Discover Beijing with this comprehensive 7-Day Beijing Itinerary that includes must-see historical sites, cultural hotspots, nature sightseeing, delicious food stops, and modern attractions.
By planning ahead, you can ensure no time or opportunity will be wasted on your trip. This itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers to Beijing. This travel guide will give you an introduction to Beijing’s culture, history, tradition, and cuisine.
Beijing
Beijing stands out as a city filled with stark contrasts, seamlessly merging ancient traditions with modern innovations. From historic landmarks to futuristic skyscrapers, this vibrant city showcases a harmonious blend of past and present, alongside its friendly and hospitable locals, making it a truly captivating destination for visitors.
Itinerary
Day 1: Historical Beijing
Forbidden City
Begin your trip with a visit to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a grand palace complex. It took 14 years to build this architectural marvel, covering an impressive 180 acres of land.
For over 500 years, the Forbidden City stood as the imperial palace of Chinese emperors, a symbol of power and prestige. As you walk through its majestic walls you will come across Courtyards, gardens, and various buildings, each with its own unique charm and purpose.
The site’s rich and extensive cultural history can be overwhelming, so enlisting a tour guide can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of this historic landmark.
The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum, housed within the Forbidden City, holds a vast collection of cultural treasures and imperial artifacts, artworks, and cultural relics spanning thousands of years of Chinese history.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is often referred to as the “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. It stands as a gateway to China’s vibrant history. This iconic square serves as the primary entrance to the Forbidden City.
Temple of Heaven
A masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture, the Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Beijing. It was where emperors of the past held solemn rituals to pray for good harvests and divine favor.
Qianmen Street
Historic pedestrian street offering traditional Chinese culture. Located near Tiananmen Square, Qianmen Street is lined with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, offering a glimpse into Beijing’s past and present.
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall
One of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China is the Mutianyu section that offers breathtaking views. Visitors can hike the wall, ride a cable car, or take a thrilling toboggan ride down.
Day 3: Palace and Temples
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace has a vast imperial garden and palace complex renowned for its stunning natural scenery, classical architecture, and rich cultural significance. It served as a retreat for emperors during the Qing dynasty.
Lama Temple
A Buddhist Temple. It houses a towering statue of Maitreya Buddha and other intricate Buddhist artworks.
Temple of Confucius
Dedicated to the renowned philosopher Confucius, this temple complex honors his teachings and serves as a place of worship and cultural significance.
Traditional Hutongs
Historic alleyways showcasing traditional Beijing life and cuisine. Beijing’s traditional alleyways, or hutongs, offer a glimpse into the city’s historic residential neighborhoods. They are characterized by narrow lanes, courtyard houses, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Day 4: Art and Museums
National Museum of China
Houses exhibitions on Chinese history and culture.
798 Art Zone
A thriving arts district housed in former factory buildings, 798 Art Zone is a hub for contemporary art, galleries, studios, cafes, and street art, offering a unique blend of culture and creativity.
Beijing Capital Museum
Dedicated to the history and culture of Beijing, this museum features exhibits on archaeology, art, folk customs, and urban development, providing insight into the city’s evolution over time.
Day 5: Modern Attractions
Olympic Park
Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Olympic Park is home to iconic structures like the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) and the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), which have become symbols of modern Beijing.
National Aquatics Center
The Water Cube, a standout from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is a striking cube-shaped building with a translucent exterior resembling bubbles. It now offers recreational amenities such as a water park and spa, attracting visitors with its unique design and vibrant atmosphere.
National Stadium
The Bird’s Nest is an iconic symbol of modern China with its lattice-like structure resembling a bird’s nest. Originally built for the 2008 Olympics, it now hosts various events and stands as a must-visit landmark in Beijing.
The Place
The Place is a contemporary mall in Beijing famous for its immense LED screen spanning its open-air plaza.
CCTV Building
The CCTV Headquarters Building is a futuristic skyscraper with a bold and innovative design. Its unconventional form, featuring two leaning towers connected by a horizontal section, makes it a distinctive and memorable sight on Beijing’s skyline.
Day 6: Nature and Relaxation
Houhai Lake
A scenic lake surrounded by traditional courtyard homes, Houhai offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides, lakeside dining, and vibrant nightlife.
Fragrant Hills Park
Known for its stunning autumn foliage and scenic landscapes, Fragrant Hills Park offers hiking trails, ancient temples, and panoramic views of Beijing’s skyline, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Silk Street and Pearl Market
These bustling markets are renowned for their wide range of goods, including silk products, pearls, clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese crafts, offering plenty of options for souvenir shopping and bargaining.
Day 7: Dining and Shopping
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street, the bustling heart of Beijing! This vibrant street is famous for shopping and delicious food, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
As you walk along Wangfujing, you’ll find tons of shops and malls to explore. From trendy fashion stores to unique souvenir shops, there’s something for everyone here. The best part? The food! Wangfujing is known for its tasty street food stalls offering everything from traditional snacks to modern treats.
Travel Tips
Accommodation
The Wangfujing area is a great choice for accomodations for its proximity to the tourist attractions and shopping district. Transportation options are convenient within Wangfujing.
Mobile Data
Platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Whatsapp, and many others are not accessible in China. These sites have been blocked, and so the way to get around this is to use a VPN or an eSIM, which comes with a built-in VPN and data you can use while traveling in China. I have been using Airalo in all my travels.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City requires an advanced booking from visitors. Book a ticket seven days in advance if you want to secure your entry.
Guarantee your access by pre-booking your tickets.
Beijing Attractions
Many attractions in Beijing, like the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven, now require advance booking for visits. Don’t miss out on these places, plan ahead and determine the exact dates of your visit.
Mutianyu Great Wall
The best time to visit is early morning, as it gets very crowded in the afternoon. The Mutianyu Great Wall is approximately 2 hours away from Beijing City Center and booking a tour through reputable sites will remove the hassle of planning the transportation.
Arranged tours usually include pick up from your hotel accommodation if located within the 3rd Ring Road. The pick up location will be sent to you by your tour guide through your given contact details.
There are many sections of the Great Wall (Mutianyu, Badaling, Jinshanling) open for tourists. The Mutianyu section is relatively easier for people with low fitness levels.
Payments
Most local stores in China no longer accept payments from Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Banks and ATM Machines allow cash withdrawals through Visa and Mastercard. Carrying sufficient amount of cash is important to ensure smooth transactions.
Learn how to use foreign credit card in China by following these hacks.
International Flights
International Flights to Beijing are offered through Beijing Capital International Airport or the newer Beijing Daxing Airport.
Public Transport
Getting around Beijing via the railway system is straightforward. All the signs are written in Chinese and English. The stations are staffed with helpful attendants who make navigation easier.
Beijing can get very crowded, especially in peak seasons. Therefore, avoid using the public transport during the rush hour.
Booking a Ride
Cab rides are very cheap in Beijing making it a good option on some occasions. Uber and Grab are unavailable in China, platforms like WeChat and Didi offer seamless access to reliable car services. Read more on this.
Attire
Exploring Beijing involves a lot of walking. On average, I had 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily with this itinerary, which is why using comfortable shoes is crucial. Select lightweight clothes.
Conclusion
In just seven days, you can explore Beijing’s best, from the grand Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Your visit to Beijing will be greatly enhanced if you come well-prepared.
No worries if you can’t check off every spot in the itinerary! These are just friendly suggestions to help you navigate Beijing. Feel free to craft your own adventure and make unforgettable memories in the city!
Farewell and happy travels in Beijing—may your journey be filled with joy and discovery!
