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13-Day Unforgettable Beijing Itinerary: Explore the Heart of China

Viewed by 564 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Beijing, China

10:00AM

Arrival in Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and settle into your hotel.
Taxi from the airport to your hotel
CNY250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Quanjude

Enjoy a famous Peking Duck lunch at Quanjude, one of the best places for this local delicacy.
Walking distance from your hotel
CNY150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tiananmen Square

Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world with rich historical significance.
Metro line 1 to Tiananmen East Station
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Forbidden City

Explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking distance from Tiananmen Square
CNY60, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck

Indulge in another wonderful Peking Duck experience at Da Dong, renowned for its crispy skin.
Taxi from Forbidden City
CNY300, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Zarah

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Zarah, known for its relaxed vibe and excellent coffee.
Walking distance from hotel
CNY60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Temple of Heaven

Explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Metro line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station
CNY35, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Li Qun Roast Duck

Experience local flavors at this humble restaurant known for its authentic roast duck.
Taxi from Temple of Heaven
CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hutongs

Stroll through the picturesque hutongs and local neighborhoods to witness traditional Beijing life.
Walking tour through the hutongs
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Summer Palace

Visit the Summer Palace, a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces.
Metro line 4 to Beigongmen Station
CNY60, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Enjoy dining in an imperial courtyard while tasting authentic Beijing cuisine at Bai Jia Da Yuan.
Taxi from Summer Palace
CNY200, 2 hours
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Day 3: Great Wall Adventure

Beijing, China

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast at your hotel before an exciting day.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

7:30AM

Depart for Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to the picturesque Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Pre-arranged shuttle or private car
CNY400 (round trip), 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hike the Great Wall

Embark on a hike along the well-preserved walls, enjoying stunning vistas.
Walk along designated trails on the Great Wall
CNY45 (entrance fee), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Schoolhouse

Dine at The Schoolhouse, a restaurant specializing in local cuisine near the Great Wall.
Walking distance from the Great Wall
CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Great Wall Further

Continue to trek more sections of the Great Wall, soaking up the beautiful surroundings.
Walk along the Wall
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Beijing

Head back to your hotel to relax after an adventurous day.
Private transportation back
Included in earlier transportation cost, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Duck de Chine

Enjoy a gourmet Peking Duck experience at one of the most renowned restaurants in Beijing.
Taxi from hotel
CNY350, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Insight

Beijing, China

8:30AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at this beloved bakery.
Walking distance from hotel
CNY70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Oriental Pearl Market

Explore the vibrant market for unique souvenirs and traditional Chinese goods.
Metro line 1 to Dongdan Station
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Hutong

Learn to make dumplings in a workshop followed by a delightful lunch.
Taxi from the market
CNY210 ( workshop and meal), 2 hours

2:30PM

National Museum of China

Visit the National Museum to discover China's extensive history and culture.
Metro line 1 to Tiananmen East
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Wangfujing Street

Wander through Wangfujing, famous for its shops and street food stalls.
Walking distance from the museum
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hunan Garden

Indulge in spicy Hunan cuisine while enjoying a garden view.
Walking distance from Wangfujing
CNY180, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Art and Shopping

Beijing, China

8:30AM

Breakfast at Moka Bros

Enjoy flavorful smoothies and healthy breakfasts to kickstart your day.
Walking distance from hotel
CNY60, 1 hour

10:00AM

798 Art District

Explore contemporary art galleries and exhibits in the funky 798 Art District.
Taxi from hotel
CNY50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Dada

Relax at this stylish cafe known for its artistic ambiance and local flavors.
Walking distance within the art district
CNY100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Today Art Museum

Delve into more contemporary art at the Today Art Museum adjacent to the 798 Art District.
Walking distance
CNY20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to unwind and prepare for a night out.
Taxi back
CNY50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Xin Rong Ji

Experience traditional Sichuan cuisine known for its bold flavors at Xin Rong Ji.
Taxi from hotel
CNY250, 2 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Chengde

Chengde, China

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a day trip to Chengde.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

7:30AM

Depart for Chengde

Travel to Chengde, famous for its Buddhist temples and beautiful gardens.
Train from Beijing North Railway Station
CNY120 (round trip), 3 hours

10:30AM

Visit Chengde Mountain Resort

Explore the stunning Mountain Resort encompassing palaces, lakes, and picturesque landscapes.
Walking distance from train station
CNY90, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Relish local dishes at a restaurant near the resort.
Walking distance
CNY80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple

Explore the impressive Tibetan-style temple, showcasing unique architecture.
Local bus or taxi
CNY30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Beijing

Head back to Beijing and unwind after an adventurous day.
Train back to Beijing
Included in earlier transport cost, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Taverna D'Antonio

Enjoy Italian cuisine at the serene taverna located in the city.
Taxi from hotel
CNY220, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chengde

Day 7: Religious Sites and Parks

Beijing, China

8:30AM

Breakfast at T & T Cafe

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast and smoothie.
Walking distance from hotel
CNY50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Lama Temple

Explore the stunning Lama Temple, known for its grand architecture and beautiful statues.
Metro line 2 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station
CNY25, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Donglaishun

Savor delicious Mongolian hotpot at this well-known establishment.
Taxi from Temple
CNY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beihai Park

Enjoy the tranquility of Beihai Park, featuring beautiful lakes and ancient pavilions.
Walking distance from restaurant
CNY10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Jingshan Park

Climb to the top of Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing.
Walking distance from Beihai Park
CNY2, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Fangshan Restaurant

Enjoy a royal banquet experience in an elegant setting, perfect for trying imperial cuisine.
Taxi from Jingshan Park
CNY300, 2 hours
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Day 8: Modern Beijing

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at D’s Café

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at this cozy café.
Walking distance from hotel
CNY70, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Olympic Park

Explore the Olympic Park, home to iconic structures such as the Bird's Nest.
Metro line 8 to Olympic Park Station
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Village

Enjoy modern shopping and dining at The Village, a trendy shopping center.
Walking distance from the park
CNY150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Silk Market

Indulge in some shopping at the famous Silk Market, renowned for its textiles and souvenirs.
Metro line 10 to Yonganli Station
Free to enter, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to relax before dinner.
Taxi back
CNY50, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Cang Yi Xuan

Dine at this chic restaurant offering high-quality seafood and Cantonese dishes.
Taxi from hotel
CNY250, 2 hours
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Day 9: Exploring Nature

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploring nature with breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fragrant Hills Park

Enjoy a day amongst beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for hikes and scenic views.
Metro line 2 to Beigongmen Station
CNY10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Have a relaxing picnic lunch with takeout from a local deli.
Walking distance within the park
CNY80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Summer Palace Gardens

Stroll through the gardens and admire the picturesque landscapes at the Summer Palace.
Return to Summer Palace by taxi
CNY60 (already included), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Beijing Zoo

Explore the expansive Beijing Zoo, featuring giant pandas and diverse wildlife.
Metro line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station
CNY15, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Bites

Enjoy sharing plates inspired by international cuisine at The Bites.
Taxi from the zoo
CNY200, 2 hours
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Day 10: Relax and Unwind

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Take your time and enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a chill day.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at a Spa

Treat yourself at a local spa for a morning of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Pre-booked spa appointment
CNY400, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zhi Wei Guan

Enjoy traditional Cantonese dim sum at Zhi Wei Guan.
Taxi from spa
CNY120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Sanlitun

Spend the afternoon shopping and wandering through boutiques and high-end stores in Sanlitun.
Taxi from restaurant
Free to enter, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hutong Kitchen

Savor well-crafted Chinese dishes influenced by various regions of the country.
Walking distance from Sanlitun
CNY200, 2 hours
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Day 11: Beijing Nightlife

Beijing, China

10:00AM

Brunch at the hotel's café

Take your time for a relaxing brunch, enjoying your favorite breakfast items.
In-house dining
CNY80, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Visit 798 Space

Check out exhibitions and art displays at one of the prominent venues within the 798 Art District.
Taxi from hotel
CNY20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Vintage Markets

Explore vintage markets for unique finds and antiques in the local neighborhoods.
Walking tour
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Barolo

Enjoy an upscale Italian dinner in a beautiful setting at Barolo.
Taxi from vintage market
CNY400, 2 hours

8:30PM

Beijing Nightlife Experiences

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Sanlitun, known for its lively bars and clubs.
Allow walking between venues
Varies, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 12: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your historic exploration.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ming Tombs

Explore the Ming Tombs, the burial sites of several emperors of the Ming dynasty.
Taxi to Ming Tombs
CNY60, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baihe Bungalow

Enjoy some local cuisine in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Taxi from Ming Tombs
CNY120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Great Wall at Badaling

Discover this iconic section of the Great Wall bustling with excitement and activity.
Private car or group tour
CNY45 (entrance fee), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Long Yuan

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Long Yuan featuring regional specialties.
Taxi back from Great Wall
CNY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Departure Day

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast soaking in the last moments of your Beijing experience.
In-house dining
CNY50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Hit nearby markets or shopping centers for any last-minute souvenirs.
Taxi to nearby shopping area
CNY50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy a delightful meal at Din Tai Fung, famous for its dumplings and Taiwanese dishes.
Walking distance from shopping area
CNY180, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-out and Departure

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for departure.
Taxi to the airport
CNY250, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Beijing
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