Beijing China 3 Day Itinerary

Beijing 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Sites and Hutongs

  1. Tiananmen Square (天安门廓) - Start your day at this iconic public square where significant historical events have taken place.

    • Location: Central Beijing, easily accessible by Subway Line 1, Exit C or D.
    • Things to Know: No food, alcohol, or pets are allowed. Large bags may need to be checked at the entrance.

  2. Forbidden City (故宫) - Just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, explore the largest palace complex in the world.

    • Location: Northeast of Tiananmen Square, accessible by Subway Line 1 or 2.
    • Tips: Buy tickets online to avoid long lines. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

  3. Jingshan Park (景山公园) - Climb the hill in Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

    • Location: Northwest of the Forbidden City, accessible by Subway Line 2 or Bus 103, 114, 116, etc.
    • Things to Know: The park opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 17:00 PM in winter (until 18:00 PM in summer).

  4. Hutong Alleyways and Rickshaw Tour - Experience traditional Beijing by exploring the narrow streets of old neighborhoods like Nanluoguxiang or taking a rickshaw tour through Hutongs.

    • Location: Various locations across Beijing, but Nanluoguxiang is easily accessible by Subway Line 6, Exit B.
    • Tips: Bargain for rickshaw prices and be prepared to haggle in markets.

  5. Dongcheng District (东城区) - End your day with a variety of food options in Dongcheng District, known for its bustling night market and street food.

    • Location: Central Beijing, easily accessible by Subway Line 2 or 5.

Day 2: Temple Tour and Olympic Park

  1. Temple of Heaven (天坛) - Visit this complex where the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors performed annual rituals to pray for good harvests.

    • Location: Southeast of Tiananmen Square, accessible by Subway Line 5 or Bus 103, 104, etc.
    • Things to Know: The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 20:00 PM.

  2. Lama Temple (玉峰寺) - Explore this impressive Buddhist temple complex with beautiful architecture and artwork.

    • Location: Northeast of the Temple of Heaven, accessible by Subway Line 5 or Bus 104, 116, etc.
    • Tips: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples.

  3. Lunch at Quanjude (全聚德) - Try Peking Duck, a famous Beijing dish, at this renowned restaurant with multiple locations across the city.

    • Location: Multiple locations in Beijing, but one of the most popular is at 14 Qianmen Street, accessible by Subway Line 2 or 5.

  4. Olympic Park (奥林匹克公园) - Visit the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), built for the 2008 Olympics.

    • Location: Northeast of the city center, accessible by Subway Line 8 or Bus 34, 36, etc.
    • Things to Know: Both venues offer guided tours and occasionally host events. Check their websites for schedules.

  5. Silk Street Market (silkstreetbeijing.com) - Shop for souvenirs at this massive market with a vast selection of goods, from silk products to electronics.

    • Location: Northeast of the Olympic Park, accessible by Subway Line 8 or Bus 34, 36, etc.

Day 3: Great Wall and Summer Palace

  1. Great Wall at Mutianyu ( мутянью) - Take a day trip to one of the most iconic landmarks in China. Opt for a guided tour or self-drive, but be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season.

    • Location: Northeast of Beijing, approximately 70 km from the city center.
    • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.

  2. Summer Palace (颐和园) - Visit this beautiful imperial garden, with its stunning lake, temples, and pavilions.

    • Location: West of Beijing city center, accessible by Subway Line 4 or Bus 370, 380, etc.
    • Things to Know: The palace opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 18:00 PM during winter (until 19:00 PM in summer).

Accommodation

  • Courtyard by Marriott Beijing (莫里森古院北京) - A modern hotel located near the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, providing easy access to historical sites.
  • The Opposite House (theoppositehouse.com) - A stylish design hotel in Chaoyang District, offering a trendy vibe and convenient transportation options.

Transportation

Beijing has an extensive public transport system consisting of subway lines, buses, and taxis. Taxis are readily available, but it’s essential to have your destination written in Chinese characters for the driver. Consider purchasing a rechargeable metro card (Yikatong) for convenient travel on the subway.