Beijing China 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Take a stroll around the square and visit the National Museum of China (free admission) to learn about Chinese history and culture.
  • 10:30 am: Walk to the nearby Forbidden City (), the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Audio guides are available in many languages (¥60, ~ $9 USD).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Take a short taxi ride or walk to Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant () for lunch. Try their famous Peking roast duck and other traditional Chinese dishes.
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Lama Temple (), a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and ornate decorations (¥25, ~ $4 USD).

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Take a stroll at Wangfujing Street, a popular pedestrian shopping street lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and street food stalls. Try some local snacks like jiaozi (dumplings) or zhajiangmian (noodles).
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre () or Huguang Guild Hall (). Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seat selection.

Accommodation

  • Stay at the Wangfujing Hotel (), a comfortable 3-star hotel located in the heart of Beijing, close to many attractions.
  • Alternatively, consider staying at a traditional Beijing Hutong (), a courtyard house with a unique cultural experience.

Transportation

  • Use the efficient Beijing Subway system (¥2-5, ~ $0.30-$0.80 USD per ride) or take a taxi (¥10-20, ~ $1.50-$3 USD).
  • Download the Didi Chuxing app for convenient taxi hailing.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons (e.g., National Day, October 1-7).

Day 2:

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall (), a less crowded and more rugged section of the Great Wall. Take a taxi or bus from Beijing city center (around ¥100-200, ~ $15-$30 USD round-trip).
  • 12:00 pm: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Great Wall or try some local snacks from vendors.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 pm: Visit the Summer Palace (), a beautiful imperial garden with lakes, temples, and gardens (¥50, ~ $7.50 USD).
  • 4:00 pm: Take a stroll around the nearby Beijing University, one of China’s top universities.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (), known for its delicious Peking roast duck.
  • 8:00 pm: Explore the trendy Nanluoguxiang Alley, a popular nightlife spot with bars, clubs, and live music.

Things to Know

  • Beijing is a massive city, so plan your itinerary accordingly to minimize travel time.
  • Be prepared for air pollution and take necessary precautions (e.g., wear a mask).
  • Learn about Chinese customs and etiquette to show respect for the local culture.

Other Interests

  • Hutong Tours: Explore Beijing’s traditional alleys and courtyard houses with a guided tour.
  • Beijing Opera: Watch a performance of this traditional Chinese art form at the Huguang Guild Hall or Zhengyici Peking Opera Theatre.
  • Olympic Park: Visit the park built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, featuring the iconic “Bird’s Nest” stadium.