It is quite a pity if you can only stay in Beijing for a day since the city has so many wonders to offer and so many beautiful sceneries to admire. However, with the following itineraries, you can still get a glimpse of its glamorous past and prosperity.
Itinerary 1: Historical Highlights
- Tiananmen Square: Start your day at this iconic square, known for its historical and political significance in China.
- Forbidden City: Explore the imperial palace complex that housed Chinese emperors for centuries. Marvel at the stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Jingshan Park: Climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline.
- Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional narrow alleyways, known as hutongs, and experience the old-world charm of the city.
- Temple of Heaven: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, where emperors used to conduct ceremonies and pray for good harvests.
Itinerary 2: Modern Beijing
- Olympic Park: Begin your day at the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatic center, both built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- 798 Art District: Explore this trendy art district filled with galleries, studios, and avant-garde artwork.
- Wangfujing Street: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Beijing’s most famous shopping street and try local street food.
- CCTV Headquarters: Admire the unique architecture of the China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters building.
Itinerary 3: Imperial Delights
- Summer Palace: Start your day at this majestic imperial garden, known for its beautiful landscapes, pavilions, and the stunning Kunming Lake.
- Lama Temple: Visit one of the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet, housing a 26-meter tall Buddha statue.
- Confucius Temple: Explore the temple dedicated to Confucius, the great philosopher, and educator of ancient China.
- Drum Tower and Houhai Lake: Climb the Drum Tower for panoramic views of Beijing and then stroll along the picturesque lakeside area of Houhai, known for its lively nightlife.
- Beihai Park: Discover this serene park with a vast lake, beautiful gardens, and historical landmarks, such as the White Pagoda.
Itinerary 4: Cultural Immersion
- Beijing Capital Museum: Begin your day at this museum showcasing Chinese art, history, and cultural artifacts.
- Beijing Opera: Watch a traditional Beijing Opera performance to experience the classical music, singing, and stunning costumes.
- Yonghe Temple: Visit this Tibetan Buddhist temple, also known as the Lama Temple, to witness religious rituals and intricate artwork.
- Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall: Learn about the city’s urban development through interactive exhibits and models.
- Peking Duck Dinner: Indulge in a delicious Peking duck dinner, a famous Beijing specialty, at a local restaurant.
Itinerary 5: Nature and Serenity
- Great Wall of China (Mutianyu): Start your day with a trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its scenic beauty and well-preserved architecture.
- Fragrant Hills Park: Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this park famous for its autumn foliage, beautiful temples, and hiking trails.
- Beijing Botanical Garden: Explore the vast collection of plants and flowers in this serene garden, including a rose garden and a peony garden.