Beijing 4 Day Itinerary

Beijing 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Wangfujing Snack Street

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square. Take a moment to appreciate its grandeur and history.
  • Afternoon: Head north to explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once the home of emperors for over 500 years.
  • Evening: Visit Wangfujing Snack Street for a culinary adventure. Try local street food such as scorpion skewers, jellyfish, and roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Beijing or The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, centrally located for easy access to attractions.
  • Things to Know: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City are closed on Mondays. Be prepared for crowds, especially in peak tourist season.
  • Transportation: The subway is the easiest way to navigate around Beijing. Buy a tourist pass for unlimited travel during your stay.
  • Tip: Dress modestly when visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs, and Summer Palace

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a historic complex where emperors performed religious rituals for good harvests.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Hutongs on a rickshaw tour. These traditional neighborhoods offer a glimpse into old Beijing.
  • Evening: Take a trip to the Summer Palace, a beautiful royal garden with stunning landscapes and architecture.
  • Dinner: Savor Peking Duck at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant. Make reservations in advance, as it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.

Day 3: Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling) and Lama Temple

  • Morning: Visit the Lama Temple, a Buddhist temple complex housing some of the best-preserved Buddhist art in the country.
  • Afternoon: Head to either Mutianyu or Badaling sections of the Great Wall. Both offer stunning views and are easily accessible by bus or organized tours.
  • Dinner: Enjoy Sichuan cuisine at Spicy Daughter, known for its mouth-numbing dishes.

Day 4: Olympic Park, 798 Art Zone, and Houhai Bar Street

  • Morning: Visit the Olympic Park to see the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
  • Afternoon: Explore the 798 Art Zone, a vibrant district filled with contemporary art galleries, shops, and cafes.
  • Evening: Wind down at Houhai Bar Street. This charming area offers a variety of bars and restaurants, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
  • Accommodation: Spend your last night at the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, located near many of the attractions on this itinerary.
  • Things to Know: Many shops in 798 Art Zone are closed on Mondays. Be prepared for long queues at popular tourist spots, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Transportation: Taxis and buses can be used to navigate the areas not easily accessible by subway.