Beijing 3 Day Itinerary

Beijing 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Beijing

Morning:

  1. Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at Quanjude (全聚德), famous for its Peking Duck. Location
  2. Visit the Temple of Heaven (天坛) and explore its beautiful architecture, gardens, and cultural activities. Location
  3. Take a short walk to the Hutongs (胡同), traditional old Beijing alleyways. Experience local life by visiting a family-run Siheyuan (四合院). Location

Afternoon:

  1. For lunch, try the popular Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (玻璃栗饺子) at Sanlitun Village for some delicious Chinese noodles and dumplings. Location
  2. Head to the Forbidden City (禁城), the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Location
  3. End your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), one of the world’s largest city squares. Location

Evening:

  1. Have dinner at Yi Cafe (易茶厅) in the National Art Museum of China for a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine. Location
  2. Relax at Sanlitun Bar Street (三立塑胶条), one of Beijing’s most popular nightlife areas. Location

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Morning:

  1. Start your day with a visit to the Great Wall of China (万里长城). We recommend the Mutianyu section, which can be reached by a short 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing. Location
  2. Have lunch at one of the restaurants near the Mutianyu Great Wall, such as JadeWalnut (玉栗园), famous for its traditional Chinese cuisine and stunning views of the wall. Location

Afternoon:

  1. Return to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace (颐和园), the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Location
  2. Stroll around the picturesque Shichahai Area (十字海), home to several Hutongs and traditional Chinese gardens. Location

Evening:

  1. For dinner, try Nuo Li Zhan (诺丽栅), a popular restaurant serving Dongbei (东北) cuisine from northeastern China. Location
  2. Explore the Beijing 798 Art Zone (798艺术区), a vibrant district filled with contemporary art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Location

Day 3: Modern Beijing

Morning:

  1. Visit the Bird's Nest (鸟巢 stadium) and the Water Cube (水蛙) from the 2008 Summer Olympics. Location
  2. Head to the Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园), a large green space perfect for a morning walk or bike ride. Location

Afternoon:

  1. For lunch, try the Xiao Long Bao (小笼包) at the original Din Tai Fung restaurant in the Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井夜唱街). Location
  2. Explore the Silk Market (丝袜市场) for some souvenir shopping. Location
  3. Visit the Lama Temple (禅寺), a beautiful Buddhist temple housing an impressive statue of Maitreya. Location

Evening:

  1. For your last dinner in Beijing, head to The Dumplings (饺子王) for a variety of delicious dumpling dishes. Location
  2. End your trip with a stroll around the Beihai Park (北海公园), especially beautiful at night, and visit the nearby Night Market (夜市). Location

Things to Know:

  1. Taxis in Beijing are relatively cheap compared to other major cities, but using the subway is a more cost-effective and convenient option.
  2. Always have your passport or ID on you when traveling in China.
  3. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like tourist sites and public transportation.
  4. WeChat Pay (微信支付) and Alipay (支付宝) are the most commonly used mobile payment systems in China.
  5. English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist spots, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or hire a guide for your trip.