7-Day Low Budget City Experiences Itinerary in Beijing, China

Friday, December 29: Exploring Beijing's Icons

In the morning, start your trip by visiting the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its rich history and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. As the evening sets in, head to the Wangfujing Street night market to experience local street food delicacies.

• Forbidden City: Cost Estimate - Free (for outside area), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Tiananmen Square: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Wangfujing Street: Cost Estimate - Variable (Depends on food purchases), Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 30: Cultural Immersion in the Hutongs

Start your day by exploring the traditional Hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw. Immerse yourself in the local culture, visit traditional courtyard houses, and try some delicious Beijing-style breakfast. In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple, the largest and most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. In the evening, catch a traditional Chinese opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre.

• Hutong Exploration: Cost Estimate - CNY 60-100 (rickshaw ride and snacks), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Lama Temple: Cost Estimate - CNY 25, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Liyuan Theatre for Chinese Opera: Cost Estimate - CNY 200-300, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, December 31: Discovering the Great Wall

Spend the day visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Choose to visit the more accessible sections like Badaling or Mutianyu. Take in the breathtaking views and marvel at the engineering feat of this ancient wonder. Return to Beijing in the evening to celebrate New Year's Eve with locals at popular spots like Houhai Lake.

• Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling): Cost Estimate - CNY 45-60 (transportation and entrance fees), Time Spent - Full Day
• New Year's Eve Celebration at Houhai Lake: Cost Estimate - Variable (Depends on personal spending), Time Spent - Evening

Monday, January 1: Art and History

Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of China, where you can explore China's rich history and cultural heritage through its vast collection of artifacts. In the afternoon, head to the 798 Art District, a former factory complex turned contemporary art hub, filled with galleries, cafes, and unique art installations. End the day with a visit to the impressive Temple of Heaven.

• National Museum of China: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• 798 Art District: Cost Estimate - Free (unless purchasing art), Time Spent - 2-4 hours
• Temple of Heaven: Cost Estimate - CNY 15-35, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, January 2: Modern Beijing

Start your day by visiting the futuristic CCTV Headquarters and appreciating its unique architectural design from the outside. In the afternoon, explore the trendy Sanlitun area, known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and international cuisine. Don't miss visiting the famous Silk Market for great bargain shopping. In the evening, catch a performance at the impressive National Centre for the Performing Arts.

• CCTV Headquarters: Cost Estimate - Free (outside visit), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Sanlitun Area: Cost Estimate - Variable (depends on personal spending), Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Silk Market: Cost Estimate - Variable (bargaining required), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• National Centre for the Performing Arts: Cost Estimate - Varies based on performance, Time Spent - Evening

Wednesday, January 3: Traditional and Modern Beijing

In the morning, explore the serene Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the Beijing Olympics. End the day with a visit to the traditional Drum Tower and experience its fascinating drum performance.

• Summer Palace: Cost Estimate - CNY 30-40, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube: Cost Estimate - Free (outside visit), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Drum Tower: Cost Estimate - CNY 30, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, January 4: Temple Exploration

Spend the day visiting some of Beijing's beautiful temples. Start with the Temple of Confucius, dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher. Then, visit the Temple of Earth, the second-largest temple complex in Beijing. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, known as the "China in Miniature" due to its rich historical relics. End your trip with a visit to the White Cloud Temple, one of the largest Taoist temples in Beijing.

• Temple of Confucius: Cost Estimate - CNY 30, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Temple of Earth: Cost Estimate - CNY 10, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Temple of Literature: Cost Estimate - CNY 20, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• White Cloud Temple: Cost Estimate - CNY 10, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, don't miss the 798 Art District, where you can immerse yourself in Beijing's contemporary art scene. Another local favorite is the Nanluoguxiang Hutong, a narrow alley filled with unique shops, cafes, and traditional architecture. Explore these hidden gems to experience a different side of Beijing.

Hotel and Flight Bookings

To check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Beijing, click here.