7-Day Beijing Itinerary with Great Wall & Cultural Highlights Ending with Morning Departure

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Center

Beijing, China on September 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Begin your Beijing adventure with a traditional Beijing breakfast in the esteemed Dadong Restaurant, open from 8:00am.
CNY70, 1h0m

10:30am

Tiananmen Square

Experience Tiananmen Square, the vast political and cultural centerpiece of Beijing. It's accessible 24 hours daily.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

The Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex that served as home to Chinese emperors for centuries. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
CNY60, 3h0m

2:45pm

Jingshan Park

Climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for sweeping views of the Forbidden City and cityscape. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Dinner at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant

Relish authentic Peking Duck for dinner at this renowned restaurant. Dinner service starts at 5:00pm.
CNY150 per person, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Temple & Hutong Tour

Beijing, China on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Grandma's Home

Enjoy a home-style breakfast with local staples, available from 7:30am.
CNY45, 1h0m

9:00am

Temple of Heaven

Visit the majestic temple complex where Ming emperors prayed for bountiful harvests. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY35, 2h0m

11:30am

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Discover rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage in one of Beijing’s most beautiful temples, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baoyuan Dumpling House

Savor a variety of delicious dumplings, a northern Chinese specialty. Open from 11:00am.
CNY60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hutong Walking Tour

Take a guided 2.5-hour walking tour through Beijing’s ancient alleys and traditional courtyard homes.
CNY100 per group, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Black Sesame Kitchen

Enjoy an interactive and intimate northern Chinese dinner experience by reservation from 6:00pm.
CNY300, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Gubei Water Town & Great Wall

Gubei Water Town, Beijing on September 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with hotel breakfast in preparation for the day’s excursion.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Gubei Water Town

Drive about 2 hours northeast to reach Gubei Water Town, a charming town near the Great Wall.
Private transfer approx CNY800 total, 2h0m

10:00am

Gubei Water Town Explore

Wander the scenic waterways, ancient-style streets and enjoy cultural performances. Open 8:30am–7:00pm.
CNY120, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gubei Water Town

Dine on local trout and noodles at riverside restaurants within the town.
CNY90, 1h30m

2:30pm

Simatai Great Wall Hike

Explore the dramatic, steep Simatai section of the Great Wall with stunning views. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
CNY65 plus optional CNY80 cable car, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Beijing

Drive back to Beijing for an evening at leisure.
Included, 2h0m

8:30pm

Light Dinner or Snacks

Relax with a light meal or snacks near your hotel after the long day.
Varies, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Summer Palace & Lakes

Beijing, China on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meizhou Dongpo

Enjoy flavorful Sichuan-style breakfast to start your day, opening from 7:00am.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Summer Palace

Stroll through the imperial gardens, lakes, and spectral halls of this UNESCO heritage site. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY60, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Qinghua Fucheng

Modern Chinese dining near the Summer Palace, open from 11:00am.
CNY80, 1h30m

3:45pm

Beihai Park

Relax around this beautiful lake park with temples and gardens near the city center. Open 6:30am to 9:00pm.
CNY15, 1h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung Wangfujing

End the day with Taiwanese dim sum and soup dumplings in a stylish atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Arts & Shopping

Beijing, China on September 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paul Bakery

Start the day with coffee and French pastries at this popular international bakery, open from 7:30am.
CNY40, 1h0m

9:30am

798 Art District

Browse contemporary art galleries, unique shops, and cafés in this vibrant district, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Commune Social

Taste modern fusion cuisine nearby, open from noon onwards.
CNY150, 1h30m

2:15pm

Silk Market Shopping

Shop for silk goods, souvenirs, and fashion at this lively market, open 9:00am to 9:30pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Relish fragrant Yunnan cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, open until 10:30pm.
CNY180, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 6: Leisure & Local Culture

Beijing, China on September 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for a laid-back day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

National Museum of China

Visit this extensive museum on Tiananmen Square exhibiting Chinese history and culture. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm (closed Mondays).
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck (Near Museum)

Enjoy refined Peking Duck and contemporary northern Chinese dishes, open from 11:00am.
CNY180, 1h30m

2:30pm

Wangfujing Snack Street

Explore Beijing’s famous food street offering unique local snacks and souvenirs, open until late evening.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Grandma's Kitchen

Feast on authentic Beijing homestyle dishes, open until 9:00pm.
CNY80, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Final Day Sightseeing

Beijing, China on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your last full day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Beijing Zoo & Panda House

Visit the panda exhibit and other wildlife; zoo opens at 7:30am and Panda House 9:00am.
CNY20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing dynasty-style setting with imperial dishes, open for lunch from 11:00am.
CNY160, 1h30m

2:00pm

Temple of Confucius & Guozijian Museum

Explore Beijing’s important Confucian temple and ancient academy, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY30, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for early departure the next morning.
Included, Evening

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at King's Joy

Celebrate your Beijing trip with a fine vegetarian dinner known for elegant, artful dishes. Open until 10:00pm.
CNY250, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 8: Departure

Beijing, China on September 28, 2025

4:00am

Departure Transfer to Airport

Private transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport for your morning flight. Allow 1 hour for travel.
Private transfer approx CNY600 total, 1h0m
View Hotels