Beijing

Beijing, a blend of the past and present. Walk the ancient alleyways called ‘hutongs’, explore the massive Forbidden City, and take a deep breath atop the Great Wall. For dinner? Peking duck, crisp and juicy, is a dish that needs no introduction.

Chapters

Beijing Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Great Wall of China
• Forbidden City
• Temple of Heaven
• Summer Palace
• Peking duck

Lowlights:

• Smog
• Crowded tourist spots
• Language barrier


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Beijing Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start your day at Yuanlong Silk Market, where you can find a wide range of silk products and other souvenirs to take back home.
  • Walk to the nearby Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about the ancient Chinese rituals that took place there.
  • Take a short stroll to Qingfeng Steamed Dumplings Shop for a traditional Beijing breakfast of hot and juicy dumplings filled with pork or vegetables.

Midday

  • Head to the 798 Art District, a former industrial area transformed into a trendy art zone, where you can browse contemporary art galleries, cafes, and shops.
  • Stop for lunch at Duck de Chine, a restaurant famous for its succulent Peking Duck, roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Summer Palace, a lavish imperial garden with stunning pavilions, bridges, and lakes. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake and enjoy the serene scenery.
  • Next, explore the Nanluoguxiang Alleyways, a charming old neighborhood filled with quirky shops, cozy cafes, and traditional courtyard houses.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot, where you can cook your own meat, seafood, and vegetables in a bubbling pot of spicy or mild broth.
  • Head to The Local, a popular bar with a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.
  • End your day at Sanlitun SOHO, a modern shopping and entertainment complex where you can catch a movie or enjoy some late-night shopping.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at Jianbing Guozi food cart in Donghuamen Night Market, known for its savory crepes filled with egg, crispy wontons, and scallions.
  • Walk through the magnificent Forbidden City, China’s imperial palace for nearly 500 years, and explore its stunning architecture and cultural history.
  • Admire the beauty of the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors once prayed for good harvests and now serves as a peaceful park for locals to exercise and socialize.

Midday

  • Savor a Peking duck feast at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, one of the most famous and authentic places to try this iconic dish.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant artsy atmosphere of the 798 Art Zone, a former industrial complex turned into a trendy hub of contemporary art galleries, cafes, and shops.

Afternoon

  • Stroll along the Shichahai Lake area, a picturesque neighborhood of traditional courtyard houses, narrow alleys, and lively bars and restaurants.
  • Visit the Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, and marvel at its intricate architecture, ornate decorations, and peaceful ambiance.

Evening

  • Indulge in some delicious Chinese street food at the bustling Wangfujing Snack Street, where you can try everything from scorpions and silkworms to dumplings and baozi.
  • Sip on a craft beer or a creative cocktail at Great Leap Brewing #45, a cozy and trendy brewery that offers a wide range of local and international brews.
  • Experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at China Cha Dao Tea Ceremony, a serene and elegant tea house that showcases China’s rich tea culture and history.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yuanlong Silk Road Restaurant, a charming and authentic eatery that serves delicious Xinjiang-style cuisine.
  • Take a scenic hike along the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and least-crowded sections of the wall, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Explore the Summer Palace, a vast and serene imperial garden that features a beautiful lake, pavilions, temples, and bridges.

Midday

  • Taste some spicy Sichuan-style noodles at Haidilao Hot Pot, a famous chain restaurant that offers a fun and interactive dining experience with its self-service hot pot and entertaining staff.
  • Visit the Nanluoguxiang area, a trendy and hipster neighborhood of narrow alleys, boutique shops, and trendy cafes and bars.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gems of the 798 Art District, a lesser-known but equally charming and creative area of art studios, galleries, and cafes.
  • Relax at the Beihai Park, a tranquil and scenic park that features a large lake, a hill with panoramic views, and a variety of pavilions and gardens.

Evening

  • Savor some Beijing-style street food at Gulou Night Market, a lively and colorful market that offers a wide range of local snacks and delicacies.
  • Enjoy some live music or stand-up comedy at Dada Bar, a popular and hip underground venue that hosts a diverse mix of local and international artists.
  • Experience a traditional Chinese acrobatics show at the Chaoyang Theatre, a world-renowned venue that showcases the agility, skill, and grace of Chinese acrobats.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Savor a traditional Beijing breakfast at Yuanlongxiang.
  • Explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take a stroll along the picturesque Jingshan Park for scenic views of the city.

Midday

  • Taste the famous Beijing Roast Duck at Quanjude.
  • Visit the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist temple with stunning architecture and cultural significance.

Afternoon

  • Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of Beijing’s Hutongs to experience the local way of life.
  • Visit the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple with intricate decor and peaceful atmosphere.

Evening

Day 2

Morning

  • Enjoy a healthy breakfast at TRB Hutong, an elegant courtyard restaurant.
  • Marvel at the spectacular architecture of the Summer Palace, a magnificent royal garden with a serene lake.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on the Kunming Lake.

Midday

  • Sample some authentic Beijing street food at Guijie Street.
  • Visit the 798 Art Zone, an art district with unique galleries and exhibitions.

Afternoon

Evening

Day 3

Morning

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Bao Yuan Dumpling Restaurant, famous for its mouth-watering dumplings.
  • Discover the history of the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, at Mutianyu.
  • Take a thrilling toboggan ride down the Great Wall.

Midday

  • Savor some delicious noodles at Nanluoguxiang, a charming street with trendy boutiques and cafes.
  • Visit the Prince Gong’s Mansion, a well-preserved ancient mansion with beautiful gardens.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Beijing Zoo, home to giant pandas and other rare animals.
  • Take a stroll along the Shichahai Lake, a picturesque lake with quaint cafes and bars.

Evening

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 2

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 3

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 4

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Day 5

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yuanmingyuan Park Cafe, followed by a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll around the picturesque gardens and admire the beautiful architecture.
  • Head over to the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, for a look at one of the iconic landmarks of Beijing.
  • Explore the 798 Art Zone, a vibrant and creative district filled with art galleries, museums, cafes and boutique shops.

Midday

  • Enjoy some authentic Beijing cuisine at Donglaishun Restaurant. Don’t forget to try the famous Beijing-style hot pot!.
  • Visit the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely walk through the Hutongs, the narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses, to experience the local way of life.
  • Visit the Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas and other rare animals.

Evening

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Zarah and then visit the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world with over 8,000 rooms.
  • Visit the Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the city skyline.
  • Head over to Beihai Park and enjoy a peaceful walk around the beautiful lake and gardens.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Experience the traditional Chinese culture at Lama Temple, the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.
  • Visit the Beijing Capital Museum to learn about the history and culture of Beijing.

Evening

  • Head to the Gulou district, a bustling area with traditional shops and cafes, for dinner at Duck de Chine Restaurant, known for its Peking duck.
  • Enjoy a night stroll along Qianmen Street, a pedestrian shopping street filled with specialty shops and snack vendors.
  • End your day with drinks at The Bar at Migas, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings, a famous restaurant known for its dumplings.
  • Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and hike along the scenic sections of the wall.
  • Head over to Mutianyu Village and learn about the history and culture of the area.

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Commune by the Great Wall Restaurant, a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Great Wall.
  • Visit the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, and learn about the fascinating history of China.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Head to Guijie Street, a food street famous for its spicy hotpot and other local delicacies.
  • Enjoy a night show at the Chaoyang Theatre, one of the most famous acrobatic theaters in China.
  • End your day with drinks at The Opposite House Bar, a stylish bar with a modern vibe.

Day 4

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Laoshe Tea House, a famous tea house known for its traditional performances.
  • Visit the Capital Museum of China and learn about the history and culture of China’s capital.

Afternoon

  • Explore the 798 Art District, a vibrant and creative district filled with art galleries, museums, cafes and boutique shops.
  • Visit the Beijing Planetarium and learn about the mysteries of the universe.

Evening

  • Head to Ghost Street, a street famous for its late-night food stalls and restaurants.
  • Take a night walk around the Shichahai Lake, a beautiful and tranquil lake surrounded by traditional architecture.
  • End your day with drinks at The Black Moth Bar, a cozy and intimate bar with a great selection of cocktails.

Day 5

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely walk around the Prince Gong’s Mansion, a beautiful and historic mansion with traditional architecture and gardens.
  • Visit the China Railway Museum and learn about the history of China’s railways.

Evening

Day 6

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Zarah, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful temple complex with stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Visit the National Museum of China and learn about the history and culture of China.
  • Head over to Beijing Zoo and see the giant pandas and other rare animals.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Take a leisurely walk around the Beijing Art Museum, a beautiful museum with a great collection of Chinese art.
  • Explore the Dashanzi Art District, a trendy area filled with art galleries, studios, and cafes.

Evening

  • Head to Houhai Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by traditional architecture and bustling nightlife.
  • Enjoy dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, another famous restaurant known for its roast duck.
  • End your day with drinks at Atmosphere Bar, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Day 7

Morning

Midday

  • Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Beijing Noodle No. 9, a famous restaurant known for its hand-pulled noodles.
  • Visit the Yashow Market and shop for souvenirs and local products.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Head to Wudaoying Hutong, a trendy area filled with unique shops, cafes, and bars.
  • Enjoy dinner at Lost Heaven Restaurant, a popular restaurant known for its Yunnan cuisine.
  • End your day with drinks at Glou Bar, a stylish bar with a great cocktail menu.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Beijing!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Beijing!