Beijing Itinerary: 1-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Plans (Copy & Use)

Planning a Beijing trip but not sure how to structure your days? We have guided thousands of foreign tourists through this city, and we know exactly how to maximize your time without burning out. Whether you have a single whirlwind day, a perfect long weekend, or a full five days to explore, we have built minute-by-minute itineraries you can copy and follow directly.

These itineraries are based on real logistics: actual subway travel times, verified opening hours, and restaurants we have personally eaten at. We include exact costs, transport instructions, and meal recommendations at every step. No vague suggestions, just a concrete plan you can screenshot and go.

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1-Day Itinerary — The essential Beijing highlights in a single day
3-Day Itinerary — The perfect Beijing trip including the Great Wall
5-Day Itinerary — A deep dive into Beijing's history, art, and hidden gems
Daily Budget Breakdown — What to expect at budget, mid-range, and luxury tiers
Customize Your Itinerary — Swap options and rainy day alternatives

Before You Start: Essential Prep

Before diving into the itineraries, handle these logistics first:

Get a Beijing subway card or load Alipay/WeChat Pay. A Yikatong transit card costs 20 CNY (refundable deposit) and saves time at every station. Alternatively, Alipay now lets foreign tourists link international credit cards and scan to pay for rides.
Book Forbidden City tickets in advance. Tickets must be purchased online through the Palace Museum official website. Walk-up tickets are not available. Book at least 2-3 days ahead, especially for weekends.
Book Great Wall transport early (if doing a 3+ day itinerary). Whether you use a tour bus, private car, or public bus, plan this the day before.
Download a translation app. Google Translate or Pleco will save you at restaurants and subway stations. English signage exists on the subway but is limited elsewhere.
Carry your passport. You need it for Tiananmen Square security, booking tickets, and hotel check-in.

1-Day Itinerary: If You Only Have One Day in Beijing

One day in Beijing is tight, but it is absolutely doable if you are strategic. This itinerary hits the four most iconic sites in a logical geographic sequence, minimizing backtracking. You will walk approximately 15,000 steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

7:00 AM — Early Breakfast Near Your Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast. Look for a street vendor selling jianbing (savory crepe, 8-12 CNY) or step into any local breakfast shop for doujiang (soy milk, 3-5 CNY) and youtiao (fried dough sticks, 2-3 CNY). If your hotel serves breakfast, eat there to save time. You need energy for the day ahead.

7:30 AM — Head to Tiananmen Square

Transport: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit A). Subway fare: 3-5 CNY depending on distance.
Time needed: 30-40 minutes

Arrive early to beat the crowds. Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world, covering 44 hectares. Pass through the security checkpoint (have your passport ready) and walk across the vast open space. See the Monument to the People's Heroes at the center and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum on the south side (free admission, but the queue can take 1-2 hours so skip it today). Take photos of the iconic Tiananmen Gate on the north side with its portrait of Mao.

Cost: Free

8:30 AM — Enter the Forbidden City

Transport: Walk north through Tiananmen Gate (5 minutes). Show your pre-booked ticket at the Meridian Gate (Wumen).
Time needed: 2.5-3 hours

This is the main event. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) opens at 8:30 AM, and you want to be among the first inside. Follow the central axis through the three Great Halls: Hall of Supreme Harmony (the throne room), Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Then explore the Inner Court, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Imperial Garden, and if time permits, the less-visited western or eastern wings. The Clock Exhibition Hall and Treasure Gallery are worth the extra ticket if you have time.

Cost: 60 CNY (April-October) or 40 CNY (November-March). Clock Exhibition: 10 CNY. Treasure Gallery: 10 CNY.

Tip: Walk south to north. Exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) on the north side, which places you directly across from Jingshan Park.

11:30 AM — Jingshan Park: The Best View in Beijing

Transport: Walk directly across the street from the Forbidden City's north exit (2 minutes).
Time needed: 30-45 minutes

Cross the road and enter Jingshan Park. Climb the hill to the Wanchun Pavilion at the summit. This is the highest point in central Beijing, and the panoramic view over the Forbidden City's golden rooftops is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of China. On a clear day, you can see the entire layout of the palace complex stretching south to Tiananmen. This is also where the last Ming emperor hanged himself in 1644.

Cost: 2 CNY

12:15 PM — Hutong Lunch: Authentic Beijing Cuisine

Transport: Exit Jingshan Park's west gate and walk 10 minutes west into the hutong alleys around Houhai/Shichahai area, or head east toward Wudaoying Hutong.
Time needed: 1 hour

Head into the hutong neighborhood for an authentic Beijing lunch. We recommend the area around Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pipe Lane) near Houhai. Try a local restaurant serving zhajiangmian (Beijing-style noodles with soybean paste, 25-35 CNY), jiaozi (dumplings, 30-45 CNY per plate), or luzhu huoshao (a traditional Beijing stewed bread dish). For a sit-down restaurant, look for Zhang Mama or any small place packed with locals. Budget 40-80 CNY per person for a filling lunch.

1:30 PM — Travel to Temple of Heaven

Transport: Take Subway Line 8 from Shichahai Station south to Qianmen Station, then transfer to Line 2 southbound to Chongwenmen Station, then Line 5 south to Tiantan Dongmen Station (Exit A). Total travel time approximately 35-40 minutes. Fare: 4-5 CNY.
Alternative: Take a taxi from Houhai, approximately 30-40 CNY, 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

2:15 PM — Temple of Heaven

Transport: Enter through the East Gate (closest to the subway station).
Time needed: 2-2.5 hours

The Temple of Heaven is where emperors prayed for good harvests. The park is enormous (273 hectares, nearly four times larger than the Forbidden City), so focus on the three main structures along the central axis: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (the iconic triple-tiered circular building you see on postcards), the Imperial Vault of Heaven with its famous Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar. Between the main structures, take in the atmosphere of the surrounding park where locals practice tai chi, play cards, sing in groups, and dance. This is Beijing life at its most authentic.

Cost: 34 CNY (combined ticket for park + all buildings, April-October) or 28 CNY (November-March). Park-only ticket: 15 CNY / 10 CNY.

4:45 PM — Explore Qianmen Street

Transport: Take Subway Line 5 from Tiantan Dongmen north to Chongwenmen, transfer to Line 2 to Qianmen Station (Exit A). About 15 minutes. Fare: 3-4 CNY.

Walk along Qianmen Dajie, the historic pedestrian shopping street south of Tiananmen. Browse traditional shops, try some snacks, and soak in the atmosphere of old Beijing. Look for Duyichu (a famous shaomai dumpling restaurant with over 250 years of history) if you want a pre-dinner snack.

Cost: Free (browsing). Snacks 10-30 CNY.

6:30 PM — Peking Duck Dinner

Transport: Walk or short taxi ride.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

You cannot leave Beijing without trying Peking Duck. For your one-day splurge, head to Siji Minfu on Qianmen — it is consistently rated among the best Peking Duck restaurants, with fair prices and English menus. A half duck (enough for 1-2 people) costs about 98-148 CNY. Add side dishes like smashed cucumber salad (18 CNY) and stir-fried greens (28 CNY). Budget 120-200 CNY per person for a full dinner with drinks. Arrive before 6:30 PM to avoid long waits.

Alternative: If Siji Minfu has a long queue, try Bianyifang on Qianmen — it is one of the oldest Peking Duck restaurants in Beijing, dating back to 1416.

8:00 PM — Evening at Tiananmen Square (Illuminated)

Transport: Walk north from Qianmen (5 minutes).

Return to Tiananmen Square to see it beautifully lit up at night. The Tiananmen Gate and surrounding buildings are illuminated, and the square has a completely different atmosphere after dark. The flag-lowering ceremony happens at sunset, but the illuminated night view is stunning in its own right. Spend 20-30 minutes walking around before heading back to your hotel.

8:30 PM — Return to Hotel

Transport: Subway Line 1 or Line 2 from Qianmen/Tiananmen area. Fare: 3-5 CNY.

1-Day Budget Summary

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Breakfast	10 CNY	30 CNY	80 CNY
Subway/Transport	15 CNY	25 CNY	200 CNY (taxi)
Forbidden City	60 CNY	80 CNY	80 CNY
Jingshan Park	2 CNY	2 CNY	2 CNY
Lunch	40 CNY	80 CNY	200 CNY
Temple of Heaven	34 CNY	34 CNY	34 CNY
Snacks/Drinks	20 CNY	40 CNY	80 CNY
Dinner (Peking Duck)	80 CNY	180 CNY	400 CNY
Total	261 CNY (~$36)	471 CNY (~$65)	1,076 CNY (~$148)

Note: Prices exclude hotel accommodation. CNY to USD approximate rate: 1 USD = 7.25 CNY.

3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect Beijing Trip

Three days is the sweet spot for Beijing. You get the essential city sights, a full day at the Great Wall, and time for cultural immersion without feeling rushed. This is our most recommended itinerary.

Day 1: City Center — Imperial Beijing

8:00 AM — Tiananmen Square
Transport: Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station (Exit A). Fare: 3-5 CNY.
Walk through the vast square, see the Monument to the People's Heroes, and photograph Tiananmen Gate. Have your passport ready for the security check. Time: 40 minutes.

Cost: Free

8:45 AM — Forbidden City
Transport: Walk north through Tiananmen Gate (5 minutes).
Spend a full 3 hours exploring. With three days in Beijing, you have more room to breathe. Walk the central axis, then detour into the western route (Hall of Mental Cultivation, where emperors actually did daily work) and the eastern route (the colorful Nine Dragon Screen and the Treasure Gallery). Do not miss the Imperial Garden at the very north end.

Cost: 60 CNY + 10 CNY (Treasure Gallery) + 10 CNY (Clock Exhibition) = 80 CNY total

12:00 PM — Jingshan Park
Transport: Exit the Forbidden City's north gate, cross the street (2 minutes).
Climb to the top for the definitive panoramic view of the Forbidden City. 30 minutes is plenty.

Cost: 2 CNY

12:45 PM — Lunch Near Jingshan
Walk east from Jingshan Park toward Wudaoying Hutong (about 15 minutes on foot) or take the subway one stop. Wudaoying is a charming hutong street with a mix of traditional restaurants and trendy cafes. Try Baozi Pu for steamed buns or a local noodle shop. Budget 40-80 CNY per person.

2:15 PM — Free Time / Beihai Park (Optional)
If you have energy, walk 10 minutes west from Jingshan to Beihai Park, one of the oldest imperial gardens in China. The White Dagoba pagoda on Qionghua Island is lovely. If you are tired, head back to your hotel for a rest before dinner. Beihai Park admission: 10 CNY (April-October) or 5 CNY (November-March).

5:30 PM — Wangfujing Snack Street & Dinner
Transport: Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station (Exit A). Fare: 3-4 CNY.
Browse Wangfujing, Beijing's most famous shopping street. The Wangfujing Snack Street (Xiaochi Jie) has stalls selling everything from lamb skewers to candied hawthorn on sticks. For a proper dinner, try Donglaishun for traditional Beijing-style hot pot (budget 100-150 CNY per person) or explore the many restaurant options in the surrounding streets.

8:00 PM — Evening stroll along Chang'an Avenue
Walk west along Chang'an Avenue, Beijing's grand central boulevard, to see the illuminated government buildings and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (the "Giant Egg"). Return to hotel via subway.

Day 2: Great Wall of China at Mutianyu — Full Day

Today is entirely dedicated to the Great Wall. Mutianyu is our top recommendation for the best balance of scenery, accessibility, and crowd levels.

6:30 AM — Early Breakfast
Eat a hearty breakfast at your hotel. You need fuel for climbing the Wall. Pack water and snacks.

7:00 AM — Depart for Mutianyu
Transport options (choose one):

Option A: Private car/tour (recommended). Arrange through your hotel or a tour company. Cost: 400-600 CNY for a round-trip car and driver. Door-to-door, most convenient.
Option B: Mutianyu public shuttle bus. Take Subway Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station, then take the 916 Express Bus from Dongzhimen Transport Hub to Huairou Bus Station (fare: 12 CNY, about 1 hour). From Huairou, take local bus H23 or a minivan taxi to Mutianyu entrance (about 30 minutes, 25-35 CNY).
Option C: Tourist bus. Multiple tour companies run direct buses from downtown Beijing. About 80-150 CNY round trip. Departs around 7-8 AM from central meeting points.

Estimated travel time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on transport and traffic.

9:00 AM — Arrive at Mutianyu Great Wall
Purchase your ticket at the entrance. Take the cable car up to avoid the strenuous initial climb (or walk up if you prefer the exercise, about 40-60 minutes). Once on the Wall, walk in both directions from the cable car drop-off. The section from Tower 14 to Tower 23 is the most scenic. The westward walk toward Tower 23 is less crowded and offers increasingly dramatic views.

Cost: Entrance ticket: 40 CNY. Cable car (round trip): 120 CNY. Toboggan down (one-way): 100 CNY.

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM — Explore the Great Wall
Spend 3-4 hours walking, climbing, and photographing. The Wall here stretches across forested mountains with 23 watchtowers. Take your time. Bring water and sunscreen. The views are extraordinary in every season.

1:00 PM — Lunch at Mutianyu Village
Descend via cable car or take the famous toboggan ride down (a metal sled on a track through the forest — genuinely fun and a great way to descend). Eat at one of the restaurants in Mutianyu village at the base. The Subway (yes, the sandwich chain) and Burger King are there for comfort food, but we recommend a local Chinese restaurant for hongshaorou (braised pork), stir-fried dishes, and cold beer. Budget 50-100 CNY per person.

2:30 PM — Return to Beijing
Head back to the city. Arrival approximately 4:00-5:00 PM depending on traffic.

5:30 PM — Rest at Hotel
Take a shower, rest your legs. You earned it.

7:00 PM — Peking Duck Dinner
Tonight is the night for Beijing's most famous dish. Head to Da Dong Peking Duck (Dongcheng district location) for the upscale experience, or Siji Minfu near Tiananmen for excellent quality at lower prices. At Da Dong, expect to pay 250-350 CNY per person for a full meal with a whole duck. At Siji Minfu, 120-200 CNY per person. Make a reservation if possible for Da Dong.

Transport: Taxi or subway depending on restaurant location. Budget 15-40 CNY.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Summer Palace

7:30 AM — Temple of Heaven (Morning Visit)
Transport: Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station (Exit A). Fare: 3-5 CNY.
Visit the Temple of Heaven early morning to see locals doing their morning exercises, singing, and practicing tai chi in the park. This is one of the most culturally authentic experiences in Beijing. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar. Time: 2 hours.

Cost: 34 CNY (combined ticket)

10:00 AM — Hutong Walking Tour
Transport: Subway Line 5 north from Tiantan Dongmen to Beixinqiao Station, then walk west to the hutong area. Or take Line 5 to Zhangzizhong Lu and walk north. About 25 minutes total. Fare: 4-5 CNY.

Spend the late morning wandering through Beijing's historic hutong alleyways. The best area is around Nanluoguxiang, Gulou Dongdajie, and the smaller alleys branching off them. A hutong is a traditional narrow lane formed by rows of courtyard houses (siheyuan). Many date back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Walk through, peek into courtyards, chat with locals sitting outside, and get happily lost. You can also hire a rickshaw tour (about 150-200 CNY per person for a 1-hour tour) for a guided experience with stops at a local family's courtyard home.

Cost: Free (self-guided) or 150-200 CNY (rickshaw tour)

12:00 PM — Hutong Lunch
Eat in the hutong area. Head to Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pipe Lane) for a charming street full of small restaurants, or try Mr Shi's Dumplings in the Baochao Hutong area for excellent handmade dumplings. Budget 50-90 CNY per person.

1:30 PM — Travel to Summer Palace
Transport: Subway Line 8 from Shichahai to Line 4 (transfer at National Library), then Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate, Exit D). Total travel time approximately 40-50 minutes. Fare: 5-6 CNY.

2:30 PM — Summer Palace
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is Beijing's most beautiful park. This sprawling royal garden covers 290 hectares, three-quarters of which is water (Kunming Lake). Enter through the North Palace Gate and walk to the Tower of Buddhist Incense on Longevity Hill for sweeping lake views. Walk down to the Long Corridor — a 728-meter covered walkway with over 14,000 painted scenes from Chinese mythology and history. Take a dragon boat across Kunming Lake (60 CNY) or walk along the lakeside. Visit the Marble Boat and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Time: 2.5-3 hours.

Cost: 30 CNY (park only, April-October) or 60 CNY (combined ticket with all buildings). Winter: 20 CNY / 50 CNY.

5:30 PM — Return to City Center
Transport: Subway Line 4 from Beigongmen back into the city. About 30-40 minutes. Fare: 4-6 CNY.

6:30 PM — Houhai Lake Evening
Transport: Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station (Exit A).
Spend your final evening at Houhai Lake, the most atmospheric evening spot in Beijing. The willow-lined lake is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and traditional hutong alleys. Walk along the lakeshore, enjoy the lantern reflections on the water, and settle into a lakeside restaurant or bar. Try local craft beer at a waterfront bar (30-50 CNY per drink) or have dinner at one of the many restaurants. For food, the area specializes in hotpot and grilled fish. Budget 80-150 CNY per person for dinner.

9:00 PM — Return to Hotel
Walk back along the lake and take the subway home. A perfect end to three days in Beijing.

3-Day Budget Summary

Expense (3 Days)	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Meals (all 3 days)	450 CNY	1,000 CNY	2,500 CNY
Transport (all 3 days)	120 CNY	250 CNY	800 CNY
Attractions (all tickets)	246 CNY	296 CNY	296 CNY
Great Wall Transport	80 CNY	150 CNY	600 CNY
Great Wall Cable Car	0 CNY (walk)	120 CNY	120 CNY
Snacks/Drinks	60 CNY	150 CNY	400 CNY
Extras (rickshaw, boat)	0 CNY	200 CNY	400 CNY
Total (3 Days)	956 CNY (~$132)	2,166 CNY (~$299)	5,116 CNY (~$706)
Per Day Average	319 CNY (~$44)	722 CNY (~$100)	1,705 CNY (~$235)

Note: Excludes accommodation. Budget travelers can find hostels for 80-150 CNY/night. Mid-range hotels: 400-800 CNY/night. Luxury hotels: 1,500-3,000+ CNY/night.

5-Day Itinerary: The Deep Dive into Beijing

Five days lets you go beyond the greatest hits and discover the Beijing that most tourists miss. Days 1-3 follow the same plan as the 3-day itinerary above, so we will detail Days 4 and 5 here.

Days 1-3: Same as 3-Day Itinerary Above

Follow the 3-day itinerary exactly. By the end of Day 3, you will have covered Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Temple of Heaven, the hutongs, the Summer Palace, and Houhai Lake.

Day 4: Art, Olympics & Nightlife

8:30 AM — Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Start Day 4 at a relaxed pace. Find a cafe near your hotel for coffee and a Western-style breakfast if you are craving one, or grab another jianbing from a street cart.

9:30 AM — 798 Art District
Transport: Subway Line 14 to Wangjing South Station, then take a taxi or bus to 798 (about 10 minutes, 15-20 CNY by taxi). Alternatively, take a direct taxi from central Beijing (40-60 CNY, 30-45 minutes). Fare from subway: 5-7 CNY + taxi.
Time needed: 2.5-3 hours

The 798 Art District (also called Dashanzi Art District) is Beijing's contemporary art hub, built inside a sprawling complex of decommissioned military electronics factories from the 1950s. The Bauhaus-style factory buildings now house over 300 galleries, studios, design shops, and cafes. Wander through the industrial streets, duck into galleries showing cutting-edge Chinese contemporary art, and photograph the striking contrast between socialist-era architecture and avant-garde installations.

Must-see spots:

UCCA Center for Contemporary Art — Beijing's most important contemporary art museum. Admission: 60-120 CNY depending on exhibition.
Pace Gallery Beijing — Major international gallery, free entry.
798 Photo Gallery — Excellent photography exhibitions.
The street art and outdoor sculptures — Free and everywhere.

Cost: Free to walk around. Individual galleries: free to 120 CNY.

12:30 PM — Lunch at 798
Eat at one of the trendy restaurants inside the district. AT Cafe is a popular choice with good Western and Chinese fusion dishes (60-100 CNY per person). There are also several noodle shops and dumpling restaurants for budget options (30-50 CNY).

2:00 PM — Olympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)
Transport: Taxi from 798 to Olympic Park (about 15-20 minutes, 25-35 CNY). Or take a bus/subway combination via Line 8 to Olympic Green Station.
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Visit the iconic Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), built for the 2008 Olympics. You can view the stunning exteriors for free from the Olympic Green, which is a massive public park. Going inside the Bird's Nest costs 50 CNY but is optional unless you are very interested in architecture. The Water Cube has been converted into a water park (Happy Magic Water Cube, 260 CNY entry) if you fancy a swim. The surrounding Olympic Forest Park is pleasant for a walk.

Cost: Free (exteriors). Bird's Nest interior: 50 CNY. Water Cube exterior viewing: free.

4:00 PM — Olympic Forest Park Walk
If the weather is nice, take a leisurely walk through Olympic Forest Park (free entry), the largest urban park in Beijing. It is a local favorite for jogging, cycling, and picnicking. This is a hidden gem that most tourists skip — you will be surrounded by Beijing locals rather than tour groups.

5:30 PM — Return to City Center & Rest
Transport: Subway Line 8 from Olympic Green to central Beijing. About 25-35 minutes. Fare: 4-5 CNY.

7:00 PM — Ghost Street (Guijie) Dinner
Transport: Subway Line 5 to Beixinqiao Station (Exit A). Walk east to Dongzhimen Inner Street. Fare: 3-5 CNY.

Guijie (Ghost Street) is Beijing's most famous food street — a 1.4-kilometer strip of over 100 restaurants, lit up with thousands of red lanterns after dark. It stays open until the early morning hours and is a quintessential Beijing nightlife experience. The specialty here is mala xiaolongxia (spicy crayfish), and the most famous restaurant is Huajia Yiyuan — expect a wait, but the spicy crayfish feast is legendary. One serving of crayfish runs 98-168 CNY depending on size. Add beer, side dishes, and appetizers for a total of 100-200 CNY per person.

Alternative: If you do not like spicy food, try Huajia Yiyuan's non-spicy dishes, or pick one of the many hotpot, BBQ, or Sichuan restaurants along the street.

9:00 PM — Ghost Street Evening Atmosphere
After dinner, walk the full length of Ghost Street to see the spectacular red-lantern-lit atmosphere. The energy is infectious — this is how Beijingers spend their evenings. Head back to the hotel via the nearby Beixinqiao subway station.

Day 5: Temples, Hutongs & a Farewell Feast

8:00 AM — Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Transport: Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Station (Exit C). Fare: 3-5 CNY.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

The Lama Temple is Beijing's most spectacular active Buddhist temple and one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Originally built as a residence for a Qing prince (who later became Emperor Yongzheng), it was converted to a monastery in 1744. The highlight is the Maitreya Buddha statue in the final hall — a staggering 18-meter (59-foot) statue carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The incense-filled halls, chanting monks, and devoted worshippers make this a deeply atmospheric experience.

Cost: 25 CNY

Tip: Buy a bundle of incense at the entrance (free incense is offered at the first hall). Light three sticks and bow at each hall as the locals do — it is a beautiful ritual to participate in respectfully.

9:30 AM — Confucius Temple & Imperial Academy
Transport: Walk 5 minutes west from the Lama Temple along Guozijian Street.
Time needed: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Right next to the Lama Temple is the Confucius Temple (Kong Miao) and the Imperial Academy (Guozijian), China's highest institution of learning during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The tree-lined Guozijian Street connecting them is one of Beijing's most beautiful and tranquil streets, lined with traditional paifang (ornamental arches) and old scholar trees. The Confucius Temple contains 198 stone tablets inscribed with the names of 51,624 scholars who passed the imperial examinations — a deeply moving testament to centuries of Chinese academic tradition.

Cost: 30 CNY (combined ticket for both sites)

10:45 AM — Nanluoguxiang Hutong
Transport: Walk south from Guozijian Street (about 10 minutes) or Subway Line 8 to Nanluoguxiang Station.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours

Nanluoguxiang is an 800-meter hutong lined with shops, cafes, and snack vendors. It can be touristy, but the smaller alleys branching off on either side are wonderfully authentic. Explore the side hutongs — Mao'er Hutong, Yuer Hutong, and Qinlao Hutong — to find hidden courtyard guesthouses, tiny galleries, and local life. Grab a candied hawthorn stick (tanghulu, 10 CNY) or a Beijing yogurt drink in a ceramic jar (8 CNY) as you walk.

Cost: Free (browsing). Snacks: 10-30 CNY.

Hidden Gem: Duck into Mao'er Hutong #35 to find the former residence of Wan Rong, the last empress of China. The modest courtyard is easy to miss but is a poignant piece of history.

12:15 PM — Lunch at a Hutong Restaurant
For a special hutong lunch experience, try The Georg (inside Dongcheng district hutongs) for elegant farm-to-table Chinese cuisine in a restored courtyard (150-250 CNY per person). For a more budget-friendly option, the many small restaurants along Nanluoguxiang and its side alleys serve noodles, dumplings, and stir-fry dishes for 30-60 CNY per person.

1:30 PM — Beihai Park
Transport: Subway Line 8 from Nanluoguxiang to Shichahai Station, then walk west about 10 minutes. Or take a taxi (15-20 CNY). Fare: 3-4 CNY by subway.
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Beihai Park is one of Beijing's hidden treasures — an ancient imperial garden that most foreign tourists overlook in favor of the Summer Palace. Dating back over 1,000 years (making it older than the Forbidden City), Beihai centers on a large lake with the iconic White Dagoba pagoda perched on Qionghua Island. Cross the bridge to the island, climb to the pagoda for beautiful views, then explore the north shore to find the Nine Dragon Screen (one of only three in China), the Five Dragon Pavilions jutting over the water, and the serene Jingxin Studio garden-within-a-garden.

Cost: 10 CNY (April-October) or 5 CNY (November-March). Boat rental: 60-100 CNY per hour.

Hidden Gem: Rent a paddleboat on Beihai Lake (available April-October) and paddle around Qionghua Island. You will see the White Dagoba from the water, with the Forbidden City's moat walls visible in the distance. It is one of the most peaceful experiences in central Beijing.

3:30 PM — Drum Tower & Bell Tower
Transport: Walk north from Beihai Park through the hutong alleys (about 15-20 minutes) toward Gulou. Or take a taxi (15 CNY).
Time needed: 45 minutes

The Drum Tower (Gulou) and Bell Tower (Zhonglou) are a pair of imposing towers that once kept time for the entire city. Climb the steep steps of the Drum Tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding hutong rooftops — one of the best views for understanding the hutong layout of old Beijing. Drumming performances take place every 30 minutes.

Cost: 20 CNY (Drum Tower) or 30 CNY (combined ticket for both towers)

4:30 PM — Tea Ceremony Experience
Before your farewell dinner, seek out a traditional tea house in the Gulou area. Several small tea shops offer informal tea tastings where you can sample different Chinese teas (jasmine, pu-erh, oolong, longjing) and learn about tea culture. Budget 50-100 CNY for a tasting session. This is a wonderfully relaxing way to wind down before your final evening.

6:00 PM — Farewell Peking Duck Dinner
Transport: Taxi or subway to your chosen restaurant. Budget 15-40 CNY for transport.

End your Beijing journey with one last Peking Duck feast. If you went to Siji Minfu or Da Dong on Day 2, try a different restaurant tonight for comparison:

Quanjude — The most famous name in Peking Duck (established 1864). The Qianmen flagship location is a Beijing institution. Whole duck: 268-338 CNY. Total per person: 150-250 CNY.
Liqun Roast Duck — A legendary hutong restaurant hidden in a narrow alley. The duck is roasted in a traditional brick oven. Smaller, more intimate, and deeply authentic. Whole duck: about 220 CNY. Reservations essential.
Siji Minfu (Dengshikou location) — If you loved it the first time, go again. It is that good.

8:00 PM — Final Evening Walk
After dinner, take a final stroll through Beijing. Walk along the moat of the Forbidden City if you are nearby — the walls are beautifully lit at night and the corner towers reflecting in the moat water make for a perfect farewell photograph.

5-Day Budget Summary

Expense (5 Days)	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Meals (all 5 days)	750 CNY	1,800 CNY	4,500 CNY
Transport (all 5 days)	180 CNY	400 CNY	1,200 CNY
Attractions (all tickets)	341 CNY	451 CNY	451 CNY
Great Wall Transport + Cable Car	80 CNY	270 CNY	720 CNY
Snacks/Drinks	100 CNY	250 CNY	600 CNY
Extras (rickshaw, boat, tea)	50 CNY	350 CNY	700 CNY
Total (5 Days)	1,501 CNY (~$207)	3,521 CNY (~$486)	8,171 CNY (~$1,127)
Per Day Average	300 CNY (~$41)	704 CNY (~$97)	1,634 CNY (~$225)

Note: Excludes accommodation. Budget hostels: 80-150 CNY/night. Mid-range hotels: 400-800 CNY/night. Luxury hotels: 1,500-3,000+ CNY/night.

Customize Your Itinerary: Swap Options

Every traveler is different. Here are easy swaps you can make based on your interests:

If You Love History

Swap 798 Art District for the National Museum of China (east side of Tiananmen Square, free admission, allow 3 hours). It has the best collection of Chinese historical artifacts in the country.
Add the Ming Tombs to your Great Wall day. They are on the way to Badaling and Mutianyu. The Dingling underground palace is fascinating. Combined day trip adds about 2 hours.
Swap Olympic Park for the Ancient Observatory (Jianguomen Station, 20 CNY) — a 600-year-old astronomical observatory with beautiful bronze instruments on the rooftop.

If You Love Nature

Swap 798 Art District for Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan). Take Subway Line 4 to the end, then bus. Especially stunning in October when the leaves turn red. Allow half a day.
Choose Jinshanling instead of Mutianyu for the Great Wall — wilder, less restored, and better hiking. Requires more fitness but the reward is enormous.
Add a boat ride from the Summer Palace to the city center via the old canal (available seasonally, about 70 CNY).

If You Love Food

Add a cooking class on Day 4 morning instead of 798. Several hutong-based cooking schools offer 3-hour classes where you learn to make dumplings, kung pao chicken, and other classics. About 300-450 CNY per person.
Replace Olympic Park with a food tour of Niujie (Beijing's Muslim Quarter). The Hui community has been here for centuries, and the lamb dishes, fried pastries, and halal snacks are outstanding.
Do a breakfast hutong crawl — skip the hotel breakfast on Day 5 and walk through the hutongs trying jianbing, baozi, doujiang, and shaobing from different street vendors.

If You Are Traveling With Kids

Add Beijing Zoo + Aquarium (Subway Line 4, Dongwuyuan Station). Kids love the pandas. Zoo: 15 CNY. Aquarium: 175 CNY. Allow 3-4 hours.
Keep the Great Wall toboggan ride — kids absolutely love it.
Swap Temple of Heaven for Happy Magic Water Cube water park at Olympic Park (260 CNY entry) on hot summer days.
Add Shichahai ice skating in winter — the frozen lake becomes a natural ice rink (about 50 CNY entry).

Weather Adjustments: Rainy Day Alternatives

Beijing's rainy season is June through August, but rain can happen any time. Here is how to adjust your itinerary when the weather does not cooperate:

Rainy Day Plan A: Museum Day

Morning: National Museum of China (free, Tiananmen East, allow 2-3 hours). One of the world's largest museums with over a million artifacts.
Lunch: Nearby Qianmen Street restaurants (covered areas).
Afternoon: Capital Museum (free, Subway Line 1 Muxidi Station, allow 2 hours). Excellent Beijing-specific history and culture exhibits.
Evening: Indoor hotpot dinner — Haidilao (a famous chain known for extraordinary service, multiple locations, 100-150 CNY per person) is the perfect rainy-day meal.

Rainy Day Plan B: Shopping & Indoor Culture

Morning: Panjiayuan Antique Market (partially covered, Subway Line 10 Panjiayuan Station). Beijing's best flea market for antiques, crafts, and souvenirs. Go early.
Afternoon: Wangfujing area malls and covered shopping streets. Or visit the Poly Art Museum (20 CNY, beautiful bronzes and Buddhist sculptures).
Evening: Catch a Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre (inside Qianmen Jianguo Hotel, tickets 180-680 CNY) or a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre (280 CNY). Both are excellent rainy-evening options.

Rainy Day Tips

The Forbidden City is manageable in light rain — fewer tourists and the wet rooftops look stunning. Bring an umbrella.
Avoid the Great Wall in heavy rain. The steps become slippery and dangerous, and the views disappear in fog. Reschedule if possible.
The Temple of Heaven park is muddy in rain, but the covered halls are fine.
Most hutongs lack covered walkways, so light rain is charming but heavy rain makes walking miserable.

Complete Daily Budget Breakdown: All Three Tiers

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect per day at each budget level, covering every major expense category:

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	80-150 CNY (hostels, budget hotels)	400-800 CNY (3-4 star hotels)	1,500-3,000+ CNY (5-star, boutique)
Breakfast	10-15 CNY (street food)	30-60 CNY (cafe or hotel)	80-150 CNY (hotel buffet)
Lunch	25-45 CNY (local restaurants)	60-120 CNY (sit-down restaurants)	150-300 CNY (upscale dining)
Dinner	40-80 CNY (local restaurants)	100-200 CNY (Peking Duck, etc.)	300-600 CNY (fine dining)
Transport	10-20 CNY/day (subway only)	30-60 CNY/day (subway + occasional taxi)	150-300 CNY/day (mostly taxi/car)
Attractions	50-80 CNY/day average	60-100 CNY/day average	60-100 CNY/day average
Snacks & Drinks	10-20 CNY	30-60 CNY	80-150 CNY
Daily Total	225-410 CNY ($31-57)	710-1,400 CNY ($98-193)	2,320-4,600 CNY ($320-634)

Money-saving tips:

Subway is almost always faster and cheaper than taxis during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). Traffic in Beijing can be brutal.
Many parks have a "park only" ticket and a "combined" ticket. If you are short on time, the park-only ticket lets you enjoy the grounds without entering every building.
Street food breakfasts are delicious and incredibly cheap. A jianbing, soy milk, and baozi breakfast can cost under 15 CNY total.
Water is cheap in convenience stores (2-3 CNY for a bottle) but overpriced at tourist sites (10-15 CNY). Buy in advance.
Free museums include the National Museum of China, Capital Museum, and the National Art Museum of China. All require passport-based advance booking.

Final Tips for Any Beijing Itinerary

Start early. Major sites like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are best experienced in the first hour after opening, before tour groups arrive.
Midday break. If visiting in summer, plan indoor activities or a hotel rest between 12:30-2:30 PM when the heat peaks.
Subway closing time. Beijing's subway typically stops running between 10:30-11:00 PM. If you are out late, have a taxi app (Didi) ready as a backup.
Keep small cash. While Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate, some small vendors and older establishments still prefer cash. Keep 200-300 CNY on hand.
Air quality. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) each morning. On high-pollution days (AQI above 150), consider swapping outdoor activities for museum visits. Bring a mask if you are sensitive to air quality.
Sunday vs. weekday. If your trip spans a weekend, schedule the Great Wall for a weekday and city sights for the weekend. The Wall is significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday.
Photography. The best light for photographing the Forbidden City is early morning. The best light for the Great Wall is late afternoon. Plan accordingly.

Whether you have one day or five, Beijing will leave a lasting impression. The city layers 3,000 years of history with the energy of a modern megacity, and there is truly nothing else like it. Print this itinerary, save it to your phone, and enjoy every minute.