Beijing, a city where ancient imperial splendor meets the dynamic pulse of a modern metropolis, invites travelers to visit Beijing and immerse themselves in its timeless allure.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, the duration of your visit will shape how deeply you explore its iconic landmarks—from the majestic Forbidden City to the futuristic skyline of Chaoyang District—and how fully you experience its rich cultural tapestry.
This guide will provide detailed insights into planning the perfect Beijing trip to help you make the most of your time.
Recommended Duration for Visiting Beijing: 3-5 Days
A stay of 3-5 days is ideal for experiencing Beijing’s rich history and culture without feeling rushed. Adjustments can be made based on personal interests and schedules.
For a more relaxed or personalized experience, consider hiring a local guide who can optimize routes, arrange transportation, and ensure comfortable accommodations.
3-Day Quick Itinerary: A Taste of Beijing’s Highlights
Perfect for travelers with limited time, this itinerary covers key attractions efficiently.
Day 1: History and Culture
- Morning: Tiananmen Square (watch the flag-raising ceremony) → The Palace Museum (book tickets in advance)
- Afternoon: Jingshan Park (overlook the Forbidden City) → Nanluoguxiang (experience Hutong culture)
- Evening: Wangfujing Snack Street (try Zhajiangmian, Douzhi, and other local delicacies)
Day 2: Royal Gardens and Modern Landmarks
- Morning: Summer Palace (stroll around Kunming Lake, admire the Long Corridor murals)
- Afternoon: Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) → Bird’s Nest/Olympic Green (night views)
Day 3: The Great Wall and Free Time
- Full Day: Badaling Great Wall (“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”)
- Evening: Return to the city, enjoy shopping or experience an old Beijing teahouse
5-Day Comprehensive Itinerary: Covering Classic Sites
Ideal for first-time visitors, this itinerary balances historical exploration with modern experiences.
Day 1: Tiananmen and The Forbidden City
- Morning: Tiananmen Square → Chairman Mao Memorial Hall → National Museum (reserve tickets in advance)
- Afternoon: The Palace Museum (explore the central axis and Treasure Gallery)
- Evening: Shichahai cycling + Siheyuan dinner
Day 2: The Great Wall and Olympic Landmarks
- Full Day: Badaling Great Wall (cable car up, hike down) → Evening visit to Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
Day 3: Royal Gardens and Academic Culture
- Morning: Summer Palace (boat ride on Kunming Lake) → Yuanmingyuan Ruins
- Afternoon: Tsinghua University/Peking University (photo spots) → Temple of Heaven (Echo Wall experience)
Day 4: Hutongs and Art Districts
- Morning: 798 Art District (photography spots)
- Afternoon: Yonghegong Lama Temple → Prince Gong’s Mansion (experience Qing Dynasty noble life)
Day 5: Free Exploration and Departure
- Recommended Activities: Universal Studios Beijing (ideal for families) or Qianmen Dashilan (buy souvenirs)
7-Day In-Depth Experience: Hidden Gems and Cultural Immersion
For those with ample time, explore lesser-known aspects of Beijing.
Day 1-2: Follow the 5-day itinerary but allow extra time for photos and relaxation.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs
- Morning: Badaling Great Wall
- Afternoon: Ming Tombs (visit Dingling or Changling to learn about Ming Dynasty royal culture)
Day 4: Nature and Museums
- Morning: Beihai Park (boat ride, admire peonies) → National Museum of China (in-depth visit)
- Afternoon: Fragrant Hills Park (autumn foliage) or Tanzhe Temple (one of Beijing’s oldest temples)
Day 5: Art and Culinary Journey
- Morning: National Art Museum of China (free exhibitions) → Sanlitun Bar Street (nightlife experience)
- Afternoon: Niujie (taste Hui cuisine, such as Niu Jie Mosque)
Day 6: Exploring Lesser-Known Attractions
- Recommendations: Jingshan Park (panoramic views from Wanchun Pavilion), White Pagoda Temple (Tibetan-style pagoda), Panjiayuan Antique Market (antique hunting and cultural immersion)
Day 7: Final Preparations Before Departure
- Free Time: Shopping (SKP, Yintai Department Store) or experience a Beijing Hutong homestay
Popular Beijing Attractions
- The Forbidden City: The largest ancient palace complex in the world, home to over 1.8 million artifacts.
- Badaling Great Wall: The most well-preserved section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, known for its majestic views.
- Summer Palace: The largest existing imperial garden in China, featuring Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
- Temple of Heaven: A sacred site where emperors prayed for good harvests, with impressive structures like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
- Ming Tombs: A burial ground for 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, showcasing traditional Chinese feng shui principles.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Whether staying for 3 days or 7, it’s recommended to choose hotels near the city center and close to subway stations for convenience:
- Zhong’an Hotel: Highly rated for value, located just 5-10 minutes from Beijing Railway Station and metro lines.
- Beijing Yasmin Four Seasons Park Apartment: Well-equipped apartments in prime locations, offering amenities like indoor pools and fitness centers at affordable rates.
- Beijing Wangfujing Serviced Apartments: Conveniently situated near Wangfujing Street, these apartments feature independent kitchens and communal areas with billiards tables.
- Yi Ting Zhen She Hotel: Steps away from Qianmen, providing easy access to major landmarks with quality accommodation at reasonable prices.
- Furun Jingyuan: Near Chaoyangmen transit hub, offering business travelers a convenient transportation network.
Best Time to Visit Beijing
Beijing is a year-round destination, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are generally considered the best times due to pleasant weather. However, the optimal timing depends on your travel goals. For example, visiting during late February to early May offers the chance to see cherry blossoms.
We particularly recommend traveling during shoulder seasons (March-April and September-October). These periods offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, ensuring a more enjoyable experience without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Recommended Reading：When is the best time to visit Beijing?
Practical Tips for Traveling in Beijing
- Transportation: Use the subway (download the “Yikatong” app) for efficient travel between attractions; taxis or private cars can save time.
- Tickets: Book tickets in advance for popular sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to avoid long queues.
- Seasonal Considerations: Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather; summer requires sun protection, while winter demands warm clothing.
- Cuisine: Don’t miss Peking Duck (Quanjude), Zhajiangmian, and Lurou Huoshao.
- Language: Learn basic phrases like “Qing,” “Nǐ hǎo,” “Xièxiè,” and “Duìbùqǐ.” Locals appreciate efforts to communicate in their language.
Beijing is a city worth exploring, offering a blend of ancient history and modern allure. Whether you have 3 days or more, there’s plenty to discover. Start planning your trip now and immerse yourself in the charm of this thousand-year-old capital!
