Beijing China 4 Day Itinerary

July 19, 2024

Beijing 4-Day Itinerary

Tiananmen Square: Start your day at 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: Explore the imperial palace complex that was home to 24 Chinese emperors for over 500 years.

Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: Savor Beijing’s signature dish, Peking duck, at this renowned restaurant.
Hutongs: Wander through the narrow alleys and traditional courtyard houses of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods, such as Nanluoguxiang or Houhai.

Watch a Kung Fu Show: Catch a performance at the Red Theatre or Huguang Guild Hall to experience China’s rich martial arts heritage.
Stay at: Ji Hotel or Hotel Cote Cour Beijing, both offering comfortable accommodations and convenient locations.

Mutianyu Great Wall: Visit a less crowded section of the Great Wall, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Ming Tombs: Explore the sacred way and mausoleums of 13 Ming dynasty emperors.

Lunch at: Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant or Xiaolongbao Wangfujing, both serving delicious local cuisine.
Olympic Park: Visit the iconic “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium and take a stroll around the Olympic Forest Park.

Try Street Food at Wangfujing Night Market: Sample local snacks, such as jiaozi (dumplings) or zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented soybean paste).
Take a Taxi or Subway: Back to your hotel and rest for the night.

Temple of Heaven: Marvel at the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch at: Temple of Heaven Restaurant or Liu Mama’s Kitchen, serving traditional Beijing dishes.

Summer Palace: Explore the vast gardens, lakes, and temples of this former imperial summer resort.
Take a Boat Ride: On Kunming Lake for a relaxing afternoon.

Enjoy a Traditional Tea Ceremony: At the Tea House at the Temple of Heaven or Lao She Teahouse.
Stay at: The Peninsula Beijing or Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, both offering luxurious accommodations.

798 Art District: Explore the vibrant art scene and trendy cafes in this former industrial area.
Lunch at: Maison Kayser or Element Fresh, both offering international cuisine.

Sanlitun Bar Street: Visit one of Beijing’s most popular nightlife areas, with a variety of bars and clubs.
Shop at: Wangfujing Shopping Street or Qianmen Street, both offering a range of local products and souvenirs.

Farewell Dinner at: Donglaishun Restaurant or King’s Joy Restaurant, serving delicious Beijing cuisine.
Departure: From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Railway Station.

Things to Know:

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook.
Currency: Renminbi (RMB), also known as Chinese yuan. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Weather: Beijing has four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly and consider purchasing a pollution mask during peak winter months.
Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting temples or the Forbidden City.

Transportation:

Subway: An efficient and affordable way to navigate the city, with English signs and announcements.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but few drivers speak English. Carry a hotel business card or use a translation app.
Bus: A budget-friendly option, but routes can be confusing for foreigners.

Tips:

Haggle: When shopping at markets or from street vendors.
Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid finishing a meal completely (as it implies the host didn’t provide enough food).
Be Prepared: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.

Other Things of Interest:

Peking Opera: Catch a performance at the Huguang Guild Hall or Zhengyici Peking Opera Theatre.
Beijing Hutong Bike Tour: Explore the city’s ancient alleys on two wheels.
Great Wall Hiking: Take a guided hike along a less crowded section of the Great Wall.

Remember to stay safe, respect local customs, and enjoy your time in Beijing!