6-Day Relaxation and Cultural Immersion in Beijing - A Shoestring Foodie Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Local Markets

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Explore the Donghuamen Night Market

Dive into Beijing's vibrant food scene by sampling various street foods like dumplings and scorpions, perfect for any budget.
Take the subway to Wangfujing Station, then walk to the market.
CNY 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Huajia Yiyuan (Flower Garden Restaurant)

Savor traditional Peking duck at a place known for reasonable prices and authentic flavors.
Take a short walk from the market.
CNY 150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Tiananmen Square

Immerse yourself in history at one of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by iconic landmarks.
Stroll or take a short subway ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Forbidden City

Discover the imperial palace's grandeur, full of rich cultural history and beautiful architecture.
Walk from Tiananmen Square.
CNY 60, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wangfujing Snack Street

Relish local specialties from various food stalls offering everything from noodles to sweet treats.
Walk back to Wangfujing Snack Street.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local breakfast stall

Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast of soy milk and fried dough sticks.
Find a nearby stall or convenience store.
CNY 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Learn Calligraphy

Take a local calligraphy class to connect with the culture through Chinese writing.
Search for a nearby cultural center.
CNY 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at A Da's Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy hand-made dumplings in an unpretentious setting that’s popular with locals.
Walk to the restaurant.
CNY 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Summer Palace

Stroll through this beautiful lakeside garden and admire its classic architecture and serene environment.
Take the bus from the restaurant.
CNY 40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Huguo Temple Snacking Street

Sample tea eggs and other local snacks in this bustling food market filled with Beijing delicacies.
Take a bus or subway to the Temple.
CNY 60, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Walk at Houhai Lakes

Unwind with a leisurely walk around the scenic lakes and enjoy live music from nearby bars.
Stroll to Houhai Lakes.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature and History

Beijing, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at a local café

Fuel up with a hearty bowl of congee at a café known for its cozy atmosphere.
Find a local café nearby.
CNY 30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for stunning views and hiking opportunities.
Take a shuttle bus from central Beijing.
CNY 100 (excluding transport fee), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Brickyard Retreat

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with fresh ingredients while soaking in the stunning views of the Wall.
Located near the Great Wall.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Continue Exploring Great Wall

Spend more time walking along the Wall, taking photos, and enjoying the landscape.
Walk along the wall.
Included in the entrance fee., 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Beijing

Take the shuttle bus back to the city.
Board the shuttle bus at the designated point.
CNY 100 (return trip), 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at a local noodle shop

Savor a comforting bowl of locally styled beef noodles to cap off your adventure.
Find a nearby noodle shop.
CNY 50, 1 hour
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Day 4: Local Living and Cultural Sights

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local vegetarian restaurant

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast, sampling local vegetarian dishes made with seasonal vegetables.
Find a nearby vegetarian restaurant.
CNY 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Beijing Zoo

Explore the Zoo, famous for its giant pandas and other native wildlife.
Take the subway to Beijing Zoo Station.
CNY 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Zoo's cafeteria

Have a simple lunch at the Zoo cafeteria, enjoying quick dishes like fried rice.
On-site.
CNY 40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the National Museum of China

Gain insights into China's history and art through numerous exhibitions at this impressive museum.
Travel back to Tiananmen East Station via subway.
CNY 50, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore the nearby Hutongs

Wander through the historic Hutongs for unique shops, cafes, and an authentic local experience.
Walk to the Hutong area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a quaint Hutong eatery

Dine in a traditional hutong restaurant while enjoying local specialties.
Stay in the Hutong area.
CNY 85, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Art and Relaxation

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at a coffee shop

Relax over a leisurely breakfast that includes fresh pastries and coffee.
Find a local coffee shop.
CNY 50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit 798 Art District

Explore contemporary artworks and galleries in this trendy art zone, rich with modern designs.
Take the subway to 798 Art District.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe 798

Enjoy light cafe fare and a break amidst the dynamic art scene.
On-site.
CNY 70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Engage in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony to understand its cultural significance.
Book in advance through local tea shops.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Red Gate Gallery

Check out the latest exhibitions featuring contemporary Chinese artists.
Short walk from the tea shop.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local hotpot restaurant

Enjoy a social dining experience with fresh ingredients cooked in savory broths.
Find a nearby hotpot restaurant.
CNY 120, 2 hours
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Day 6: Leisure & Departure

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at a dim sum place

Indulge in various dim sum dishes, a delightful start to your final day in Beijing.
Find a local dim sum restaurant.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Last-minute shopping at Silk Market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at this bustling market for a memorable keepsake.
Take the subway to Yong'anli Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local rice noodle restaurant

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with delicious rice noodles before your departure.
Find a nearby rice noodle restaurant.
CNY 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Chaoyang Park

Spend your final hours unwinding in one of Beijing’s largest green spaces.
Take the subway to Chaoyang Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Departure prep and transfer to airport

Conclude your adventure by preparing for your flight and heading to the airport.
Take the airport express from the city center.
CNY 30, 1 hour
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