Beijing is an ancient city, embodying the essence of Chinese civilization through its rich historical heritage. It seamlessly blends age-old traditions and cultural landmarks within a modern cityscape, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of old Beijing even amidst the city’s rapid development.
I recently took a five-day solo trip to Beijing, using three days of leave alongside public holidays. I spent considerable time preparing an itinerary by researching extensively beforehand, and I’m glad to say the plan worked out really well.
Note: I personally visited every spot listed, and I’ll highlight key tips along the way. So, feel free to follow this guide without needing to consult others.
Some key updates:
– Universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University are no longer open to the public.
– Many popular attractions now have limited visitor capacity, so advance reservations are necessary.
– Always carry your ID when exploring; security around Tiananmen Square is especially strict, so try to start your day early. Expect heavy crowds around 9 AM and after 6 PM.
If you find this guide useful, please consider liking, sharing, and bookmarking it! I’ll continue updating it to provide the most practical and helpful travel insights.
Lastly, no trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the National Museum. The exhibits there are truly worth exploring. For art enthusiasts, I’ve included a list below of recommended exhibitions to help you plan your visits accordingly.
| Venue | Exhibition | Time |
|---|---|---|
| – | Long Zhaoxin Yuan – The Spring Festival Cultural Exhibition in the Year of Jia Chen Dragon | From February 6, 2024 – TBD |
| National Museum of China | New Chapters of Ink – Academic Invitational Exhibition of Chinese Painting | From January 31, 2024 – TBD |
| – | Qiyang Shize – Cultural Relics of Li Wenzhong’s Family Collected by the National Museum of China | From January 25, 2024 – TBD |
| – | Building the “Belt and Road”, Creating a Better Future – The Collections Exhibition of the 7th China Picture Contest | From January 20, 2024 – TBD |
| National Museum of China | Wax Figure Exhibition of Model Heroes Collected by the National Museum of China | From January 9, 2024 – TBD |
| – | Youth Composing Endlessly – Exhibition for the 70th Anniversary of Wang Meng’s Literary Creation | From December 21, 2023 – TBD |
| – | The River and Mountains in Sight – Donated Works Exhibition of Liang Shixiong | From December 12, 2023 – TBD |
| – | Splendid Myriad – Immersive Experience of Grotto Art | From December 9, 2023 – TBD |
| – | Ancient Chinese Porcelain Exhibition | From January 18, 2023 – TBD |
| – | China White – Dehua White Porcelain Exhibition | From August 26, 2023 – TBD |
| – | Ancient Chinese Buddhist Statue Exhibition | From July 8, 2023 – TBD |
Table of Contents:
1. **Accommodation**
2. **Transportation**
3. **Food**
4. **Itinerary Overview**
– Day 1: Departure to Beijing, Yonghe Temple, Tiananmen Square
– Day 2: Prince Gong’s Mansion, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park
– Day 3: Summer Palace, Nanluoguxiang, Drum Tower, Shichahai, Xieyandai Street
– Day 4: Badaling Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
– Day 5: National Museum of China, Beijing – Return Home
1. Accommodation
It’s recommended to stay around the Qianmen area, or near metro stations within the third ring, like Nanluoguxiang or Drum Tower. Prices in these areas can still be a bit high, but Qianmen has plenty of hutong-style hotels priced around 200-300 RMB per night.
Staying here allows you to experience hutong culture up close. In the mornings, you might see locals fetching water, feeding birds or fish, watering plants, and enjoying the sunshine.
The hotels listed above are located across from the Dazhalan food street, and the Qianmen pedestrian street is a short walk away, so it’s convenient to rest and explore nearby areas.
For families or those short on time, consider a hotel closer to Tiananmen Square, though prices may be higher.
In general, both Qianmen and Dazhalan areas are good options, as they are close to one another. Room rates tend to increase the closer you get to Tiananmen Square. Staying near the Zhushikou metro station can be cheaper, though you may need to walk a bit more.
For example, I stayed at a Hanting hotel for 300 RMB the first night and then switched to a basement room at another hotel to save 100 RMB. Although not ideal, it was fine since I spent most of my time exploring the city.
For more details on accommodations, check out my other post with extensive information: *Where to Stay in Beijing – Qianmen and Dazhalan Area Guide.*
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2. Transportation
You don’t need to get a metro card; simply download the Yitongxing app, link it to Alipay or WeChat, and scan to board. You’ll scan again upon exit, and the fare (usually 1-2 RMB for buses) will be automatically calculated and deducted. Note that Beijing buses typically board from the middle doors. On larger buses with three doors, the front door is usually for exiting only.
The Yitongxing app also works for the metro system, which I found very convenient and even cheaper than in Shenzhen.
For shorter distances, bike-sharing is also very convenient. Beijing’s bike paths are well-designed, with separate lanes for bicycles and pedestrians, making for a smooth ride.
Some comments have mentioned that you can also use Alipay’s travel function for quick access. Just open Alipay, click on the travel section on the homepage, and switch to Beijing to scan directly. While Yitongxing has more comprehensive maps, Alipay can be a quick option if you prefer not to download an additional app.
3. Food Recommendations
Food preferences vary, but in general, Beijing cuisine is very local, with a focus on sweet and savory flavors rather than spicy. A unique dish to try is *douzhi* (fermented mung bean milk), but be cautious—its taste can be challenging, and even as an adventurous eater, I could only manage half a bowl.
Dining out in Beijing can be somewhat pricey. A basic dish like noodles, fried rice, or a rice bowl usually costs around 30 RMB. It’s enough to fill you up, but don’t expect gourmet flavors. For groups, I recommend trying *kaoya* (Peking duck) at Siji Minfu or going for hot pot with lamb.
Some specific snack places I enjoyed:
– Huguosi Snacks: Affordable, tasty local snacks.
– Jin Fang: Good quality food at reasonable prices.
If you’re not a fan of local flavors, head to Gui Jie Street, which has a range of restaurants serving crayfish, Chongqing hot pot, and Sichuan cuisine.
4. Itinerary Overview
Here’s my itinerary with detailed descriptions and tips. The plan was to minimize travel time and walking, avoiding unnecessary detours for a seamless experience.
Feel free to adjust this itinerary to fit your energy level—my daily steps were around 30,000 to 33,000. This route should be manageable for younger travelers, but remember to rest in the evenings to recover.
– Day 1: Arrival in Beijing, Yonghe Temple, Tiananmen Square
I chose a morning flight, which allowed me to arrive by noon. I then took the Airport Express Line to Dongzhimen (25 RMB, about 30 minutes) and transferred to the metro to reach *Yonghe Temple*.
My visit coincided with Qingming Festival, so it was a meaningful experience. As Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple, Yonghe Temple is ideal for those who practice or respect Buddhism. It holds significant historical and spiritual value.
– Duration: 1-3 hours
– Ticket price: 25 RMB
– Reservation: [Yonghe Temple](http://www.yonghegong.cn)
After checking into my hotel, I walked to *Tiananmen Square*. I was fortunate to witness the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset, which was a breathtaking scene. The Square was crowded, so I had to stand on tiptoes to see.
– Day 2: Prince Gong Mansion, Forbidden City, Jingshan, Beihai Park
I started with a visit to *Prince Gong Mansion*, once the grand residence of He Shen, an influential figure in Chinese history. This site showcases detailed architectural design, with about 30 different building clusters, and has a unique charm worth exploring.
– Duration: 2-3 hours
– Ticket price: 40 RMB
– Reservation: [Prince Gong Mansion](http://www.pgm.org.cn)
- Afterward, I navigated to the Forbidden City. I suggest entering through the side gates to avoid lengthy security checks. The Forbidden City’s grand scale is impressive, and there are plenty of benches to take a break along the way.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Ticket price: 60 RMB
- Reservation: Forbidden City
Next, I walked to Jingshan Park, which has a hilltop view of the Forbidden City and the Beijing cityscape. Beihai Park was nearby, but my feet needed a rest, so I saved it for another visit.
- Day 3: Summer Palace, Nanluoguxiang, Gulou, Shichahai
Summer Palace is a stunning blend of lakes and pavilions, with notable attractions like the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Longevity Hill, and Suzhou Street. The peaceful surroundings make for a pleasant, relaxing visit.- Duration: 3 hours
- Ticket price: 30 RMB
- Reservation: Summer Palace
Afterward, I visited Nanluoguxiang, a street lined with trendy shops and local eateries, then moved on to Gulou (Drum Tower) and Shichahai, where locals can be seen fishing or swimming. It’s a beautiful area to explore, especially around sunset.
- Day 4: Badaling Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
A trip to the Badaling Great Wall is essential. I took the Tourist Bus from Qianmen to Badaling (60 RMB round trip). The north section of the Wall is more popular and steeper, while the south side is quieter and offers scenic views. I climbed both sections to experience the full grandeur of the Wall.- Duration: 3 hours
- Ticket price: 40 RMB (peak season), 35 RMB (off-peak)
- Reservation: Search “Badaling Great Wall” on WeChat
In the afternoon, I biked to the Temple of Heaven and toured the main halls and courtyards. Springtime brings a floral bloom to the park, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
- Day 5: National Museum of China, Departure
On my last day, I visited the National Museum of China, which offers free entry with a reservation. It hosts various exhibitions, including historical artifacts, ancient Chinese art, and even space exploration items.- Duration: 3 hours
- Reservation: National Museum
I made my way to Daxing Airport via the airport line, arriving in less than an hour (35 RMB from Zhushikou Station).
5. Final Thoughts
Overall, my trip to Beijing was smooth, thanks to thorough planning. I faced a minor setback when my phone malfunctioned on the last day, but it turned into an adventure, navigating the streets and metro stations by memory and the assistance of friendly locals. A special thanks to the elderly volunteer who helped me find my way to the airport.
If you found this itinerary helpful, please give it a thumbs-up. Enjoy your trip to Beijing!