China 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Beijing

  • Breakfast: Start your day with traditional Chinese dim sum at Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), a renowned restaurant chain.

  • Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (天安门广场和故宫): Visit these iconic landmarks, symbolizing the cultural and political heart of Beijing. Remember to respect local customs when visiting important sites.

  • Lunch: Savor a Peking Duck meal at Quanjude (全聚德), a restaurant famous for this dish since 1864.

  • Hutongs & Temple of Heaven (胡同和天坛): Explore the traditional courtyard houses in the Hutong area and visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed ceremonies to pray for good harvest.

  • Summer Palace (颐和园): Spend the evening strolling around the beautiful Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning gardens, pavilions, and lakes.

  • Dinner: Try local street food at Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井小吃街).

  • Transportation: Beijing Subway is efficient and convenient for getting around the city. Consider buying a 2-day pass for unlimited travel. Taxis are also widely available.

Day 2: Great Wall & Olympic Park

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or try local bakeries for pastry and coffee.

  • Great Wall (大万）: A must-visit, choose either Mutianyu or Badaling sections of the Great Wall. Both offer stunning views and are accessible by bus or cable car.

  • Lunch: Local restaurants near the Great Wall serve simple but delicious meals.

  • Olympic Park (奥林匹克公园): Return to Beijing and visit the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, iconic venues of the 2008 Olympic Games.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a final dinner at a local hotpot restaurant, like Hai Di Lao (海底捞), for an interactive dining experience.

Things to Know:

  1. Visa: Ensure you have a valid Chinese visa before traveling. Check the requirements based on your nationality and planned duration of stay.

  2. Currency: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in most urban areas, but it’s useful to carry cash for smaller shops and street food vendors.

  3. Language: Mandarin is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases will enhance your experience.

  4. Etiquette: Chinese customs and etiquette can differ significantly from Western cultures. Be respectful and mindful when interacting with locals.

  5. Weather: Beijing’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers to adjust to the temperature fluctuations.