Lei Li
I've spent years exploring Beijing, and let me tell you—five days is just enough to scratch the surface without rushing. This itinerary isn't a generic list; it's based on my own missteps and discoveries. You'll hit the iconic spots, sure, but I'll show you how to dodge the crowds and find those hidden gems that most guides miss. We're covering everything from the Forbidden City's back alleys to the quiet sections of the Great Wall, plus where to eat like a local and sleep without breaking the bank.
Jump to What Matters
- Why This Beijing 5-Day Itinerary Works
- Day 1: Imperial Heart – Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
- Day 2: The Great Wall Experience – Choosing Your Section
- Day 3: Royal Gardens and History – Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace
- Day 4: Temple of Heaven and Local Life
- Day 5: Spiritual Sites and Modern Art
- Where to Eat in Beijing: My Top Picks
- Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget
- Practical Tips for Your Beijing Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why This Beijing 5-Day Itinerary Works
Most itineraries pack too much in, leaving you exhausted. I designed this one to balance sightseeing with downtime. The key is grouping attractions by location—Day 1 focuses on central Beijing, Day 2 is a day trip to the Great Wall, and so on. I've timed visits to avoid peak hours; for example, hitting the Forbidden City right at opening saves you from two-hour lines. Trust me, I've learned the hard way by showing up at noon once and barely moving through the crowds.
Day 1: Imperial Heart – Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Start early, around 8 AM. Tiananmen Square is free to enter, but security checks can take time—bring your passport. From there, walk north to the Forbidden City. I bought my ticket online via the official Palace Museum website to skip the queue. Admission is about 60 CNY (around $8) for the basic ticket, and it's open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, with last entry at 4 PM. Inside, don't just follow the central axis; veer off to the western palaces where it's quieter. I spent an extra hour there just admiring the intricate roof details most people miss.
Afterward, head to Jingshan Park across the street. It costs 2 CNY to enter, and from the hilltop, you get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It's especially stunning at sunset. For lunch, I stumbled upon a small noodle shop near the north gate—no English sign, but the beef noodles were phenomenal and cost 25 CNY.
Transportation Tips
Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station. Use a Beijing Transportation Card for easy rides; you can buy one at any station for 20 CNY deposit.
Day 2: The Great Wall Experience – Choosing Your Section
This is where most people go wrong. They pick Badaling because it's famous, but it's packed. I prefer Mutianyu—it's less crowded and has a cable car option. To get there, book a tour bus from Dongzhimen Station for about 100 CNY round-trip, or take a taxi for 400 CNY if you're splitting with friends. Mutianyu opens at 7:30 AM; go early to beat the tour groups. Admission is 45 CNY, plus 120 CNY for the cable car if you don't want to hike up.
I spent four hours walking the wall, and the section between towers 10 and 14 is relatively flat with amazing views. Bring snacks and water; the vendors on-site charge double. On my last visit, I noticed the stone steps are uneven—wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops.
Day 3: Royal Gardens and History – Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is vast, so allocate at least half a day. Entry is 30 CNY for the park, or 60 CNY including some interior halls. Hours are 6:30 AM to 6 PM. I entered from the East Gate and rented a boat on Kunming Lake—it costs 80 CNY for an hour, but it's worth it to see the Marble Boat up close. The Long Corridor is impressive, but it gets crowded by 11 AM.
In the afternoon, visit the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), a 10-minute taxi ride away. It's mostly ruins, but the melancholic atmosphere is powerful. Admission is 10 CNY. I found the European-style remnants particularly striking, though some areas are under restoration.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven and Local Life
Start at the Temple of Heaven, open from 6 AM to 8 PM. The combo ticket for the main halls is 35 CNY. Go in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi in the park. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is iconic, but the Echo Wall is fun—whisper against it and hear your voice travel.
Afterward, explore Wangfujing Street for shopping, but skip the overpriced souvenirs. Instead, dive into the hutongs near Nanluoguxiang. I joined a rickshaw tour for 50 CNY that took me through narrow alleys, pointing out traditional courtyard homes. For dinner, try Guijie Street—it's packed with hotpot joints. I recommend Haidilao for its service, but be prepared to wait; a meal costs around 150 CNY per person.
Day 5: Spiritual Sites and Modern Art
Begin at Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It opens at 9 AM, admission 25 CNY. The incense smoke and chanting create a serene vibe—I spent an hour just observing the rituals. Then, head to 798 Art District, a repurposed factory zone with contemporary galleries. It's free to enter, and galleries open around 10 AM. I found the UCCA Center particularly insightful, with tickets around 100 CNY for special exhibitions.
Wrap up your trip with a late lunch in the area before heading to the airport. If time allows, visit the Olympic Park to see the Bird's Nest from outside—it's free and looks great at night.
Where to Eat in Beijing: My Top Picks
Beijing's food scene is more than just Peking duck. Here are my favorites, based on multiple visits:
| Restaurant | Address | Specialty | Price Range (per person) | Why I Like It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quanjude Roast Duck | 32 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng | Peking Duck | 150-200 CNY | The skin is perfectly crispy, but it's touristy—go for lunch to avoid dinner crowds. |
| Donglaishun | 198 Wangfujing Street | Mutton Hotpot | 100-150 CNY | Traditional copper pots and fresh meat; I love the sesame sauce here. |
| Black Sesame Kitchen | 3 Heizhima Hutong, Dongcheng | Home-style Chinese | 80-120 CNY | A hidden gem in a hutong, with a set menu that changes daily. Reservations needed. |
| Mr. Shi's Dumplings | 74 Baochao Hutong, Gulou | Dumplings | 30-50 CNY | Cheap and delicious; the pork and chive dumplings are my go-to. |
I've tried fancier places, but these offer the best value. For street food, Jianbing (savory crepes) from vendors near subway stations cost about 10 CNY—just make sure they're cooking fresh.
Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget
Location matters in Beijing. Stay near subway lines 1 or 2 for easy access. Here's a quick list from my stays and research:
- Budget: Peking Station Hostel – 50 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng. Dorms from 100 CNY. It's basic but clean, and the staff helped me book Great Wall tours.
- Mid-range: Novotel Beijing Peace – 3 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng. Rooms around 600 CNY. Centrally located, with comfortable beds and a good breakfast buffet.
- Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing – 8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng. Rooms from 2000 CNY. Impeccable service and a rooftop bar with Forbidden City views—I splurged once for a special occasion.
I'd avoid hotels near the airport unless you have a late flight; the commute to downtown takes over an hour.
Practical Tips for Your Beijing Trip
Cash is still king in many places, though Alipay and WeChat Pay are widespread. Withdraw some CNY at airport ATMs. For transportation, the subway is efficient; a single ride costs 3-7 CNY depending on distance. Taxis are cheap but can get stuck in traffic—use Didi (China's Uber) for convenience.
Weather-wise, spring and autumn are best. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold but less crowded. I visited in October and the temperatures were perfect for walking.
A common mistake: overpacking your days. Leave some flexibility; I once got lost in the hutongs and ended up at a charming tea house, which became a highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This itinerary is based on my personal experiences and multiple trips to Beijing. I've fact-checked details like opening hours and prices against official sources, but always verify locally as things can change. Happy travels!
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