Beijing-6-day-itinerary

Beijing 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Day 2: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs

  • Morning: Take a bus or taxi to the Mutianyu Great Wall (around 1.5 hours). This section of the wall is less crowded than Badaling, but still offers stunning views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors.
  • Evening: Try some local street food at Wangfujing Snack Street.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven and Pearl Market

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pearl Market, a popular shopping destination for souvenirs, jewelry, and clothing.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant.

Day 4: Hutongs and Drum Tower

  • Morning: Explore the historic Hutongs (narrow alleyways) of Beijing, such as Nanluoguxiang or Fangjia. Take a rickshaw ride to get a feel for traditional Beijing.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Drum Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Evening: Try some local craft beer at Great Leap Brewing or Jing-A Brewing Co..

Day 5: Summer Palace and Olympic Park

  • Morning: Visit the stunning Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial summer resort.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Olympic Park, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Take a stroll around the Water Cube and Bird’s Nest Stadium.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Beijing hot pot dinner at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier in the trip.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head home.

Things to Know

  • Beijing is a massive city, so plan your itinerary accordingly and allow for travel time between attractions.
  • The city has a comprehensive metro system, which is an affordable and efficient way to get around. You can purchase a prepaid card or use mobile payments.
  • Tipping is not expected but is becoming more common in tourist areas.
  • Beijing is known for its air pollution, so consider packing a face mask and staying hydrated.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage, so be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Transportation

  • Airport: Take the Airport Express train (RMB 25) or a taxi (around RMB 100-150) to your hotel.
  • Metro: Buy a prepaid card or use mobile payments. A single ride costs RMB 3, while a day pass costs RMB 20.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but many drivers may not speak English. Have your destination written down in Chinese characters.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.
  • Download ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing or Baidu Maps to help navigate the city.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons (e.g., National Day, Chinese New Year) when possible.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Beijing!