4-Day Extensive Beijing Itinerary with History, Adventure & Indian Dining

Day 1: Historic Urban Exploration

Beijing, China on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Check-in at Beijing Downtown Backpackers Accommodation

Affordable historic-style hostel located in Dongcheng District, blending traditional architecture under $80/night. Ideal central location to start exploring.
CNY350 ($50), 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Tiananmen Square

Explore the world's largest public square, a symbol of modern Chinese history and culture. Open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm with free entry.
CNY0, 1h

10:45am

Forbidden City Tour

Tour the vast imperial palace complex with 980 buildings showcasing Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Ticket purchase required in advance to skip queues.
CNY60 ($9.50), 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tandoor Indian Restaurant

Authentic Indian cuisine near Tiananmen Square, featuring popular dishes like butter chicken and naan. Open 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
CNY90 ($13.50), 1h

3:15pm

Jingshan Park Climb

Climb to the hilltop for panoramic views over the Forbidden City, great for photos and historic context. Open until 7:00 pm, entry fee applies.
CNY10 ($1.50), 1h

4:30pm

Explore Hutongs by Rickshaw

Ride a traditional wooden rickshaw through ancient alleyways offering a glimpse into old Beijing life. Approximate duration 1 hour.
CNY80 ($12), 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Delhi Zai Indian Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful North Indian dishes in a cozy atmosphere popular among locals. Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm.
CNY100 ($15), 1h30m

7:45pm

Evening Stroll at Wangfujing Street

Famous shopping and food street with night market offerings and local street performances. Ideal for light adventure and people-watching until 9:00 pm.
Free to explore, optional purchases, 1h15m
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Day 2: Great Wall Adventure

Mutianyu, Beijing on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Depart to Mutianyu Great Wall via Private Taxi

Travel approx. 70 km northeast of downtown Beijing by taxi. Estimated time 1.5 hours. Taxi fare around CNY200 ($30) roundtrip.
CNY200 ($30), 1h30m

9:30am

Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration & Toboggan Ride

Entry fee includes access to scenic wall section with fewer crowds. Adventure with cable car and exhilarating toboggan ride down the hill. Open 7:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Entry CNY45 ($7), Cable Car + Toboggan combined approx. CNY140 ($21), 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Indian Restaurant near Mutianyu

Simple Indian dishes available in local guest houses near the wall for convenient lunch, with staples like dal and roti.
CNY80 ($12), 1h

3:15pm

Return to Beijing City Center

Taxi ride back to Beijing; traffic can vary so budget 1.5 hours.
Included in morning taxi fare, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)

A prominent Tibetan Buddhist temple with colorful architecture and art. Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Ticket required.
CNY25 ($3.75), 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Guru Indian Restaurant

Award-winning Indian restaurant with modern twists on classic dishes. Opens daily until 10:00 pm.
CNY120 ($18), 1h30m

8:15pm

Night Visit to Nanluoguxiang Alley

Trendy historic alley with boutique stores and vibrant cafes. Great spot for relaxed evening strolling and adult atmosphere until 9:00 pm.
Free, 45m
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Day 3: Museum & Offbeat Culture

Beijing, China on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Visit the Capital Museum

Modern museum showcasing Beijing’s extensive history with exhibitions ranging from artifacts to art. Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; free admission but ID required.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore 798 Art District

Contemporary art complex within old factory buildings, offering galleries, shops, and cafes. Ideal for adults interested in modern culture and offbeat scenes.
Free entry, pay for purchases, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nandouya Indian Restaurant in 798 Area

Popular Indian eatery featuring vegetarian-friendly options and rich curries, open till 9:00 pm.
CNY90 ($13.50), 1h

2:15pm

Take subway line 14 to Beijing Botanical Garden

Travel about 1 hour by subway to extensive gardens featuring rare plants and peaceful trails. Open 7:00 am to 7:00 pm with entrance fee.
Subway CNY5 ($0.75), Entry CNY20 ($3), 3h

5:30pm

Return via subway back downtown

Relax on subway post-garden visit, around 1 hour ride to central area.
CNY5 ($0.75), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Agra Indian Restaurant

Cozy restaurant known for flavorful kebabs and rich desserts, located in central Beijing. Open till 10:00 pm.
CNY110 ($16.50), 1h30m
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Day 4: Markets & Historic Parks

Beijing, China on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Visit Panjiayuan Antique Market

Massive weekend market with fascinating antiques, crafts, and curios, perfect for treasure hunting and offbeat finds. Open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Free (shopping costs extra), 2h

11:30am

Short subway ride to Temple of Heaven Park

Iconic historic park with religious temples and traditional architecture where locals practice Tai Chi. Open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm with ticket.
Subway CNY5 ($0.75), Entry CNY35 ($5.25), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bombay Sweets

Casual Indian restaurant serving treats like samosas and masala dosas; budget friendly and close to the park.
CNY70 ($10.50), 1h

2:45pm

Visit Beijing Ancient Observatory

Unique historic site with classic astronomical instruments and museum displays. Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, entry required.
CNY30 ($4.50), 1h15m

4:15pm

Walk and relax at Beihai Park

A beautiful imperial garden with a lake, pavilion, and historic white pagoda. Open 6:30 am to 9:00 pm; entry fee applies.
CNY20 ($3), 1h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Guru Indian Restaurant (Repeat Visit)

Wrap up the trip with delicious North Indian dishes in a pleasant setting, justifying the popularity for dinner again.
CNY120 ($18), 2h
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