Beijing China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Beijing, China

Day 1: Explore the Historical Sites

Morning:

  1. Tiananmen Square - The largest city square in the world and a historic symbol of China.
  2. Forbidden City - A palace complex that was home to emperors for centuries. Buy tickets online to avoid queues.

Afternoon:

  1. Hutong Alleyways - Experience traditional Beijing life by exploring these narrow streets.
  2. Temple of Heaven - A complex used by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvest.

Evening:

  1. Dongcheng District - Visit Shichahai area, where you can find Nanluoguxiang Street with its ancient architecture. Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude or Bianyifang.

Day 2: Marvel at the Great Wall and Olympic Sites

Morning:

  1. Great Wall at Mutianyu - A less crowded section of the Great Wall with beautiful views and Toboggan ride down available.

Afternoon:

  1. Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) & Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) - Iconic venues from the 2008 Olympics. You can visit the inside of the Water Cube for a fun water experience.

Day 3: Discover Modern Beijing and Hutongs

Morning:

  1. 798 Art District - A creative zone filled with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
  2. Chaoyang Park - Relax in this large urban park.

Afternoon:

  1. Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - One of the largest and most visited lamaseries in Beijing, known for its impressive architecture and Buddhist artifacts.
  2. Silk Street Market - A place to buy souvenirs, clothes, and silk products.

Evening:

  1. Sanlitun Area - This vibrant district offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Try local street food at Sanlitun Night Market.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion and Departure

Morning:

  1. Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - If you missed it on day 3, visit again in the morning when it’s less crowded.
  2. Summer Palace - A stunning imperial garden with beautiful landscapes, palaces, and temples.

Afternoon:

  1. Departure - Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Things to Know:

  1. Weather in Beijing can be extremely cold in winter and hot in summer, so pack accordingly.
  2. Mandarin is the official language, but many people understand English. It’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases.
  3. Taxis are relatively cheap and plentiful, but downloading ride-hailing apps like Didi is recommended for convenience.
  4. Always keep small change on hand for public toilets and some shops.
  5. Respect local customs and traditions. For example, avoid touching others on the head or patting anyone on the back without permission.
  6. Don’t drink tap water – it’s not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available.

Tips:

  1. Buy tickets online for popular attractions like the Great Wall and Forbidden City to save time.
  2. Download a reliable map app (like Maps.Me or Google Maps) for navigation.
  3. Dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques.
  4. Be mindful of traffic rules, especially when crossing streets – pedestrian crossings are not always respected by drivers.
  5. Enjoy your trip and embrace the rich culture and history of Beijing!