun Roast Duck (in the Xidan shopping district), enjoy authentic roast duck
- Ma Li’s Jiao Zi** (near Tiananmen Square), try delicious jiao zi (pan-fried dumplings)

Morning: Explore the Temple of Heaven (tickets: RMB 35, open from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM), a Taoist temple where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Afternoon: Wander through the charming hutong alleys in the Shichahai neighborhood. Visit:
- Prince Gong’s Mansion (tickets: RMB 20, open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM), a well-preserved Qing dynasty mansion
Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
- Quanjude Roast Duck** (in the Wangfujing shopping district), try their signature roast duck dish
- Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (near Temple of Heaven), indulge in mouth-watering roast duck

Morning: Visit the Summer Palace (tickets: RMB 35, open from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM), a beautiful imperial park featuring temples, gardens, and lakes.
Afternoon: Explore the Olympic Park (free admission) in Chaoyang District. Take a stroll along the Olympic Waterfront, visit the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), and enjoy the surrounding shops and restaurants.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
- Meixianguo (near Summer Palace), try their Sichuan cuisine
- Da Wei Restaurant** (in the Olympic Park area), indulge in spicy Sichuan hot pot

Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square, a massive public square featuring iconic landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the National Museum.
Afternoon: Explore the Beijing Zoo (tickets: RMB 30, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), home to giant pandas, golden monkeys, and other endangered species. Don’t miss the nearby Ditan Park (free admission).
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at:
- Xiaolongbao** (in the Xidan shopping district), try their famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
- Jialei Restaurant (near Tiananmen Square), indulge in delicious Peking roast duck

Metro: Beijing has a comprehensive metro system with 24 lines. Download the WeChat app and use the “Ditu” function to navigate.
Taxi: Use official taxi apps like Didi Chuxing or take a traditional red cab.
Public Bus: Convenient for shorter trips, but not always easy to use for tourists.

Language: Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "" (nǐ hǎo) for “hello” and "" (xiè xiè) for “thank you.”
Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Weather: Beijing’s climate can be extreme. Pack accordingly, with layers for spring and autumn.

Health and Safety: Drink plenty of water and avoid eating from street vendors that may not be properly hygienic.
Respect Local Customs: Remove shoes before entering temples or homes, as a sign of respect.
Cultural Events: Check local newspapers and event calendars for festivals and events happening during your visit.

Enjoy your time in Beijing!