Beijing 2 Day Itinerary
Beijing 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Tiananmen Square ( Gate of Heavenly Peace): Start your day by visiting the largest city square in the world, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the National Museum of China.
- Forbidden City ( Palace Museum): Walk north to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spend a few hours exploring its grand halls and gardens.
Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: Savor Beijing’s signature dish, Peking roast duck, at this renowned restaurant.
- Hutongs (Nanluoguxiang): Explore the narrow alleys and traditional courtyard houses of Beijing’s historic neighborhoods. Try to find the famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
Evening (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Wangfujing Snack Street: Indulge in local street food and snacks, such as jiaozi (dumplings), zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean sauce), and bingtanghulu (candied fruits).
- Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theatre: Catch a thrilling performance of Chinese acrobatics, aerial stunts, and martial arts.
Day 2
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section): Take a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded and more scenic alternative to Badaling. Hike and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Cable Car Ride: For an additional fee, take a cable car ride up to the wall for stunning views.
Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Lunch at Xin Shuang Quan Restaurant: Try traditional Beijing cuisine, including zhajiangmian and jiaozi.
- Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park): Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of Taoist buildings and gardens. Watch locals playing chess or practicing tai chi.
Evening (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
- Sanlitun Bar Street: Unwind with a drink at one of the many bars and clubs in this popular nightlife area.
- Night Snack Market: Try some local snacks, such as grilled squid or stinky tofu.
Where to Stay
- Wangfujing Hotel: Conveniently located near Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing Snack Street.
- Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel: A traditional Beijing courtyard house turned hotel, offering a unique cultural experience.
Transportation
- Subway: Beijing has an extensive subway system. Buy a prepaid card (Yikatong) for easy travel.
- Taxi: Taxis are abundant, but not all drivers speak English. Show your destination in Chinese characters to avoid misunderstandings.
- Didi Chuxing: A popular ride-hailing app in China.
Tips and Other Things
- Learn Basic Mandarin: Greet locals with “nǐ hǎo” (hello) and show respect with “xiè xiè” (thank you).
- Dress Modestly: Avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting temples or the Forbidden City.
- Bargain at Markets: Expect to haggle prices at markets like Wangfujing Snack Street.
- Air Quality: Check air quality indexes and consider wearing a mask if necessary.
- Power Adapters: China uses Type A, C, and D power sockets (220V, 50Hz).
- Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or traditional homes.
Additional Information
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Beijing, with mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas.
- Currency: Renminbi (RMB), also known as Chinese yuan (CNY). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Enjoy your time in Beijing!