A Five-Day, Four-Night Beijing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide
|The ultimate guide.
Hey friends! I just got back from an amazing five-day, four-night trip to Beijing, and it was truly unforgettable! From the red walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City to the majestic Great Wall and the vibrant atmosphere of the hutongs, every moment was special. I'm sharing my super-detailed guide with you, so save it and get ready to explore!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing → Sanlitun
Morning: After arriving in Beijing, head to your hotel to check in, drop off your luggage, and take a short break.
Lunch: Try some authentic Beijing copper hot pot near your hotel. The tender lamb dipped in sesame sauce is simply divine!
Afternoon: Head straight to Sanlitun, Beijing's fashion hub. It's packed with designer brands and stylish people, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Evening: Explore the food streets of Sanlitun, where you'll find a wide variety of international cuisine and trendy snacks.
Day 2: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park
Morning: Get up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience (remember to check the ceremony time in advance and arrive early to secure a good spot).
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and then head to the Palace Museum (Forbidden City). Book your tickets in advance through the "Palace Museum" mini-program. Explore the Three Great Halls, the Inner Three Palaces, and stroll through the East and West Six Palaces to immerse yourself in ancient royal life.
Lunch: There are many restaurants near the Forbidden City. I recommend trying the Zha Jiang Mian (fried sauce noodles). The noodles are chewy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
Afternoon: Exit the Forbidden City through the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwu Gate). Jingshan Park is right across the street. Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing's central axis. The sunset view is especially stunning.
Evening: Visit Dashilanr, home to numerous time-honored brands and a variety of Beijing snacks like Baodu (fried tripe) and Chaogan (fried liver).
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall → Olympic Park
Morning: Take subway line 2 to Jishuitan Station. Exit from Exit A or B and walk to Deshengmen Bus Station. Take bus 877 directly to the Badaling Great Wall (use your Beijing transportation card or scan the QR code to pay, 12 yuan/person). Climbing the Great Wall can be tiring, but the sense of accomplishment and breathtaking scenery at the top are definitely worth it.
Lunch: Enjoy your packed lunch at the Great Wall. There are also restaurants offering simple meals, but they can be a bit pricey.
Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Olympic Park. Check out the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. During the day, you can admire the unique design of the Olympic venues up close, and they're even more spectacular when lit up at night.
Evening: Have a delicious dinner at a nearby mall to replenish your energy.
Day 4: Summer Palace → Old Summer Palace → Tsinghua University & Peking University (entrance photo op)
Morning: Visit the Summer Palace. Enter through the East Gate and explore the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Admire the beautiful scenery of the imperial garden and enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
Lunch: Try some traditional snacks near the Summer Palace, such as Wandouhuang (pea flour cake) and Lvdagun (glutinous rice rolls with soybean flour). They're delicate, sweet, and incredibly delicious.
Afternoon: Visit the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and explore the ruins of the Western-style palaces. Reflect on the history and remember that period. Afterward, you can take photos at the entrances of Tsinghua University and Peking University (reservations are required to enter the campuses, but a photo op at the entrance is still a great souvenir).
Evening: Explore Zhongguancun, a vibrant area with a wide variety of dining options and exciting nightlife.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven → Departure
Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven and explore the Circular Mound Altar and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Experience the sacred atmosphere where ancient emperors performed ceremonies to Heaven and pray for good harvests. Admire the exquisite architecture and unique acoustic phenomena.
Lunch: Enjoy Peking duck at a restaurant near the Temple of Heaven. The crispy skin and tender meat, served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce, are a true culinary delight.
Afternoon: Pack your bags and prepare for your departure, marking the end of your wonderful Beijing trip.
Beijing is a truly captivating city, where history, culture, and modern prosperity blend seamlessly. So, grab this guide and start planning your Beijing adventure!