Beijing Itinerary: A Complete 3-Day Guide for First-Time Visitors

Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Beijing is the capital of China, located in northern China. With a history of more than 3,000 years, it is the only city in the world to have hosted both the Summer Olympics (2008) and the Winter Olympics (2022).

• China’s central government institutions and top universities are concentrated here. If you want a quick U.S. comparison, think of Beijing as a mix of Washington, D.C. and Boston.
• To preserve the historic character of the old city, building heights in central Beijing are generally limited to 45 meters, and the city’s dominant color tone is gray. In summer, the city feels like a blend of green trees, gray walls, and the sound of cicadas—it can get quite hot, but it has a unique, classic vibe. In winter, it can feel a bit austere, but there is a quiet, timeless charm to it, especially when it snows.
• Beijing has a permanent population of about 21 million and holds the highest average education level in China. Over 36% of the population have a bachelor’s degree, and more than 8% have a graduate degree.
• Life here is fast-paced. Due to long commutes and the large number of internet companies—which make up the city’s leading economic sector—most people, including men, tend to dress very simply and practically. It is quite common to see women going without makeup on workdays; people are often just too tired from work to worry about how they look. Dressing up is much more common on weekends. Interestingly, this “rejection of beauty standards” is something many young people here actually view as a positive and distinctive part of Beijing’s local culture.

by Vida Huang | Isaac Chou | Dana Andreea Gheorghe

Best Time to Visit Beijing

Beijing has four distinct seasons, with long winters and summers and relatively short springs and autumns.

Spring (late March to May):
Average temperatures are around 20°C (68°F). However, willow fluff and pollen can cause allergies for some, and occasional sandstorms may occur (usually brief, lasting only 1–2 days).

Summer (June to August):
This is the hottest and most crowded time of year, with temperatures scorching above 35°C (95°F). Because of the national summer school break, Beijing is completely swamped with tourists. Between the unbearable heat and the massive crowds at every attraction, the travel experience can be exhausting and frustrating. Unless you have no other choice, avoid visiting during these months.

Autumn (September to late October):
With pleasant weather and mild temperatures, this is widely considered the best time to visit Beijing.

Winter (November to March):
Cold and very dry, with barren landscapes and strong winds from Siberia. January is the coldest month. However, outside of public holidays, there are fewer tourists and lower hotel rates. On clear, windless days, sightseeing can still be very enjoyable.

Where to Stay in Beijing

Wangfujing - JianGuo Hidden Hotel

• Located right above Jinyu Hutong Subway Station and Wangfujing Shopping Street.
• A 7-minute walk to Dengshikou Subway Station, the pick-up/drop-off point for the Mutianyu Great Wall ZANBUS.
• Nearby is an Atour Hotel, which offers better amenities and breakfast.

Dongzhimen - Homeinn Plus Hotel

• A 6-minute walk to Dongzhimen Subway Station, with nearby shopping centers for convenient dining.
• From Dongzhimen Station, you can take the Airport Express directly to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
• Dongzhimen is also the pick-up/drop-off point for this Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour.
• Alternatively, you can choose the Atour Hotel. It has better facilities and a more varied breakfast, though it is a 12-minute walk to the subway station.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Beijing is well connected to major cities around the world, with two international airports:

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Located about 30 km from the city center. Since it’s an older airport, some facilities may feel a bit outdated, and don’t be surprised if you have to take a shuttle bus to your terminal instead of using a jet bridge.

Taxi
Follow the signs to the taxi line. The trip usually takes 1–1.5 hours and costs 70–100 RMB, depending on traffic. While using Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) is often cheaper, the pick-up area can be a bit chaotic, and finding your driver among hundreds of cars can be a real challenge if you’re new to the city.

Capital Airport Express
Fare: 25 RMB. You can find the timetable here.

• If you’re staying near Wangfujing: Take the Airport Express to Beixinqiao Station, then transfer to Line 5 and get off at Dengshikou Station. Total travel time is about 1 hour (fare: 28 RMB).
• If you’re staying near Dongzhimen: The Airport Express goes directly there in about 35 minutes. It’s the most straightforward route.

Watch: Full Trip Beijing Airport to Downtown Beijing

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Located about 55 km from the city center, this “starfish-shaped” airport opened in 2019. The facilities are brand new, and the overall experience is much more comfortable and modern.

Taxi
Follow the signs to the taxi line. Because it’s further out, the trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs 150–200 RMB. Like PEK, Didi is cheaper but the pick-up area can be confusing for first-timers.

Daxing Airport Express
Fare: 35 RMB. You can find the timetable here.

• If you’re staying near Wangfujing: Take the Airport Express to Caoqiao Station, transfer to Line 10 to Songjiazhuang, then transfer to Line 5 to Dengshikou Station. It’s about 1 hour 10 minutes (fare: 40 RMB).
• If you’re staying near Dongzhimen: Take the Airport Express to Caoqiao Station, transfer to Line 19 to Jishuitan, then transfer to Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station. This takes about 1 hour 15 minutes (fare: 40 RMB).

My Most Recommended Option:
If you want to balance comfort and cost, do this: Take the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao Station (35 RMB, about 20 minutes). Once you exit the station, use Didi to book a ride from the ground-level exit to your hotel in Wangfujing or Dongzhimen. The Didi ride will cost around 40–60 RMB and take 30–40 minutes. This saves you the hassle of dragging luggage through multiple subway transfers, but is much faster and cheaper than taking a taxi all the way from the airport.

Watch: Cheapest way to go City Center from Beijing Daxing International Airport China

3-Day Itinerary and Map

Day 1: The Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Beihai Park (or Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai Area)
These attractions are close together and walkable. However, I recommend choosing either Beihai Park or the Nanluoguxiang area, as doing both can be exhausting. If you enjoy lively streets and Hutong shops, head to Nanluoguxiang. If you prefer a traditional Chinese park to relax, opt for Beihai Park.

Day 2: Qianmen Area – Temple of Heaven
You can visit these in any order, but the Temple of Heaven is less crowded in the afternoon, and the lighting is better. Arriving around 3 PM is ideal.

Day 3: Great Wall Day Trip – Wangfujing in the Evening
Wangfujing is a popular commercial street—perfect for dining and a relaxed evening after your trip to the Wall.

Map：

Getting Around Beijing

Both DiDi and the subway are very convenient.

Didi

DiDi is China’s main ride-hailing platform.

Tips:

• You can download the DiDi app, or use the built-in DiDi mini-program in Alipay or WeChat.
• During rush hour or in bad weather (like rain or snow), it can be very difficult to get a ride. It’s best to book a hotel near a subway station as a backup.
• After getting in the car, the driver might verify the last four digits of your phone number to make sure you’re the right passenger (especially at busy spots like tourist attractions).
• Traffic congestion in Beijing is generally worse than in other cities, so plan ahead.

Watch: Beijing Expat Travel Guide—Getting Around Beijing with DiDi  

Subway

Beijing has 30 subway lines operating from 5 AM to midnight, covering most tourist attractions. Stations have clear English signage and restrooms (located inside the paid area).

Cost: 3 to 10 RMB, depending on the distance.
Route Map and Timetable: bjsubway.com
Payment: While many YouTube videos show people buying tickets at counters or machines, the Beijing Subway actually supports Apple Pay. You can also “tap and go” at the gates using your Visa or Mastercard.

Tips:

• Avoid the subway during rush hours (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM). If you’ve seen videos of rush hour in Tokyo, Beijing can be just as crowded.
• It’s also best to avoid the subway from mid-July to mid-August. During this peak season, the system is packed with tourists from across China. You’ll often see locals on social media complaining about missing their stops or being blocked by crowds as soon as they step off the train.
• If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, try to avoid Lines 1 and 2. Built in the 1980s, many of these stations lack escalators or elevators. Newer lines are generally well-equipped.
• All subway systems in China have security checks, similar to airports, to prevent passengers from carrying prohibited items (like knives or flammables). Enforcement can be flexible—for instance, if you have a small utility knife, staff might simply wrap it securely in paper and plastic before letting you through.
• In mega-cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you may occasionally see police conducting random ID checks at entrances or exits. As a foreign visitor, just stay in line. In most cases, officers will let you pass without any issues. This is routine policing intended as a deterrent and is not a sign of any specific danger.

Watch: Beijing Expat Travel Guide  

Top Attractions in Beijing

1. The Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) 故宫

The Forbidden City is 961 meters long and 753 meters wide. Completed in 1420, it was home to 24 emperors. In 1912, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty abdicated, marking the end of imperial rule. In 1925, the complex became the Palace Museum and opened to the public. Today, it is one of Beijing’s most popular attractions.

Hours:

• April 1–Oct 31, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Nov 1–Mar 31, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Closed on Mondays

Admission:

• 60 RMB (Apr–Oct), 40 RMB (Nov–Mar)
• Tickets are limited and released 7 days in advance. They sell out very quickly. It is highly recommended to book through the official website: dpm.org.cn
• Note for Foreigners: If you cannot secure a ticket online, you can try the on-site ticket office. Travelers often report on social media that a small number of tickets are reserved specifically for foreign visitors.
• Children under 6 enter for free; tickets for those under 18 are 20 RMB; seniors (60+) are half-price.
• The Treasure Gallery and the Gallery of Clocks require separate 10 RMB tickets. These are well worth visiting and can be purchased on-site if you didn’t book them online.

Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 Hours
Getting There:

• Subway: Take Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong Station (Exit C). Walk 13 minutes to the Donghuamen Gate (Note: this gate is for exiting only). From there, follow the signs and walk 10 minutes along the wall to reach the Meridian Gate (Wumen / 午门), the main entrance.
• Ride-Hailing (Didi): Set your destination to “Donghuamen (东华门).” The app may suggest “East side of Beichizi Street” due to traffic restrictions; accept this suggestion, then walk about 5 minutes to the gate.
• Via Tiananmen Square: Take the subway to Tian’anmen East (天安门东). Be prepared for long security queues (up to an hour in summer) and remember that entering the Square requires a reservation. If you speak Chinese, use the WeChat mini-program; otherwise, I recommend using the Tiananmen Square Registration Service. After the Square, you can walk directly to the Forbidden City entrance.

Tips:

• The Forbidden City covers 720,000 square meters—roughly the size of 2 Vaticans or 10 White Houses.
• Think of it as a combination of the White House, the Capitol, and the entire executive branch. The complex contains around 980 buildings and once housed 7,000–9,000 residents during the Qing Dynasty.
• Route: The central axis and the eastern section are the highlights. I have marked a classic route with black arrows on the map below.
• Last Entry: The Treasure and Clock galleries stop admitting visitors at 4:10 PM.
• Food: There are restaurants inside, but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
• Audio Guides: I don’t recommend renting the official audio guides—the volume is often too low and the devices are unreliable. Using AI tools or apps on your phone usually provides better explanations.

Watch: Inside the World’s Largest Ancient Palace — Forbidden City Walking Tour

Photo Highlights: by ZQ Lee | Lan Lin | zhang kaiyv

2. Jingshan Park 景山公园

Jingshan Park is located just north of the Forbidden City. The park features a 43-meter-high hill, which is the best spot to get an aerial view of the Forbidden City.

Hours: April 1–Oct 31, 6:30 AM–9:00 PM; Nov 1–Mar 31, 6:30 AM–8:00 PM
Admission: 2 RMB on regular days; during temporary exhibitions such as peony or bonsai shows, 10 RMB. Tickets are purchased on-site; no reservation required.
Recommended Visit Time: 30 Minutes
Getting There:

• After exiting the Forbidden City’s Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Gate / 神武门), use the underground passage to cross the street. The south gate of Jingshan Park is directly opposite.
• If you are going directly to Jingshan Park, please note there is no subway station nearby. Additionally, due to traffic restrictions, taxis and ride-hailing services cannot drop off passengers at the park gates. Instead, set your destination to the East Gate of Beihai Park (北海公园东门) and walk 250 meters to the West Gate of Jingshan Park.

Watch: Chasing Beijing’s Golden Hour | Jingshan

Photo Highlights: by Arvin Yuan

3. Beihai Park 北海公园

Beihai Park was built in 1166, and the White Pagoda within the park is one of Beijing’s landmark attractions. Beihai Park is much smaller than the Summer Palace, but locals enjoy boating here, while domestic tourists like to take photos in traditional Chinese attire.

Hours: April 1–Oct 31, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM; Nov 1–Mar 31, 6:30 AM–8:00 PM
Admission:

• April 1–Oct 31: 10 RMB; Nov 1–Mar 31: 5 RMB
• Tickets can be purchased on-site
• Free for visitors under 6 or over 60; a passport is required for age verification
• Combo tickets are available (including access to the area directly surrounding the White Pagoda), but getting up close is not particularly impressive, so it’s not recommended.

Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 Hours
Getting There: Exit from the West Gate of Jingshan Park and walk 250 meters to reach the East Gate of Beihai Park.

Tips:

• A recommended route is to enter from the East Gate (following the walk from Jingshan Park) and walk through the park. After visiting Jingxin Studio (静心斋), exit from the North Gate. From there, you can take the subway at Beihaibei Station(北海北) to your next destination, or continue on foot to the Shichahai area.
• Jingxin Studio (Heart-Easing Study) is a delicate “garden within a garden” consisting of rockeries, pavilions, and long corridors.

Watch: Beijing’s Oldest and Most Completely Preserved Imperial Garden

4. Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai 南锣鼓巷与什刹海

You can spend 2-3 hours exploring the historic hutongs and the commercialized streets within the area.

4.1 Nanluoguxiang 南锣鼓巷
Nanluoguxiang is a 787-meter-long street in a traditional hutong neighborhood. It was redeveloped into a pedestrian shopping street around 2008. Unlike Qianmen Street, the shops here mainly cater to younger crowds, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Recommended Visit Time: 15 - 30 Minutes
Getting There:
- If taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, it’s best to set your destination to the South Gate of Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷南门).
- Take Subway Line 6 or 8 to Nanluoguxiang Station, Exit E.

4.2 Gulou 鼓楼
Standing 46.7 meters tall, the Drum Tower was historically used to mark the hours. On clear days, you can buy a ticket to go inside for a panoramic view of the surrounding neighborhood.
Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: 20 RMB.
Recommended Visit Time: 30 Minutes
Tips: Drum performances are held on the hour, except at noon.

4.3 Yandaixiejie 烟袋斜街
At 232 meters long and about 4 meters wide, this street connects the Drum Tower area with Shichahai. It is essentially a smaller-scale version of Nanluoguxiang.

4.4 Shichahai 什刹海
Shichahai is a scenic historic area featuring lakes, willow trees, hutongs, bars, and restaurants. It is a popular spot for locals to stroll or go boating on weekend evenings.
Recommended Visit Time: 15 Minutes - 2 Hours
Getting There: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station, Exit A1.
Tips:
- The heart of Shichahai is Yinding Bridge (银锭桥). You can take a short walk around this landmark or stroll around the entire lake.
- A 4-person pedal boat costs 180 RMB/hour (600 RMB deposit); a 4-person electric boat is 240 RMB/hour. Larger boats are available, with instructions in both Chinese and English provided on-site.

4.5 Fire God Temple (Chijian Huode Zhenjun Temple) 火神庙
This small Taoist temple has a history of about 1,400 years. Despite its small size, it provides a serene and sacred atmosphere, offering a sharp contrast to the lively, commercial vibe of nearby Shichahai. It’s a hidden gem worth visiting.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 5 - 10 Minutes

5. Qianmen Street 前门大街

Qianmen Street itself is a commercial pedestrian street with a history of over 100 years. However, for most visitors, “Qianmen Street” usually refers to the entire surrounding commercial area rather than just the street itself.

Getting There: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 8 to Qianmen Station (前门). Use Exit C.
Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 Hours
How to visit:

Qianmen Street (前门大街):
The main street of the area, about 820 meters long. Recommended places to try:
- Fangzhuanchang 69 (方砖厂69号) – Famous for its zhajiangmian (Beijing-style noodles with soybean paste), a classic local dish commonly eaten at home, especially during the summer. It’s one of the most popular places on the street, often with long lines, and offers great value for the price.
- Wuyutai Tea Shop (吴裕泰) – Known for its jasmine tea–flavored ice cream. If you see a long line for ice cream, this is the place.
- Donglaishun Restaurant (东来顺饭庄) – A time-honored brand. While many street stalls sell lamb skewers along the street, this one is known for its higher-quality lamb.
Watch: Beijing Walking | Qianmen Street

Dashilan Street (大栅栏街)
A side street branching off from Qianmen Street, about 275 meters long. It is home to many historic Beijing brands. However, the street is quite narrow and extremely crowded, especially with tourists. Siji Minfu Peking Duck Restaurant (四季民福烤鸭店 , branded as “Peking Chamber”) is located here. It has excellent reviews, though prices are slightly higher (around RMB 200 per person).
Watch: Qianmen Shopping & Food Street

Xianyukou Street (鲜鱼口街)
Another side street, about 225 meters long, known for traditional Beijing snacks. Heyan Roubing (河沿肉饼, branded as “Beijing Pie”) is a good option here, known for its meat pies and classic Beijing home-style dishes. The food is authentic and reasonably priced. Keep in mind that Beijing cuisine tends to be salty and oily, which may not suit everyone.
Watch: Savor Best Chinese Cuisine! Walking Tour on Qianmen Food Festival & Panda Pop-up

Beijingfang (北京坊)
A redeveloped commercial area with traditional-style architecture. Compared to the surrounding historic streets, it feels noticeably newer and less authentic, which is why it tends to attract fewer visitors. You can visit PageOne Bookstore, where the first and second floors offer well-designed travel souvenirs, and the third floor provides a great spot to photograph the historic gate tower across the street.

Yangmeizhu Xiejie (杨梅竹斜街)
A renovated hutong-style street with a mix of cafés and small souvenir shops. Prices here tend to be on the higher side.
Watch: Beijing Yangmeizhuxie Street The authentic old Beijing hutong

Sanlihe Park (三里河公园)
A small, peaceful park hidden within the busy area. It is more popular with locals and sees fewer tourists.
Watch: SANLIHE Park in Beijing China Walking Tour

Tips:

• Qianmen Street can get extremely crowded. Try to avoid visiting during weekends and public holidays. Staying in this area is not recommended, as traffic restrictions are common and vehicles are often not allowed to access hotels directly.
• Popular restaurants usually require waiting. It’s best to arrive about 30 minutes early to get a queue number. Staff will ask for your party size and give you a ticket with a QR code, which you can scan to check your status in line.
• Because the area has many tourists and relatively few locals, some restaurants mainly target visitors. They may offer “local specialties” like Peking duck or zhajiangmian, but the quality can be poor. It’s better to either wait for a well-reviewed restaurant, grab lamb skewers from Donglaishun (东来顺 they are sold outside, no need to dine in), or head to another area for a proper meal after sightseeing.

6. Temple of Heaven 天坛

The Temple of Heaven is the largest ancient complex in the world dedicated to worshiping Heaven. Built in 1420, it was where emperors of ancient China performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests and rain. Emperors came here at least twice a year—in spring to pray for favorable weather, and in winter to report on the year’s harvest and give thanks to Heaven for its protection over the nation and its people. The Temple of Heaven is a must-visit attraction in Beijing, and seeing it in person is far more impressive than any photo can capture.

Hours:

• April 1–Oct 31, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Nov 1–Mar 31, 6:30 AM–10:00 PM
• Inner attractions within the park (such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests) are closed on Mondays; on other days, they are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00–6:00 PM

Admission: 34 RMB (Apr–Oct), 28 RMB (Nov–Mar)

• Tickets can be purchased on-site; pre-booking is no longer required.
• Tickets booked through third-party platforms such as Trip.com may cost around 58 RMB, likely including service fees.
• The ticket price includes both the entrance fee and the combination Ticket for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the most important site within the park.
• Children under 6 enter for free; those under 18 receive half-price admission. Visitors over 60 enter for free regardless of nationality. A passport is required when purchasing tickets.

Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 Hours
Getting There:

• If taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, it’s best to set your destination to the North Gate of the Temple of Heaven (天坛北门).
• If taking the subway, you can get off at Qiaowan Station (Exit C, near the North Gate 桥湾站), Tianqiao Station (Exit C, near the West Gate 天桥站), or Temple of Heaven East Gate Station (Exit A2 天坛东门站).

Tips:

• The Temple of Heaven is huge, covering 2.72 million square meters—roughly equivalent to 380 standard soccer fields. However, most of the park consists of ancient cypress forests, while the historic structures occupy only a small portion.
• There are four entrances. It’s recommended to enter from the North Gate (fewer crowds, usually no lines) and exit from the East Gate. Although exiting from the South Gate may look more direct on the map, the area outside is a busy intersection with frequent traffic controls, no nearby subway access, and it can be difficult to hail a ride via apps like Didi. Even when there are no traffic controls, it’s hard to find a clear pickup point for your driver.

Watch: Temple of Heaven - Beijing walking tour

Photo Highlights: by Willem Chan

7. Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城

The Great Wall is one of China’s most iconic landmarks, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Built across different dynasties over complex terrain, the Great Wall consists of several disconnected sections. The two most popular sections are Mutianyu (accessible by taxi or tourist bus, 1.5–2 hours each way; less crowded with great views and a toboggan ride) and Badaling (reachable by high-speed train in 30 minutes, but often very crowded). This guide focuses on Mutianyu.

Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission: 40 RMB. No reservation needed; tickets can be purchased on-site.
Getting There: Mutianyu is about 75 km from downtown Beijing (1.5–2 hours drive).

• Day tours are the most convenient option. Popular choices:
  - Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site - from ¥108, includes admission and an English-speaking guide. Departs from Dongzhimen (Exit B1 东直门站).
  - Mutianyu Great Wall Round-trip by ZANBUS - from ¥106, includes admission and an English-speaking guide. Departs near Dengshikou (灯市口站); drops off at Yonghegong (雍和宫站). Note: The subway station at Yonghegong may be closed upon return, but you can explore Wudaoying Hutong nearby.

• DiDi (Ride-hailing): Costs around ¥200–250 one way (Economy). It is generally easy to find a return ride. Downside: The long drive can be uncomfortable if the driver is aggressive (e.g., speeding).

Recommended Visit Time: 3-5 Hours
How to visit:
The Mutianyu section runs along a mountain ridge with 3.5 km (Watchtowers 1–20) currently open. Towers 21–23 may open soon.

• Terrain: Towers 1–14 are relatively easy/flat. After Tower 14, it gets steeper. Towers 18–20 are the most challenging but offer the best views.
• North Entrance: Hike to Tower 10 (35 mins) or take the cable car to Tower 14 (5 mins; ¥100 one way).
• South Entrance: Hike to Tower 6 (25 mins) or take the chairlift to Tower 6 (5 mins; ¥100 one way). This entrance features the toboggan for the descent (¥100; 7 mins).

Suggested itinerary:
Cable car (North Entrance) to Tower 14 → Walk to Tower 20 (1 hour) → Walk back down to Tower 6 (1.5 hours) → Toboggan down (7 mins; expect 30–60 min wait times).

Notes:
- Dining: Fast food (Burger King, Subway) is available at the foot of the mountain. You can also bring snacks to eat on the Wall.
- Ticketing: The cable car and the chairlift/toboggan are operated by different companies. Round-trip tickets (¥140) are not interchangeable. For example, you cannot use a round-trip ticket to go up by cable car and down by toboggan.
- Booking: All transport tickets (cable car/toboggan) are sold on-site; no advance booking required.

Watch: The Great Wall of CHINA - Incredible Day Trip From Beijing

Watch: Mutianyu Great Wall 🇨🇳 | Cable Car Up, Toboggan Down!

Photo Highlights: by Victoriano Izquierdo

8. Wangfujing Shopping Street 王府井步行街

If you want to experience “Old Beijing,” head to Qianmen Street. If you’re looking for a glamorous commercial district, Shanghai might be a better option. If you’re expecting the famous night market featured in older guidebooks or blogs—where you could try unusual snacks like fried scorpions—you might be disappointed. That market was closed over a decade ago.

Today, Wangfujing is simply one of the city’s shopping areas popular among locals. For travelers, however, it is a top choice for accommodation: located in the heart of Beijing, it offers convenient access to major attractions and is an ideal area for spending the evening—whether shopping or dining at local Beijing restaurants. Well-reviewed options in the area include Jianguo Hidden Hotel and Atour Hotel.

Photo Highlights:

Main shopping centers along the street:

• Xiyue Shopping Mall(喜悦购物中心):
  Popular with a younger crowd. The B2 level features an anime and gaming zone (cosplay is common). On Level 5, you’ll find Dadong Roast Duck(大董烤鸭店)—widely regarded as one of Beijing’s top Peking duck chains, known for its refined setting, excellent reviews, and higher prices (around ¥500 per person). On B1, there’s Fangzhuang 69(69号方砖厂), one of the city’s most highly rated chains for zhajiangmian (Beijing-style noodles with soybean paste), and Yin San Douzhi(尹三豆汁), a well-known local chain serving douzhi (a fermented mung bean drink). Its strong, pungent flavor—often compared to blue cheese or natto—makes it a popular “challenge” for curious visitors.
• Oriental Plaza(东方广场):
  A typical mall popular with locals for its cinema and restaurants; it is less frequented by tourists. On Basement Level 1 (Unit BD71A), there’s a well-reviewed Hong Kong–style café, Jinhu Cha Chaan Teng(金湖茶餐厅).
• Beijing Department Store(北京百货大楼):
  China’s first department store. The B2 level features Heping Guoju”(和平菓局) a nostalgic 1980s Beijing-themed zone, along with a large Hamleys toy store. On Level 6 (Unit 608), you’ll find Jubaoyuan(聚宝源), a traditional Beijing-style copper pot hot pot restaurant specializing in lamb. Before visiting, it’s worth watching this video to see what the experience is like: DELICIOUS First Hot Pot Experience in China!
• APM:
  A typical modern mall with a large Apple Store. On Level 5 (Unit 542) is Donglaishun(东来顺), another famous Beijing copper pot hot pot brand. On Level 6 (Unit L607), you’ll find Hen Jiu Yi Qian Yangrou Chuan(很久以前羊肉串), a popular restaurant known for its lamb skewers, made with fresh lamb sourced from the Hulunbuir grasslands.
• WF Central(王府中环):
  A quieter, luxury-oriented mall—ideal for high-end dining. On Level 4 (Unit 413) is Cuiyuan(翠园), a premium Cantonese restaurant chain (around ¥300 per person). Cantonese cuisine is generally mild and highlights the natural flavors of ingredients, making it appealing to a wide range of international visitors.
• Yintai in88(银泰in88):
  A smaller mall with fewer standout features. On Level 3, you’ll find Xiao Diao Li Tang(小吊梨汤), a local Beijing-style comfort food chain offering dishes like roast duck and zhajiangmian at reasonable prices. This is a go-to spot for locals hosting out-of-town friends.

Getting There:

• If taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, it’s best to set your destination to the Xiyue Shopping Mall(喜悦购物中心) or Yintai in88(银泰in88).
• Take Subway Line 8 to Wangfujing Station and use Exit E1, which connects directly to the B2 level of Xiyue Shopping Mall.

Watch(Xiyue): Beijing Walk｜Wangfujing Joy City Mall Walk

Watch(Heping Guoju): Peace Fruit Market: A Time Capsule of 1980s Beijing

9. Summer Palace 颐和园

The Summer Palace is the largest preserved imperial garden in China. It was expanded to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s 60th birthday and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Since it is about an hour’s drive from downtown—and you may have “temple fatigue” after the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven—I’ve listed it as an optional stop.

Hours: April 1–Oct 31, 6:00 AM–8:00 PM; Nov 1–Mar 31, 6:30 AM–7:00 PM
Admission: 30 RMB (Apr–Oct), 20 RMB (Nov–Mar). Free for visitors under 6 or over 60; a passport is required for age verification. Tickets can be purchased on-site; pre-booking is no longer required.
Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 Hours
Official Site: summerpalace-china.com
Getting There: The easiest way is by Didi. Set your destination to “Summer Palace Xinjiangongmen (颐和园-新建宫门).” For a budget-friendly option, take Subway Line 16 to Xiyuan Station (西苑站), followed by a short walk or a Didi ride to the entrance.

Tips:

• Most main attractions are concentrated in the northern part of the park.
• Dining: Inside the park, the only place to find freshly made local snacks (like duck wraps or zhajiangmian) is near the Shifang (Marble Boat 石舫), specifically at Yin San Douzhi (尹三豆汁). Most other stands in the park only sell pre-packaged cold food. Alternatively, you can find a wider variety of restaurants in the shopping streets near Xiyuan Station (西苑站) after you exit.

Itinerary Option 1: Takes about 2.5 hours and includes a boat ride (40 RMB per person). There are several boat routes—make sure your destination is Shifang (Marble Boat 石舫). You’ll exit through the Donggongmen (East Palace Gate 东宫门) and can either take a Didi or walk 900 meters to Xiyuan Subway Station (西苑站).

Itinerary Option 2: A walking route that takes about 3 hours. You’ll exit through the North Ruyi Gate (北如意门) and can either take a Didi ride to your next stop or walk about 780 meters to Beigongmen Subway Station (北宫门站).

Watch: A Peaceful Walk Through China’s Imperial Garden

Photo Highlights: by Zikang Zhou | Nakaharu Line

10. Yonghegong Lama Temple 雍和宫

Built in 1694, this is one of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing. The temple is dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings (guardian deities from Indian Buddhism) and the Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha).

Buddhism has three major branches: Han Buddhism (mainly practiced in China, Japan, and Korea), Tibetan Buddhism (in Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal, etc.), and Theravāda Buddhism (in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Myanmar). Tibetan Buddhism is often seen as the most mysterious due to its complex rituals, symbolic mandalas, and the tulku system—where high lamas are believed to reincarnate.

Hours: April 1–Oct 31, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Nov 1–Mar 31, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Admission: ¥25 for adults; ¥12 for visitors under 18 or over 60, regardless of nationality. A passport is required for age verification. It’s recommended to buy tickets on-site, as they rarely sell out and prices on third-party platforms are often significantly higher.
Recommended Visit Time: Around 1 hour
Official Site: yonghegong.cn
Getting There:

• If taking a taxi or ride-hailing service, it’s best to set your destination to the Yonghegong Ticket Office (雍和宫售票处).
• Take Subway Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station (雍和宫站). Use Exit F and walk about 200 meters.

Tips:

• You’re welcome to visit even if you don’t plan to worship.
• Unlike in Thailand, temples in China generally don’t have strict dress codes. Shorts, skirts, and T-shirts are all acceptable.
• Incense is provided for free. It’s recommended to take three sticks (odd numbers are traditionally preferred). You can simply follow what others do: avoid blowing on the incense to extinguish the flame (gently wave your hand instead); hold the incense with your left hand, supported by your right, and raise it to forehead level to make a silent wish. Finally, place all three sticks into the burner together—don’t worry about arranging them neatly.

A Curious Urban Legend:
Yonghegong is the most visited temple in Beijing, partly due to a viral urban legend. Many claim their wishes made here come true—though sometimes in strange or unexpected ways. For example, someone wished for a less stressful job and got laid off. Another prayed for a higher salary but ended up with endless overtime. One person even wished to get rich quickly—and did, after receiving a large insurance payout from a car accident. Locals now jokingly call it the “literal genie” effect (similar to a “Monkey’s Paw” wish) and often add disclaimers: “If this wish is too hard to grant, please don’t force it in a weird way!”

Watch: Beijing: Top 10 Ancient Buddhist Temples

If you have extra time, walk west to Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同).
This 632-meter-long alley is lined with cafés, restaurants, and small shops. You can head to Andingmen Station after exploring.

Watch: Beijing Wudaoying Hutong walking tour

11. Universal Studios Beijing 环球影城

Universal Studios Beijing is the third Universal Studios park in Asia. Currently, only the first phase is open, with more areas planned for the future.

Hours: See the park schedule for details.
Admission:Around 500 RMB. Tickets can be booked on Trip.com.
Recommended Visit Time: 1 day
Official Site: universalbeijingresort.com
Getting There:

• Universal Studios is about 30 km (19 miles) from downtown Beijing.
• A Didi ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 70–100 RMB.
• By subway, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 6 RMB. Take Line 7 or Line 1 (Batong Line) to Universal Resort Station (环球度假区站). Use Exit B and walk for about 5 minutes.

Tips:

• Consider staying at the on-site hotel, The Universal Studios Grand Hotel, for convenience.
• The park is very crowded during July, August, and Chinese public holidays. Try to avoid these times or purchase an Express Pass.
• Download the Universal Beijing Resort app to check wait times and show schedules.

Universal Studios Beijing vs Other Universal Parks in Asia:

Watch: Our Honest Review of Universal Studios Beijing

Where to Go After Beijing

Here is Beijing’s location in relation to other major Chinese cities:

China Travel: Need to Know

Money & Payments

• Mobile payments are the norm in China, but cash is still legally accepted everywhere. However, many smaller merchants may not have enough change for cash transactions.
• Before your trip, download Alipay and WeChat, and link them to your credit card. These are essential “super-apps”—you will almost certainly need them. While both support payments, Alipay is generally easier for foreigners to set up. WeChat is primarily used for communication. For example, if you join a day tour, your guide will likely ask to add you on WeChat to stay in touch. You can watch Foreigner’s Guide to Paying in China with WeChat & Alipay for a detailed walkthrough

Connectivity

• The Reality: Many Western sites and apps (like Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube) are blocked on local Wi-Fi.
• eSIM (Recommended): This is usually the best option. You can buy one from Trip.com before you arrive. Note: most eSIMs don’t include a local phone number, but hotel staff can usually help you use their number for local apps (like food delivery).
• Physical SIM: You can buy a local SIM at the airport (starting around 100 RMB), and staff will help you set it up. This provides a local Chinese number.
• International Roaming: A simple but often more expensive alternative.the airport (starting around 100 RMB), and staff will help you set it up.

Essential Apps

• Navigation: Apple Maps works surprisingly well in China for English speakers. You can also download AMap (one of the most popular local map apps; Apple Maps actually uses its data).
• Translation: Google Translate and ChatGPT both work well.
• Ride-hailing: Use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay. It has a built-in English interface and automatically translates messages between you and your driver.

Other Tips

• Power Banks: China is highly phone-dependent, so you’ll find rentable power banks in most restaurants and malls. If your phone dies in the subway, you can ask station staff for help—they can usually provide a quick charge for free.
• Drinking Water: While tap water meets safety standards, it is not drinkable directly from the tap. Always drink bottled or boiled water. Most locals do the same.

Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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