How many days do you need in Beijing?

This itinerary covers 7 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 7 days trip to Beijing. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discover Beijing: A 7-Day Cultural and Historical Adventure

Day 1: Imperial Highlights

Beijing, China on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mei Li Fang Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Beijing-style breakfast including warm soybean milk and fried dough sticks to start your day authentically.

CNY40, 1h

9:30am

Tiananmen Square

Explore Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, featuring significant monuments and offering a deep dive into China’s modern history.

Free, 1h

11:00am

Forbidden City

Tour the vast and ornate Forbidden City, the imperial palace for over 500 years, with exquisite architecture and rich cultural artifacts.

CNY60, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor the world-famous Peking duck, known for its crispy skin and succulent meat in one of Beijing’s top restaurants.

CNY150, 1.5h

4:30pm

Jingshan Park

Climb to the hilltop pavilion in Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline; ideal for photos during golden hour.

CNY10, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Experience Imperial cuisine in a Qing Dynasty mansion offering an immersive cultural and culinary experience.

CNY200, 2h

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Day 2: Spiritual & Shopping

Beijing, China on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yonghe King

Quick and tasty Chinese breakfast specializing in soybean milk, dumplings, and steamed buns.

CNY30, 1h

9:00am

Temple of Heaven

Visit the iconic Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of religious architecture where emperors prayed for harvests; park opens at 6:00am, perfect for morning walks.

CNY35, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Another chance to try Peking duck with a slightly different style in a historic restaurant famous for its crispy duck.

CNY160, 1.5h

2:00pm

Wangfujing Street

Explore Beijing’s bustling shopping street with many food stalls, local shops, and the famous night market for exotic snacks.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Indulge in innovative dishes blending British and Chinese influences in a fine dining setting; reservation recommended.

CNY300, 2h

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Day 3: Palace & Parks

Beijing, China on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eggshell Coffee

Enjoy fresh coffee and western-style pastries in a cozy café to prepare for a busy day.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Summer Palace

Spend the morning wandering the beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site with opening hours from 6:30am to 6:00pm.

CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Xibei Youmiancun

Try northwestern Chinese noodles and savory dishes near the Summer Palace area, offering delicious, affordable meals.

CNY40, 1h

2:00pm

Olympic Park

Visit the iconic venues from the 2008 Olympics including the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube; the park closes at 9pm, so you can catch sunset views.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Tree Beijing

This stylish restaurant near Olympic Park offers international cuisine with a great atmosphere for relaxing after sightseeing.

CNY120, 2h

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Day 4: Great Wall Day

Mutianyu, Beijing, China on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light and early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full-day excursion to the Great Wall.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and beautifully restored for walking and hiking.

CNY100 transportation approx., 1.5h

9:45am

Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu

Hike along this scenic portion of the Great Wall; cable cars operate from 7:30am to 5:00pm for easier access up and down.

CNY65 entrance + CNY100 cable car round trip, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Western-style meals and views overlooking the Great Wall, perfect for refueling after your hike.

CNY150, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Beijing

Head back to Beijing to relax after a full day of adventure.

Included, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Dine on delicacies from China’s Silk Road in an atmospheric setting; specialties include Yunnan cuisine.

CNY130, 2h

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Day 5: Culture & Art

Beijing, China on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moka Bros

Healthy and fresh breakfast options with great coffee, perfect for a morning filled with art and culture.

CNY60, 1h

9:00am

Lama Temple

Visit one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, featuring intricate architecture and spirituality; opens at 9am.

CNY25, 1.5h

11:00am

798 Art District

Explore this contemporary art district full of galleries, shops, and cafés offering a vibrant creative scene, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at At Café 798

Relax with Western and Asian fusion dishes in a stylish café within the 798 Art District.

CNY70, 1h

4:00pm

Explore More Galleries and Shops

Visit galleries and design shops inside 798, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs or art pieces.

Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Experience fine dining with European contemporary cuisine in a serene hutong setting; reservations advised.

CNY350, 2h

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Day 6: Traditional Beijing

Beijing, China on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lao She Teahouse

Start with a traditional breakfast and immerse in Chinese culture with a tea ceremony experience.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Hutong Tour

Take a rickshaw or walking tour through Beijing’s historic Hutongs to see local life and traditional courtyard homes; tours run throughout the day.

CNY100, 2h

11:30am

Beijing Zoo

Visit the Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas and other native animal species; zoo opens at 7:30am and closes at 6pm.

CNY20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with authentic Beijing flavors in a classical setting.

CNY150, 1.5h

3:30pm

Afternoon Free Time

Rest or explore local markets around your hotel at leisure.

Free, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Try exceptional dim sum and Peking duck dishes freshly prepared in an elegant environment.

CNY150, 2h

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Day 7: Museums & Farewell

Beijing, China on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before your cultural day begins.

Included, 1h

9:00am

National Museum of China

Explore China’s extensive history and cultural heritage in this gigantic museum located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square; opens at 9am, closed Mondays.

Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant

Final lunch of your trip indulging in another take on the classic roast duck in style.

CNY150, 1.5h

2:30pm

Last Minute Shopping in Silk Street Market

Pick up souvenirs and enjoy bargaining in one of Beijing’s busiest markets before departure.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel and Pack

Prepare for your departure with time to rest or organize your belongings.

Free, Flexible

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discover Beijing: A 7-Day Cultural and Historical Adventure

Day 1: Imperial Highlights

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

2:30pm

4:30pm

6:00pm

Day 2: Spiritual & Shopping

7:30am

9:00am

11:30am

2:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Palace & Parks

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

6:30pm

Day 4: Great Wall Day

7:00am

8:00am

9:45am

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Culture & Art

8:00am

9:00am

11:00am

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Traditional Beijing

7:30am

9:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:30pm

Day 7: Museums & Farewell

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

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