China-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or airport bus to your hotel
  • Check-in: Check into your hotel and take some time to rest after the long flight

Afternoon

  • The Great Wall of China: Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most well-preserved and less crowded sections ( tickets: 45 CNY / $6.50 USD)
    • Take a guided tour or walk on your own
    • Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
  • Traditional Chinese Dinner: Try some traditional Beijing cuisine at a local restaurant, such as Peking roast duck

Evening

  • Night Market: Visit the Wangfujing Night Market for a taste of modern China’s shopping and street food scene
    • Browse the stalls selling everything from knockoff designer goods to souvenirs
    • Try some street food, like roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn on the cob

Day 1 Tips

  • Weather: Beijing can be very hot in summer and chilly in winter; pack accordingly
  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., "" / hello, "" / thank you)
  • Currency: The Chinese yuan (CNY) is the local currency; exchange your money at a bank or currency exchange center

Day 2: Beijing

Morning

  • Forbidden City: Visit the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, one of China’s most famous landmarks ( tickets: 60 CNY / $9 USD)
    • Explore the vast complex of temples, gardens, and courtyards
    • Learn about the history of the royal family and their reigns
  • Tiananmen Square: Visit the iconic square where Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)

Afternoon

  • Temple of Heaven: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of temples used for imperial ceremonies during the Ming and Qing dynasties
    • Watch locals practicing tai chi or other traditional exercises
    • Try some egg-rolling or kites-flying activities

Evening

  • Peking Opera: Attend a performance at the Liyuan Theatre, where you can see this unique form of Chinese theater ( tickets: around 100 CNY / $15 USD)
    • Enjoy the colorful costumes and elaborate makeup
    • Learn about the history and significance of Peking opera

Day 2 Tips

  • Crowds: The Forbidden City is extremely crowded; consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the throngs
  • Security: Be prepared for security checks at both the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
  • Shopping: Haggling over prices is expected when shopping at markets like Wangfujing

Day 3: Xian

Morning

  • High-Speed Train: Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an ( tickets: around 1,000 CNY / $150 USD)
    • Enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and mountains
    • Try some local snacks on board, like steamed buns or roasted chestnuts

Afternoon

  • Terracotta Army: Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors Museum ( tickets: 120 CNY / $18 USD)
    • Marvel at the thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots
    • Learn about the history and significance of this incredible archaeological site

Evening

  • Xi’an City Wall: Walk or bike along the ancient city walls, which date back to the Ming dynasty ( tickets: around 50 CNY / $7.50 USD)
    • Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside
    • Try some street food at a local restaurant near the wall

Day 3 Tips

  • Visa: If you’re not already in China, make sure to apply for an L-Visa ( tourist visa) before arriving
  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Mandarin phrases for your trip to Xian
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft at popular tourist destinations like the Terracotta Army

Other

  • Travel Documents: Make sure to bring your valid passport and any required visas (e.g., L-Visa)
  • Health Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, or delays
  • Culture: Be respectful of local customs and traditions; for example, try not to point with your feet or make loud noises in temples or mosques

Travel Information

  • Best Time to Visit: China is best visited during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons
  • Getting Around: Public transportation is convenient and affordable, but you may also consider hiring a taxi or using ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing
  • Food: Try some local cuisine at restaurants or street stalls; popular dishes include Kung Pao chicken, stir-fried noodles, and hot pot