Beijing, a city where ancient wonders meet modern marvels, offers an unforgettable journey through time. This 5-day itinerary takes you from the majestic Great Wall to the imperial palaces, from art-filled districts to bustling nightlife hubs, and even into the heart of China’s top universities. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure seeker, this itinerary ensures you experience the very best of Beijing—one iconic landmark at a time. Get ready to explore, climb, shop, and indulge in the charm of China’s capital like never before!
Day 1: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Shichahai → Nanluoguxiang
First Stop: Tiananmen Square (⏱2H)
Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing – both geographically and historically. This is where major national events happen, and it’s a must-visit to feel the city’s atmosphere. Right in the middle, you’ll see the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum (you can go inside if you’re interested). The Great Hall of the People (on the west) and the National Museum of China (on the east) are also worth a visit. Look south for Zhengyangmen and the Arrow Tower – you can actually go up and get a nice view!
Local Tips:
- The flag-raising ceremony happens at sunrise, and the lowering ceremony at sunset. Check your phone’s weather app for exact times. If you want a good spot, arrive at least 1 hour early.
- If you’re visiting in summer, bring a hat and sunscreen – the square has no shade!
Second Stop: Forbidden City (⏱4H)
Just a 5-minute walk from Tiananmen Square, you’ll find the entrance to the Forbidden City (Meridian Gate). This was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the most impressive palace complexes in the world. The Three Great Halls (Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony) and the Imperial Garden are the highlights.
Local Tips:
- Book your ticket online in advance – no need to line up for tickets, just scan your passport at the entrance.
- Only one entrance: You can only enter through Meridian Gate and exit at Shenwu Gate (north side).
- If you love history, rent an audio guide – there’s a story behind every building!
- The Palace Museum often has special exhibitions, so check the official website if you’re interested.
- The souvenir shops here have really nice cultural gifts – from silk scarves to miniature palace models. No rush, take your time to browse!
Third Stop: Shichahai (⏱2H)
After exiting the Shenwu Gate, hop on a bus for about 40 minutes to Shichahai. Shichahai is a beautiful lake area made up of Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. It’s surrounded by old Beijing hutongs, traditional courtyards, and former residences of famous people. Houhai Bar Street is especially famous for its nightlife! In summer, rent a boat and enjoy the view of lotus flowers. In winter, the lake freezes, and it turns into a huge ice-skating rink.
Local Tips:
- Boat rentals: Pedal and hand-rowed boats cost 100 RMB/hour. Traditional sightseeing boats (shared rides) are about 50 RMB per person.
- Ice-skating: Entrance is 20 RMB, and you can rent skates, ice bikes, etc. (Deposit: 100-200 RMB).
Fourth Stop: Nanluoguxiang (⏱2H)
From Shichahai, it’s a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to Nanluoguxiang. This is one of Beijing’s most trendy hutongs, where old meets new. The narrow alley is packed with cool boutique shops, cafés, and delicious street food.
Want to chill? Try Mao Xiaoyuan Cat Café (猫小院猫主题餐厅) for some coffee and feline company. Feeling hungry? Grab a snack from Wenyu Cheese Shop (文宇奶酪店) or try the famous Miss Hai’s Rose Pastry (海小姐玫瑰饼). The nightlife here is also great- lots of cozy bars hidden in the side alleys.
Local Tip: Nanluoguxiang gets really busy in the evening, so be prepared for crowds. But that’s also when the atmosphere is the best! Grab some dinner here and enjoy the vibe.
Day 2: Temple of Heaven → Qianmen Street → Xidan
First Stop: Temple of Heaven (⏱2H)
The Temple of Heaven was where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. The whole complex is built with amazing acoustic and architectural designs – especially the Echo Wall, where you can experience the magic of sound traveling across the structure.
Local Tips:
- Main highlights: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
- Best photo spots: The blue-tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests looks stunning against the sky. Try capturing it from different angles!
- Tickets: Get the combo ticket (includes Hall of Prayer, Circular Mound, and Echo Wall).
- The park is also a favorite morning exercise spot for locals – join them for tai chi, dancing, or even a game of hacky sack!
Second Stop: Qianmen Street (⏱3H)
Take the subway (15 min) to Qianmen Street – a historic shopping and food street dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Qianmen has a mix of traditional shops and trendy cafés, plus plenty of Beijing snacks to try along the way. Nearby, you’ll also find:
- Dashilan – A historic hutong area with famous old shops.
- Beijing Fun (Beijingfang) – A modern cultural and shopping zone featuring places like MUJI HOTEL and the PAGEONE Bookstore.
Local Tips:
- Feeling nostalgic? Ride the Ding Ding Tram (old-fashioned streetcar) for a fun way to explore.
- Food to try: Roast duck at Quanjude (全聚德), mung bean cakes at Daoxiangcun (稻香村), or crispy sugar-coated haws on a stick.
Third Stop: Xidan (⏱3H)
Take the subway (15 min) to Xidan, one of Beijing’s most vibrant shopping and entertainment districts. Xidan is popular with young people and is packed with malls, including:
- Xidan Joy City – Trendy fashion, international brands, and a huge indoor Ferris wheel.
- Lafayette Beijing – A touch of Parisian shopping in Beijing.
- Hanguang & Juntai Department Stores – More local and high-end fashion options.
Local Tips:
- Xidan is a food paradise! You’ll find everything from bubble tea to authentic Sichuan hot pot.
- If you’re into street fashion, check out the small shops in the backstreets – you might find some unique local brands!
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall → Ming Tombs
First Stop: Badaling Great Wall (⏱4H)
Take the S2 train from Huangtudian Station to the mighty Badaling Great Wall. Before climbing, stop by the China Great Wall Museum (near the ticket office) to get some historical background on the Wall’s construction and significance.
The classic route is North Tower 1 to North Tower 8 (the highest point). The view from North Tower 8 is breathtaking, especially in the morning when the crowds are smaller. You can either hike all the way up for a true challenge or take the cable car to save energy. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue beyond North Tower 8 and exit at North Tower 10.
Second Stop: Ming Tombs (⏱3H)
From the Great Wall, take bus 879 (about 1.5 hours) to the Ming Tombs. If you prefer a faster option, hiring a private car will cut travel time to around 45 minutes. The Ming Tombs are the final resting place of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty, making it the largest and most well-preserved imperial tomb complex in China.
What to See at the Ming Tombs:
- Changling – The grandest and best-preserved tomb, built for Emperor Yongle.
- Dingling – The only tomb that has been excavated, with an underground palace you can visit.
- Zhaoling – A smaller but beautifully designed tomb.
- Sacred Way (Shenlu) – A scenic path lined with stone statues of guardians and mythical creatures.
Local Tip: Since both sites are a bit far from Beijing’s city center, splitting this trip into two days can make for a more relaxed experience.
Day 4: Bird’s Nest → Water Cube → 798 Art District → Sanlitun
First Stop: Bird’s Nest & Water Cube (⏱2H)
Located in the Olympic Park, these two iconic buildings were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and remain must-visit attractions.
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) is a stunning steel nest-like structure that has become a symbol of modern Beijing. You can admire it from the outside or buy a ticket to explore inside, where you’ll find exhibitions on the stadium’s construction and Olympic history. You can also take an elevator to the top for a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is home to Olympic swimming events, now transformed into a water park with fun slides and pools. If you’re not up for swimming, you can still visit and explore the architecture. Check out the “Bubble Bar” on the second floor, where you can get up close to the Water Cube’s unique bubble-like walls.
Second Stop: 798 Art District (⏱3-5H)
Hop on the subway for about 30 minutes and arrive at the famous 798 Art District. 798 is Beijing’s creative hub, full of art galleries, exhibitions, and trendy cafés. The district was once an industrial factory complex, now transformed into a space for contemporary art and street culture.
Must-See Highlights:
- 751 D.PARK – An old factory-turned-art space, perfect for industrial-style photos.
- Rainbow Stairs & Train Head – Iconic Instagram spots!
- Massive Graffiti Walls – From edgy street art to dreamy pastel murals, every corner is photogenic.
Local Tip: Most galleries open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly!
Third Stop: Sanlitun (⏱3H, Evening & Nightlife)
From 798, take the subway or a bus (under 1 hour) to Sanlitun – Beijing’s most famous shopping & nightlife district.
What to Do in Sanlitun:
- Sanlitun Taikoo Li – A fashion paradise, from luxury brands to streetwear and limited-edition drops.
- Sanlitun SOHO & China Red Street – More shopping and some of Beijing’s best restaurants.
- Sanlitun Bar Street & Gongti West Road – When the sun goes down, Sanlitun comes alive! This is the place for bars, clubs, and a legendary nightlife scene.
Nightlife Tip: Whether you prefer a laid-back cocktail bar or an all-night party, Sanlitun has it all. Will you join the crowd and dance the night away?
Day 5: Summer Palace → Peking University
First Stop: Summer Palace (⏱5H)
The Summer Palace is a stunning imperial garden, once the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors. With its serene lakes, grand halls, and long corridors, it is often called the “Museum of Royal Gardens” for its well-preserved architecture and landscape.
Best Route for a Quick Visit: If time is limited, follow this efficient route to see the highlights:
East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿) → Dehe Garden (德和园) → Yulan Hall (玉澜堂) → Yiyun Pavilion (宜芸馆) → Leshou Hall (乐寿堂) → Long Corridor (长廊) → Paiyun Gate (排云门).
Second Stop: Peking University (⏱2H)
From the Summer Palace, take a bus (about 20 minutes) to Peking University. It is not only one of China’s top universities but also home to beautiful traditional architecture and scenic spots.
Must-See Highlights:
- “Yi Ta Hu Tu” (一塔湖图) – A picturesque trio of landmarks:
- Bo Ya Pagoda (博雅塔): A water tower disguised as an ancient pagoda, complete with windows, murals, and relief carvings.
- Weiming Lake (未名湖): A tranquil lake reflecting the pagoda, offering one of PKU’s most famous views.
- Peking University Library: A hub of knowledge and history.
Extra Tip: If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) or Tsinghua University for more cultural and architectural exploration.
