Beijing, China-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Dongsi Jiacang, a restaurant serving authentic Beijing-style dishes. Try their jiaozi (dumplings) and zhajiangmian (noodles).
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Be prepared for large crowds, but it’s an absolute must-see.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Jin Mao Yi Jiu, a nearby restaurant serving delicious Beijing roast duck and other local specialties.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Be sure to visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Quanjude, a famous restaurant serving traditional Beijing roast duck.
  • Accommodation: Stay at The Peninsula Beijing, a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Temple of Heaven and Zhongshan Park

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Beijing.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore Zhongshan Park, one of the largest parks in Beijing. Take a stroll, rent a boat, or simply enjoy the scenery.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Hutong Restaurant, which serves traditional Beijing cuisine and offers stunning views of the surrounding hutongs (narrow alleys).
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of China, which features a vast collection of Chinese art, artifacts, and historical relics.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Din Tai Fung, a popular restaurant serving Taiwanese cuisine.
  • Tips: Be sure to try some traditional Beijing snacks, such as jiaozi (dumplings) or zhajiangmian (noodles), from street vendors.

Day 3: Summer Palace and Olympic Park

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest royal gardens in China. Take a stroll, rent a boat, or enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Xiang Yang Restaurant, which serves traditional Beijing cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Olympic Park, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Take a walk along the water feature, visit the Olympic Tower, or simply enjoy the scenery.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the China National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, which serves traditional Beijing cuisine.

Day 4: Great Wall and Ming Tombs

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. Choose a section to visit, such as Badaling or Mutianyu.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Great Wall Restaurant, which serves traditional Chinese cuisine and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 Ming dynasty emperors. Take a stroll, visit the tomb, or simply enjoy the scenery.
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Beijing and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Hutongs and Local Markets

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Hutong Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys).
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Panjiayuan Antique Market, a large market selling everything from antiques to souvenirs.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Jin Mao Yi Jiu, which serves traditional Beijing cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Zhengyici Courtyard, a beautifully restored courtyard that showcases traditional Chinese architecture and culture.

Day 6: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell lunch at The Peninsula Beijing’s Lobby Lounge, which serves delicious international cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Depart for the airport and head home.

Getting Around:

  • Subway: The subway system is efficient, clean, and relatively easy to navigate. Buy a prepaid card or use your phone to pay.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but be sure to use licensed taxis with meters.
  • Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing (the Chinese version of Uber) is widely available.

Tips:

  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Mandarin phrases, such as hello (nǐ hǎo), thank you (xiè xiè), and excuse me (duì bù qǐ).
  • Weather: Beijing can be very hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Pack accordingly.
  • Respect Local Customs:

Important Phone Numbers:

  • Police: 110
  • Fire Department: 119
  • Ambulance: 120

Other Essentials:

  • Power Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and D power sockets (230V).
  • Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the official currency.
  • ATM’s: ATMs are widely available, but be sure to use a reputable bank.

Enjoy your trip to Beijing!