Beijing, China-6-day-itinerary
Beijing 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Forbidden City
- Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. Take a taxi or subway (Line 2) to your hotel.
- Hotel: Stay at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing or similar, located in the heart of the city.
- Forbidden City (9:00 am - 12:00 pm): Explore the imperial palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
- Lunch: Try traditional Beijing roast duck at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world.
- Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Beijing dinner at Xiang Man Lou.
- Tips:
- Buy a prepaid SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for easy navigation.
- Download the Didi Chuxing app (China’s version of Uber) for convenient transportation.
Day 2: Great Wall and Ming Tombs
- Morning: Take a guided tour to Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded section of the Great Wall. Book tickets online in advance.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Great Wall or try local snacks from vendors.
- Ming Tombs (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm): Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final resting place of 13 Ming dynasty emperors.
- Dinner: Savor a traditional Chinese dinner at Fangshan Restaurant.
- Things to Know:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking the Great Wall.
- Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the Ming Tombs.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven and Pearl Market
- Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial temple complex. Buy tickets online in advance.
- Lunch: Try local street food at Nan Luo Guo Xiang.
- Pearl Market (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm): Explore the famous market for pearls, jewelry, and souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle!
- Dinner: Enjoy a contemporary Chinese dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant.
- Transportation:
- Take subway Line 5 to reach the Temple of Heaven.
- Use taxi or Didi Chuxing app for shorter trips.
Day 4: Summer Palace and Olympic Park
- Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial summer resort. Buy tickets online in advance.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Summer Palace or try local snacks from vendors.
- Olympic Park (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm): Explore the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, and the Water Cube.
- Dinner: Savor a traditional Cantonese dinner at Jade Garden.
- Tips:
- Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace.
- Take a guided tour to learn more about the Olympic Park’s architecture and history.
Day 5: Hutongs and Drum Tower
- Morning: Explore the traditional Hutongs, narrow alleys lined with ancient courtyard houses. Try a rickshaw ride or walk through the alleys.
- Lunch: Enjoy local snacks and tea at a traditional Hutong cafe.
- Drum Tower (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm): Visit the historic tower that offers stunning views of the city. Buy tickets online in advance.
- Dinner: Try a traditional Beijing hot pot dinner at Chafang Hot Pot.
- Things to Know:
- Respect local residents and their homes when exploring the Hutongs.
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
- Departure: Take a taxi or subway (Line 2) to Beijing Capital International Airport for your departure flight.
Additional Tips
- Language: While many Beijingers speak some English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Chinese phrases and download a translation app.
- Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at airports, hotels, or banks. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Weather: Beijing can be very hot in summer and cold in winter. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated.
- Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, and modernity, but feel free to adjust it based on your personal preferences and interests!