7-Day Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary in Beijing, China

Day 1: Explore Historical Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wudaokou

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Wudaokou's local cafes, where you'll find delicious jianbing (Chinese crepes) and fresh soybean milk.
Walk to the Metro station and take Line 4.
CNY40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and China's imperial palace, with its stunning architecture and rich history.
Take Line 4 to Xidan, change to Line 1 to Tiananmen West.
CNY60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Donghuamen Night Market

Savor local street food for lunch at the famous Donghuamen Night Market, trying delicacies like dumplings and skewered snacks.
Walk back to Tiananmen Square and stroll to the market.
CNY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Tiananmen Square

Stroll through the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, taking in iconic sites like the National Museum and the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Directly adjacent to the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wander through Jingshan Park

Climb to the top of Jingshan Park for the most stunning panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the surrounding area.
Short walk from the Square.
CNY10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Peking Duck Restaurant

Treat yourself to a classic Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude, famous for its expertly roasted duck served with pancakes and sauce.
Take a taxi; about 15 minutes.
CNY250, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk in Wangfujing

Stroll through Wangfujing Street, where you can shop and indulge in local snacks from street vendors.
Short taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk

Fuel up with traditional Chinese breakfast items like soy milk and small steamed buns at Yonghe Soy Milk.
Take the metro to Yonghegong.
CNY30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lama Temple

Marvel at the beautiful architecture and exquisite Tibetan art at the Lama Temple, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.
Short walk from the breakfast spot.
CNY25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tsinghua University Campus

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful campus of Tsinghua University, noted for its lush gardens and impressive architecture.
Take Line 4 to Tsinghua University station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsinghua University Canteen

Enjoy a meal at the university canteen where you can taste authentic student meals, from rice dishes to stir-fried vegetables.
Cafeteria within Tsinghua University.
CNY40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the National Palace Museum

Explore the rich collections of the National Palace Museum, which showcases centuries of Chinese imperial treasures.
Take Line 4 back to Xidan, transfer to Line 1 to get to Tiananmen East.
CNY60, 2 hours

4:30PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Immerse yourself in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, learning about the history and methods of tea preparation.
Take a taxi to the tea house.
CNY80, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy a delectable dinner at Din Tai Fung, renowned for its dumplings and rich flavors.
Short taxi ride.
CNY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Modern Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Savor artisanal pastries and fresh coffee to start your morning at Baker & Spice, a cozy café.
Take a taxi or metro to Sanlitun.
CNY70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the 798 Art District

Explore the contemporary art scene at the 798 Art District, filled with galleries, studios, and cafes.
Short taxi ride from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Pouch

Enjoy light bites at Café Pouch, surrounded by artistic vibes and a creative menu.
Located within the art district.
CNY80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping at Sanlitun

Spend the afternoon shopping at Sanlitun, a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques and designer stores.
Take a taxi to Sanlitun.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the CCTV Headquarters

Stop by the iconic CCTV Headquarters building, a striking symbol of modern Beijing's architecture.
Short taxi ride from Sanlitun.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Georg

Dine at The Georg, which offers a delightful culinary experience with options for both Chinese and Western dishes.
Short taxi ride from CCTV.
CNY300, 2 hours
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Day 4: The Great Wall Adventure

Great Wall, China

7:00AM

Breakfast in Beijing

Have a light breakfast at your hotel before departing for the Great Wall.
Travel to your selected Great Wall location.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Badaling Great Wall

Experience the breathtaking views and history at Badaling, one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall.
Rent a car or join a tour group.
CNY40, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Great Wall Restaurant

Savor traditional Chinese dishes while enjoying views of the Great Wall at a nearby restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant near the entrance.
CNY120, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Mutianyu Great Wall

Venture to another section of the Great Wall, Mutianyu, known for its scenic views and fewer crowds.
Short taxi ride from the restaurant.
CNY40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Beijing

Travel back to your hotel in Beijing after a day full of exploration.
Using the same transportation service.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baijiaoyuan

Enjoy a lovely dinner featuring local specialties at Baijiaoyuan before resting for the night.
Short walk from your hotel; about 10 minutes.
CNY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beijing Gardens and Parks

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at People's Park Café

Enjoy a local breakfast with seasonal ingredients at People's Park Café.
Walk to the park.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Summer Palace

Visit the Summer Palace, where you can admire beautiful gardens and the tranquil Kunming Lake.
Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen.
CNY30, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mei Garden

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Mei Garden, known for its specialty dishes from the region.
Short taxi ride.
CNY120, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll in Beihai Park

Take an afternoon stroll in Beihai Park, a historic park with serene water views and ancient temples.
Short taxi ride from the restaurant.
CNY10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Temple of Heaven

Experience the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Metro Line 7 to Tiantandongmen.
CNY35, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Temple Café

Enjoy dinner at The Temple Café, just a stone's throw from Temple of Heaven, offering a mix of Western and Chinese cuisine.
Short walk from the temple.
CNY150, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Shopping and Modern Culture

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maan Coffee

Start your day with delectable pastries and coffee at Maan Coffee, in a stylish setting.
Short walk from your hotel.
CNY70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Wangjing SOHO

Explore the unique architecture and trendy shops at Wangjing SOHO, a hub of modern retail and dining.
Take a taxi.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Cultural Arts Center

Delve into contemporary arts at the Beijing Cultural Arts Center, showcasing innovative exhibitions.
Short taxi ride.
CNY25, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Harvest Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Harvest Restaurant, focusing on local and organic ingredients.
Just nearby; short walk.
CNY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Silk Street Market

Dive into the bustling atmosphere of the Silk Street Market, famous for its textiles, crafts, and souvenirs.
Take a taxi.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Beijing Zoo

Visit the renowned Beijing Zoo, home to China's treasured pandas and a vast array of wildlife.
Take a taxi.
CNY50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck

Dine at the luxurious Da Dong, known for its delicious roast duck and beautifully presented dishes.
Short taxi ride from the zoo.
CNY250, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, soaking in your final moments in Beijing.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Old City of Beijing

Take a stroll through the historic hutongs of Old Beijing, experiencing the local culture and traditional architecture.
Walking tour; guides are available.
CNY120, 2 hours

11:30AM

Relax at Ritan Park

Enjoy some quiet time at Ritan Park, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
Short taxi ride.
CNY10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Jin Ding Xuan

Indulge in dim sum at Jin Ding Xuan, savoring a delightful variety of flavors.
Take a short taxi ride.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Capital Museum

Explore history at the Capital Museum, housing exhibitions about China's past.
Take a taxi.
CNY30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Early Dinner at The Courtyard

Enjoy a farewell dinner in the unique setting of The Courtyard, an intimate restaurant serving traditional dishes.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
CNY200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at Sanlitun

Wrap up your Beijing adventure with a final evening stroll in the lively Sanlitun area, where shopping and nightlife thrive.
Short taxi ride.
Free, 1-2 hours
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