If you’re planning your first trip to China, a stop in Beijing is something you really can’t miss. The city blends Chinese tradition and culture with modern life in such a seamless way, making it one of the most interesting and fun places to explore in the country.
I’ve been to Beijing twice, and honestly, if I could (and if there weren’t so many other places in China I still want to see), I’d go back again and again. There’s just so much to do! You could easily spend 5 days here and still not get bored.
In this Beijing travel itinerary and guide, I’ll cover everything you need to plan your trip—where to go, what to eat (yes, including the famous Peking duck), and how to make the most of 3 days in the city if it’s your first time here.
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Planning Your Trip to Beijing
1. Key Things to Know
2. Beijing At a Glance
📍 Where to Stay: To me, the Qianmen Street area is the best place to stay in Beijing. It’s not only close to major sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and those charming hutong alleys, but it also has that lively, local vibe I love. You step out of your hotel, and there’s life all around: locals hanging out, street food stalls sizzling, little shops, and plenty of good restaurants to try.
🏠 Hotels in Qianmen: If you’re looking for a modern and elegant hotel close to this area, Sincer Hotel is such a great option, and they run getaway deals! If you’re looking for a more local vibe, the Beijing Courtyard Hotel is housed in a peaceful traditional hutong.
🚄 How to Get to Beijing: Getting to Beijing by high-speed train is the best option if you’re located less than 6/7 hours away by train. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance on Trip.com. It’s the best platform to handle your tickets in China.
✈️ Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or the newly opened Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) hosts many international and domestic flights if you’re located in southern China or Beijing is your first stop in China.
🗓️ Best Time To Visit Beijing: The period from September to October (avoid the first week) and Spring from March to May are the best periods to be in Beijing. Beijing is a no from mid June onwards, the temperatures are unbearable!
3. Getting from The Airport to Your Hotel
Airports in big Chinese cities like Beijing are usually well connected to the city center by subways, airport express trains, and, of course, you always have the option to take a taxi. Be aware, that depending on your arrival time, traffic can be crazy in Beijing. If you’re in a rush or want to start exploring as soon as possible, taking the subway may be the smartest move.
Taxis
If Beijing is your first stop in China, you’ll likely land at one of its two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), the main hub, or the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
After a long flight, the easiest way to reach your accommodation in downtown Beijing is by taking a taxi. It’s a simple option that lets you avoid the crowds often found on airport buses or trains.
Heads-Up!
As soon as you land and head for the exit, you’ll be approached by well-dressed guys offering you a “ride”—just say no.
Instead, look for the official taxi signs near the exit and follow them. Have your hotel or guesthouse address printed (in Chinese characters) or clearly written on a piece of paper, and show it to the driver. Before you pull away, make sure the meter is on.
You can expect to pay between ¥100 and ¥200 for a ride that takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
Trains
If you’re open to using public transport and want to save some money, taking the train to downtown is an option.
If you land at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), hop on the Airport Express Train to Dongzhimen Station—the ride takes about 20–30 minutes. From Dongzhimen, transfer to Subway Line 2 (the Loop Line), which covers the main stops around the city center (including Qianmen Street). The whole journey takes around 50–60 minutes.
The process is just as easy if you’re arriving at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). First, take the Daxing Airport Express to Guogongzhuang Station. Then you can take the subway to your accommodation.
4. How Many Days in Beijing
This is the trickiest question, because while three full days are enough to see the main sights (if you keep a packed schedule), you could honestly spend a whole week in Beijing and still have plenty to do without ever getting bored.
The city is huge and full of things to do. Plus, several great day trip options can make your stay even richer and more rewarding.
If you’re looking for more details on traveling to China, my comprehensive travel guide could be precisely what you need. You’ll find everything from visa requirements and the best times to travel to tips on language, etiquette, and so much more.
Beijing Itinerary
This is a mix of the itineraries I followed during my two trips to Beijing: the one in 2019 and the other in summer 2024. You’ll find a bit of everything: iconic tourist spots, UNESCO-protected sights, peaceful Buddhist and Taoist temples, local vibes and street life, plus a day trip to the unmissable Great Wall (because yes, it really is worth it). I’ll also add a few extra ideas in case you have more than three days.
Tickets & Tours in Beijing
Day 1: Local Life, Hutongs & Iconic Sights
1. Qianmen Street
If you’re staying around Qianmen, your first day can start right outside your accommodation. This is one of my favorite areas in the city—full of life, locals, and that mix of old and new that makes Beijing so special.
Here you’ll find so many street food stalls preparing the Jianbing, a kind of savory Chinese crêpe filled with egg, veggies, crunchy bits, and sauces (that locals eat for breakfast). It’s incredibly filling and delicious.
Another classic is the Baozi—those soft, steamed buns stuffed with meat or veggies. There’s also a Starbucks around if you’re quite ready to try a Chinese-style breakfast.
Qianmen is a pedestrian street where traditional Qing-style buildings house modern shops and cafés. As you walk around, you’ll see locals going about their routines, tourists snapping pics, and little stores selling handmade souvenirs, like tea sets, silk scarves, and paper cuttings.
It’s the perfect intro to Beijing’s energy and charm—especially in the morning, when the city’s just waking up.
2. Hutongs Tour
Just a short walk from Qianmen Street, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Beijing’s hutongs, narrow alleyways that feel like a true museum. These lanes are lined up alongside traditional, ancient-style Chinese home compounds and inner courtyards, known as hutongs.
Dashilar Hutong is one of the oldest commercial streets in Beijing. Here you’ll still find local shops selling handmade snacks, crafts, and quirky souvenirs. The mix of Qing Dynasty buildings and modern life makes it a fascinating place to explore.
If you’re into art and culture, don’t miss Liulichang Cultural Street, known since the Ming Dynasty for its antique shops, calligraphy, and traditional paintings.
Some of the most suggestive and calm hutongs around Qianmen include Dashilar, Liulichang, Tan’er, and Tiaozhou. These alleys are perfect for a quiet stroll if you want to escape the buzz of Qianmen street and experience a more traditional, slower-paced side of Beijing.
3. Tiananmen Square & Mao’s Mausoleum
Located just north of Qianmen Street, the square is home to other landmarks: the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and, of course, Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, easily recognizable thanks to the massive portrait of him hanging above the entrance.
Visiting Mao’s Mausoleum is free, but be ready for long lines, especially on weekends. Inside, Mao’s body is displayed in a glass coffin in a very solemn atmosphere.
That said, Tian’anmen Square is more about meaning than aesthetics. It’s huge, but not particularly beautiful, so if historical or political landmarks aren’t your thing, it’s okay to skip it.
Just a heads-up: entry requires a passport and a security check, and wait times can go up to three or four hours depending on the season. My advice is to plan your visit early in the morning if you decide to go.
4. The Forbidden City
Skipping Tiananmen Square could be smart, as it would free up time to explore one of Beijing’s real highlights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your first day: the Forbidden City.
While it’s not my absolute favorite spot in Beijing, I consider it a must-visit. This enormous palace complex, with nearly 1,000 buildings and over 8,000 rooms, was home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years. It was also the ceremonial and political heart of imperial China.
If you want an authentic taste of traditional Chinese architecture, the Forbidden City delivers: vibrant reds and golds, detailed carvings, and elegant sloping roofs. The Imperial Garden at the back is a charming spot that adds a touch of nature. Usually, I’m all for exploring solo, but here I highly recommend booking a local guide.
A good guide will make your visit much more interesting with fascinating stories and details you’d easily miss on your own. Plus, they help you navigate the site efficiently so you don’t waste time wandering.
One last tip: once you’ve finished exploring the Forbidden City, take a walk to Jingshan Park. From the top, you get a panoramic view over the palace’s rooftops.
4. Evening at Wangfujin & Sanlitun
Ⓜ️ Subway Instructions: Take subway line 7 from Qiaowan to Zhushikou. Then, change to line 8 at the Wangfujing subway station. The trip will take 10 minutes.
If you’re into Chinese food (who isn’t?), Wangfujing is basically heaven. It’s one of those places where you can find anything—from classic Chinese dishes to cool modern spots. If you’re looking for a place to try the Peking Duck, don’t leave without trying the duck at Quanjude.
If you’re up for something more hands-on, Haidilao Hot Pot is a whole experience. It’s always time for a hotpot even if you’re not in Sichuan.
At night, Sanlitun is where the city really wakes up. It’s got a little bit of everything—chill bars, loud clubs, rooftop drinks, you name it. Last time I was in Beijing, we were at the Martini rooftop. The vibe was great, with plenty of expats and locals, great music, and good drinks.
And if you’re feeling brave (or just want to fully embrace the local vibe), a KTV karaoke is always a good idea. It’s chaotic in the best way—singing your heart out in a private room with snacks, drinks, and bad song choices.
Day 2: Imperial History & Modern Art
1. Summer Palace
Ⓜ️ Subway Instruction: Take line 2 from Qianmen to Xuanwumen. Then, change to line 4 until Xiyuan Station. Then, walk for about 10 minutes to the Summer Palace.
The Summer Palace is hands down one of my favorite places in Beijing (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). There’s something magical about the mix of elegant and classic buildings, the nature all around the site, and the calm water of Kunming Lake that makes the whole place feel peaceful, even when it’s busy.
It’s a little outside the city center, but totally worth the trip. Back in the Qing dynasty, this was the Emperors’ summer retreat, built to escape the heat of Beijing city.
It’s named palace but it’s not a single palace, but more like an immense park filled with pavilions, temples, bridges, and lakeside paths. You could honestly spend the whole day wandering around and still not see everything.
Even though it’s a popular spot, it never feels too crowded because it’s so spacious. You can always find a quiet corner to sit. And just like with the Forbidden City, I really recommend going with a guide—especially if you’re short on time.
They’ll help you go straight to the must-sees, while also sharing all those stories and fun facts that make a visit much more interesting. You can also combine it with a visit to the Temple of Heaven too.
If, on the contrary, you prefer to visit the site on your own, you can purchase tickets here.
2. Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is easily one of my favorite places in Beijing. There’s something about it that just feels sacred. Built in the 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site was where Ming and Qing emperors came to pray for good harvests, and you can still feel that deep spiritual energy in the air (despite the crowds).
The architecture is truly unique. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—with its deep blue roof, red columns, and golden details—stands on a white marble base that symbolizes Heaven.
In traditional Chinese cosmology, circles represent Heaven and squares represent Earth, so everything here was built to reflect that harmony.
I’ve always dreamed of seeing it during closed hours, with no one around, just to fully take in the vibe.
I haven’t done a guided tour here yet, but honestly, I wish I had. There’s so much symbolism hidden in the layout and architecture that having someone explain it all would probably make the visit even more meaningful. Definitely something I’ll do next time!
4. Lama Temple
Ⓜ️ Subway Instruction: Walk to Tiantangdongmen Station (20 min). Then, take line 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station.
Visiting a Buddhist Temple is always a peaceful way to wrap up a day. The Lama Temple (Yonghegong) is away from the chaos of the city, a sanctuary offering the kind of calm that instantly grounds you.
Originally built in the 17th century as a residence for Prince Yong (who later became Emperor Yongzheng), the complex was converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in 1744.
As soon as you walk through the gates, you’re surrounded by reds, deep greens, and gold. The scent of incense fills the air as locals and monks move through the courtyards. The architecture here is a mix of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.
One of the highlights the massive 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha in the Wanfu Pavilion. It’s carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.
4. Early Evening at the 798 Art Zone
Ⓜ️ Subway Instruction: From Qianmen Station, you can take line 8 till Yongdingmenwai, then change to line 14 East and head to Wangjing South. Than, you’ll need to take a 20-minute walk to the district.
Beijing is not only about history and imperial vibes. The 798 Art District is a creative neighborhood is a total contrast to the capital’s historic vibe.
It is located in the north eastern part of the city and it takes about an hour to reach from Qianmen, so plan it for a chill late afternoon or evening stroll.
Once a complex of state-owned military factories from the 1950s, 798 district has been transformed into a thriving contemporary art zone.
The old industrial buildings, with their Bauhaus-style architecture, now house galleries, design shops, coffee spots, and cultural spaces. You’ll find everything from thought-provoking exhibitions to quirky street art and installations and artistic coffee shops.
Day 3: Day Trip to The Great Wall
No trip to Beijing feels complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. Depending on which section you explore, you might need to save at least half a day for it.
The most scenic sections often require a little more effort to reach. Considering that transportation is a nightmare for most of them, booking a tour is actually recommended to avoid wasting time.
One of the most thrilling experiences is visiting Jiankou, the only section which is completely untouched by the restoration and also closed to visitors if you’re not with a guide.
If on the contrary you prefer an easier to reach section and DIY planning, Mutianyu can be the right option for you. Make sure to check out my dedicated post with all the tips to plan your trip to this beautiful section of the Great Wall.
And there you have it—3 days in Beijing will fly by so fast! I hope this post gave you some inspiration for building your own Beijing itinerary and useful tips to plan your stay.
It’s a city that really has it all: history, culture, food, and China’s everyday magic. It’s honestly one of those places you’ll want to come back to. Enjoy every second of your Beijing adventure and let me know how it goes 🥟
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