Day 1: Imperial Beijing — Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Start your Beijing trip at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Then enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate. Book tickets online at least 3 days in advance — same-day tickets often sell out. Allow 3–4 hours to explore the 900+ buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch: Head to Wangfujing Snack Street for a quick bite. Try Beijing yogurt and chuan'r (lamb skewers).
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Visit Jingshan Park for the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City from above. Then walk to the National Museum of China to trace 5,000 years of Chinese history.
Evening: Indulge in Peking duck at a famous restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong. The crispy skin and thin pancakes are a Beijing institution.
Day 2: The Great Wall & Summer Palace
Morning (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Full-day trip to the Great Wall of China. Choose the Mutianyu section for a less crowded experience with stunning views. Take the cable car up and — for a thrill — ride the toboggan down. Allow a full half-day.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM): On your way back, stop at the Summer Palace — a vast imperial garden with Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor. Late afternoon is the best time for sunset photos over the lake.
Evening: Explore Houhai Lake area — a lively mix of bars, restaurants, and traditional hutong alleyways. Take a rickshaw ride through the lanes.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Departure
Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Visit the Temple of Heaven early in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing traditional instruments in the park. The temple itself is a masterpiece of Ming architecture.
Late Morning (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Explore Nanluoguxiang Hutong — the most famous alleyway in Beijing. Browse boutique shops, visit a traditional courtyard house, and try local snacks.
Lunch: Try zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean paste) at a local hutong restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the 798 Art District for contemporary art, street murals, and unique souvenirs. Then head to the airport. The Airport Express train reaches PEK in 30 minutes from Dongzhimen station. For a complete overview of Beijing, visit our Beijing travel guide page. If you are continuing to other cities, our high-speed rail guide covers the best routes.
Beijing Travel Tips
- Download DiDi (China's Uber) for easy transport
- Use the Beijing Subway — it is cheap, fast, and covers all major attractions
- Carry your passport at all times — many attractions require ID
- Book popular restaurants in advance (Peking duck places get busy)