How many days do you need in Beijing?

This itinerary covers 6 days in Beijing, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Beijing?

Plan your perfect 6 days trip to Beijing. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Budget-Friendly Beijing Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation Day

Beijing, China on June 20, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Nanluoguxiang Hutong

Start your day with breakfast at Nanluoguxiang Hutong, a historic alley with charming cafes and street food vendors.

CNY 30, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Wangfujing Snack Street

Head to Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of affordable local delicacies for lunch.

CNY 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Beihai Park

Spend the afternoon strolling around Beihai Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Beijing.

CNY 10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner at Ghost Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food options.

CNY 80, 2 hours

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Day 2: Imperial Beijing

Beijing, China on June 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Start your day with a simple and tasty breakfast at a local eatery near your accommodation.

CNY 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Forbidden City

Spend the morning exploring the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a must-visit imperial palace in Beijing.

CNY 60 (entrance fee), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Food Market

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at a local food market near the Forbidden City.

CNY 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Tiananmen Square

Stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, right across from the Forbidden City.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shopping and Street Food at Wangfujing

Spend the evening shopping and trying local street food at Wangfujing, a popular commercial area.

Variable, 2 hours

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Day 3: Cultural Gems

Beijing, China on June 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at a local cafe, enjoying the atmosphere and a nice cup of coffee.

CNY 25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a majestic complex where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CNY 15 (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant near the Temple of Heaven.

CNY 40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Beihai Park

Return to Beihai Park in the afternoon to explore more of its beauty and perhaps take a boat ride on the lake.

CNY 10 (boat ride), 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Stroll at Houhai Lake

End your day with a leisurely walk around the charming Houhai Lake area, filled with bars, cafes, and traditional courtyard homes.

Free, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: The Great Wall Adventure

Beijing, China on June 23, 2024

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the Great Wall excursion.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Day Trip to the Great Wall

Embark on a day trip to the Great Wall of China, specifically to the Mutianyu section known for its spectacular views and fewer crowds.

CNY 120 (entrance fee), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a hearty lunch with a view of the Great Wall at one of the nearby restaurants.

CNY 60, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Hiking and Exploring

Spend the afternoon hiking along the Great Wall, exploring its watchtowers and capturing breathtaking photos.

Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in a Local Village

Enjoy a simple and delicious dinner at a local village near the Great Wall before heading back to Beijing.

CNY 50, 1.5 hours

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Day 5: Imperial Retreat

Beijing, China on June 24, 2024

9:00AM

Brunch at a Local Cafe

Start your day with a leisurely brunch at a cozy local cafe to kick off a relaxing day.

CNY 35, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Summer Palace

Visit the stunning Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden complex with beautiful pavilions, bridges, and a serene lake.

CNY 40 (entrance fee), 3 hours

2:00PM

Boat Ride on Kunming Lake

Relax with a boat ride on Kunming Lake within the Summer Palace, enjoying the picturesque scenery around you.

CNY 30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Traditional Tea Tasting

Experience a traditional Chinese tea tasting session at a teahouse near the Summer Palace.

CNY 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner near the Summer Palace

Savor a delightful dinner at a local restaurant near the Summer Palace to conclude your day.

CNY 70, 2 hours

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Day 6: Departure Day

Beijing, China on June 25, 2024

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before getting ready for your departure.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Take some time to shop for last-minute souvenirs and gifts at a local market or shopping area.

Variable, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Check-out and Departure

Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your onward journey, bidding farewell to vibrant Beijing.

CNY 150 (estimated transfer cost), 2 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Budget-Friendly Beijing Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation Day

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Imperial Beijing

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

Day 3: Cultural Gems

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: The Great Wall Adventure

7:00AM

8:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Imperial Retreat

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Departure Day

6:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

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