Ultimate 9-Day Beijing Adventure Including Gubei Water Town and the Great Wall

Day 1: Arrival and Tiananmen Square

Beijing, China on September 20, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in central Beijing to settle in and freshen up for the day’s activities.
Variable, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Mei Wei Yuan

Enjoy a traditional Beijing breakfast featuring jianbing and soy milk in a popular local spot open from 7am to 11am.
CNY30, 1h

12:00pm

Tiananmen Square Visit

Explore the world’s largest public square, rich in history and culture. Open 24/7, ideal for walking and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck

Savor Beijing’s famous Peking Duck in this highly-rated restaurant from 11am to 10pm.
CNY300, 1h30m

3:30pm

Forbidden City Tour

Explore the magnificent imperial palace with extensive exhibitions. Open from 8:30am to 5pm; last entry 4pm.
CNY60, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing dynasty-style courtyard restaurant offering authentic northern Chinese dishes. Open 5pm-10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Temples and Markets

Beijing, China on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Start with congee, youtiao, and fresh fruit available widely from 7am onwards.
Variable, 1h

9:00am

Temple of Heaven

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning temple architecture and beautiful parkland. Open 8am-5pm.
CNY35, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Qingfeng Steamed Dumplings

Relish famous steamed dumplings and noodles, a local favorite open 10am to 9pm.
CNY50, 1h

1:00pm

Beihai Park

Stroll around this classic imperial garden with lakes and pavilions. Open 6am-9:30pm.
CNY20, 2h

3:30pm

Nanluoguxiang Hutong Tour

Explore historic alleyways with shops and cafes, perfect for an afternoon walk. Shops open 10am-9pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Sample award-winning Peking duck and other Beijing delicacies open from 5pm to 11pm.
CNY250, 1h30m

Day 3: Summer Palace & Olympic Park

Beijing, China on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a variety of dishes including Chinese and Western options for a hearty start.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Summer Palace Visit

Discover China’s largest imperial garden, featuring lakes, temples, and palaces. Open 7am-7pm.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Summer Palace Food Court

Casual dining options featuring noodles, dumplings, and snacks close to the palace.
CNY50, 1h

2:30pm

Beijing Olympic Park

Visit iconic sites like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Open areas are accessible at any time.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax before dinner, preparing for the next day’s travel to Gubei Water Town.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Xinjiang Crescent Moon Uighur Restaurant

Try flavorful Central Asian dishes including kebabs and naan bread. Open 11am-10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m

Day 4: Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town, Beijing, China on September 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a quick hotel breakfast to prepare for travel to Gubei.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Gubei Water Town

Drive about 2 hours northeast to arrive at the charming Gubei Water Town near Simatai section of the Great Wall.
Transportation cost variable, 2h

10:30am

Explore Gubei Water Town

Walk the scenic water town streets with traditional architecture, bridges, and cafes. Open daily 8:30am-9:30pm.
CNY150 entrance ticket (combined with Simatai Great Wall), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gubei Water Town Brewery

Enjoy local specialties such as river fish and freshly brewed beer in a scenic riverside setting.
CNY150, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure time at town

Continue relaxing, shop local handcrafted goods, or try tea at traditional teahouses.
Variable, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at a local restaurant in the town center

Sample home-style northern Chinese dishes before heading back or staying overnight.
CNY100, 1h30m

8:00pm

Return to Beijing (optional overnight stay)

Travel back to Beijing or stay overnight locally to reduce travel fatigue.
Transportation variable, 2h

Day 5: Mutianyu Great Wall Hike

Beijing, China on September 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a fulfilling breakfast before heading out to the Great Wall.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Depart for Mutianyu Great Wall

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Mutianyu section, known for its restored condition and fewer crowds.
Transportation cost variable, 1.5h

10:00am

Mutianyu Great Wall Visit and Hike

Enjoy thrilling walks along this picturesque part of the Great Wall. Open 7:30am-6pm. Cable car available for ascent and descent.
CNY65 entry + CNY100 cable car round trip, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Dine on western and local dishes in this charming restaurant near the wall, open 10am-5pm.
CNY120, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Beijing

Head back to Beijing for rest or evening activities.
Transportation variable, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Experience modern European cuisine in a stylish hutong setting, open 5:30pm-10pm.
CNY300, 2h

Day 6: Museums and Shopping

Beijing, China on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of China

Explore China’s extensive history and art collections, located on the east side of Tiananmen Square. Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Nearby

Revisit this famous Peking Duck restaurant or try other dishes from their extensive menu.
CNY300, 1h30m

3:00pm

Wangfujing Street Shopping

Take a stroll on this famous shopping street, sampling street snacks and souvenirs. Shops open 10am-10pm.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy well-loved Taiwanese dumplings and noodles, open until 10pm.
CNY150, 1h30m

Day 7: 798 Art District & Relaxation

Beijing, China on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Recharge with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h

10:00am

798 Art Zone

Visit Beijing’s contemporary art district with galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at At Café 798

Relax in a trendy café offering international dishes within the art zone.
CNY120, 1h

2:30pm

Chaoyang Park

Unwind in Beijing’s largest park with gardens, lakes, and walking trails. Open 6am-10pm.
CNY5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hideaway

Enjoy international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Open 5:30pm-10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m

Day 8: Leisure and Local Experiences

Beijing, China on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast to prepare for a slower day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Visit one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Open 9am-5pm.
CNY25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hui Jia Yuan

Enjoy authentic Hui Muslim cuisine specializing in lamb dishes. Open 10am-9pm.
CNY100, 1h

1:30pm

Silk Market Shopping

Experience a lively shopping environment with souvenirs and textiles. Open 9am-9pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Foot massage and spa

Relax before your last dinner with an hour-long traditional Chinese foot massage.
CNY150, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Siji Minfu Restaurant

Celebrate your Beijing trip with hearty northern Chinese cuisine, open 5pm-10pm.
CNY250, 2h

Day 9: Departure

Beijing, China on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Finish up with breakfast at the hotel and check out in time to catch your flight.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport

Ensure timely arrival at the airport for your departure flight.
Transportation variable, 1h