3-Day Cultural and Historical Journey Through Beijing

Day 1: Imperial Heartbeat

Beijing, China on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Begin your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast featuring freshly baked buns and soy milk at this famous local restaurant known for its Peking duck heritage.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:45am

Forbidden City Tour

Explore the sprawling ancient palace complex, home to Ming and Qing dynasty emperors, to admire imperial architecture and historic artifacts. Open from 8:30am to 5pm.
CNY60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Experience one of Beijing’s premier eateries serving crispy and succulent Peking duck alongside modern Chinese dishes.
CNY120, 1h30m

2:45pm

Tiananmen Square Visit

Stroll through the vast Tiananmen Square, a historical and political center, visiting sights such as the Monument to the People's Heroes. Open 24 hours, but best viewed in daylight.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Jingshan Park Climb

Climb to the top of Jingshan Park’s hill for panoramic views overlooking the Forbidden City and central Beijing. Park open until 7pm.
CNY10, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing Dynasty style courtyard restaurant offering royal cuisine reminiscent of imperial times.
CNY150, 1h30m

Day 2: Spiritual Sites

Beijing, China on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local street vendor

Enjoy a traditional Beijing jianbing (Chinese crepe) and soy milk from a popular local stall to fuel your day early.
CNY15, 0h45m

8:30am

Temple of Heaven Exploration

Visit the stunning Temple of Heaven park, a UNESCO site where emperors prayed for good harvests. Open 6am to 10pm.
CNY40, 2h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Jing Yaa Tang

Savour upscale Beijing cuisine including excellent duck dishes in an elegant setting near the temple.
CNY120, 1h30m

1:00pm

Visit Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

Explore one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in the world, known for its beautifully preserved architecture and giant Buddha statues. Open 9am to 5pm.
CNY25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hutong Tour

Take a rickshaw or walking tour through historic hutongs (narrow alleys) near the Lama Temple to experience traditional courtyard homes and local life.
CNY50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Houhai Lakes

Enjoy a serene lakeside stroll or coffee break at Houhai, popular for its bars and cafes during early evening. Best around sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Sesame Kitchen

Join this exclusive, reservation-only communal dining experience serving innovative Chinese tasting menus in a cozy setting.
CNY250, 2h0m

Day 3: Great Wall Adventure

Beijing, China on July 3, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast buffet at your hotel to prepare for an active day at the Great Wall.
Included, 0h45m

7:30am

Travel to Great Wall at Mutianyu

Take a 1.5-hour drive northeast to Mutianyu Great Wall, known for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. Arrive early to beat peak crowds.
CNY70 for entrance, 1h30m (travel)

9:00am

Hike at Mutianyu Great Wall

Hike along the restored sections of the Great Wall, enjoying panoramic vistas and ancient watchtowers. Open 7:30am to 6pm.
CNY70 entrance + CNY100 for cable car round-trip, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse

Enjoy Western and Chinese fusion dishes at this popular restaurant near Mutianyu known for fresh ingredients and relaxed ambiance.
CNY180, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit the Ming Tombs

On the way back to Beijing, stop by the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 Ming dynasty emperors, to explore well-preserved mausoleums. Open 8am to 5pm.
CNY65, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Beijing city center

Drive back to the city after a fulfilling day of outdoor adventure and history exploration.
Transport approx. CNY200, 1h30m (travel)

7:30pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung Wangfujing

End your Beijing visit with a casual dinner featuring delicate xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other Shanghainese delights in a modern setting.
CNY120, 1h30m