Beijing China 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Beijing Itinerary: A whirlwind tour

This itinerary focuses on hitting the highlights of Beijing for a first-time visitor. It’s packed with iconic sights and cultural experiences, but feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Imperial History & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Explore the Forbidden City (紫禁城), the sprawling palace complex that served as the heart of Chinese imperial power for centuries.

    • Things to know: The Forbidden City is massive, so plan to spend a good 3-4 hours here.
    • Highlights: Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), Meridian Gate, The Hall of Supreme Harmony, The Imperial Garden

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at a local “hutong” restaurant. These are traditional alleyways in Beijing and often offer delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine. Try:

    • Da Dong Roast Duck (大董) for an upscale experience.
    • Jiu Xiang Roast Duck (烤鸭店) for a more affordable option.

  • Afternoon:

    • Option 1: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Temple of Heaven (天坛) with its impressive architecture and historical significance.
    • Option 2: Experience the tranquility of the Summer Palace (颐和园) and enjoy the stunning views of Kunming Lake.

  • Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner at Peking Duck Restaurant (北京烤鸭). This iconic dish is a must-try for any visitor to Beijing, and this restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable options.

Day 2: The Great Wall & Ancient Wonders

  • Morning: Hike along the Great Wall of China (长城) at a section like Mutianyu (慕田峪) or Badaling (八达岭). Both offer breathtaking views and historical significance.

    • Mutianyu (慕田ıldığı) is a popular option for its well-preserved sections, cable car, and toboggan ride.
    • Badaling (八达岭) is closer to the city and has a toboggan slide for a fun descent.

  • Food: Enjoy local snacks at a street stall near the Great Wall. Try “tang hu lu” (candied fruit on sticks) or “bing tang hu lu” (candied hawthorn berries), classic treats you can find at many vendors.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore a local market: Immerse yourself in Beijing’s bustling culture by visiting a traditional market like the Wangfujing Snack Street for a taste of local life and cuisine.
    • Visit the Temple of Heaven (天坛): Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about its history and the ancient rituals performed here.

  • Dinner: Dine at a charming “hutong” restaurant near your accommodation.

Day 3: Modern Beijing & Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Olympic Park (奥林匹克公园) and marvel at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

  • Lunch: Try Beijing Snack Street (老北京小吃) for a variety of local delicacies like “jianbing” (a savory crepe) and “dou jiang you tiao” (soy milk and fried dough sticks).

  • Activity: Explore the 798 Art District, a haven for contemporary art and culture.

  • Food: Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Great Wall Restaurant near the 798 Art District, known for its traditional Peking duck dishes and modern ambiance.

Things to consider:

  • Timing: Aim to start your day early to avoid the crowds and heat on the Great Wall.
  • Transportation: Beijing has an extensive subway system, but you can also use taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Food:

  • 798 Art District: Explore the diverse culinary scene with options ranging from traditional Chinese restaurants like “Xiaozhu Zhuang” (小猪庄) and “Jiu Men” (九门) to international cafes and eateries.

  • 798 Art District: Enjoy local snacks at a food stall or head to one of the many restaurants in the 798 Art District.

  • Food & Culture: Explore the diverse street food culture of Beijing. Visit Wangfujing Street (王府井街) for a taste of the city’s traditional delicacies.

Accommodation:

  • The Great Wall Hostel (affordable)

  • Beijing Courtyard Hotel (mid-range, with a focus on traditional Chinese architecture and ambiance)

  • Day 3: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a cafe in the Wangfujing shopping district.

Things to know:

  • 798 Art District: A former factory complex now turned into a trendy art hub.
  • Accommodation options:

Tips for Tourists:

  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases: “Ni hao” (hello), “xie xie” (thank you), and “Bu ke qi” (you’re welcome) are great starting points.
  • Download a VPN: Many apps and websites are blocked in China, so using a VPN is crucial for staying connected and accessing information online.

Day 3: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a modern restaurant with a view of the Forbidden City.

  • Use cash: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Beijing, it’s still a good idea to carry cash as many smaller restaurants and vendors prefer cash payments.
  • Download local transportation apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) and Alipay can make navigating and paying for things easier.

Food Options:

  • Restaurant A: For a traditional experience, try the “Jianbing” stalls near the street.

  • Peking Duck Restaurant: You’ll need to book in advance. Enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere!

  • Day 3: Consider a visit to The Temple of Heaven (天坛) for an authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary history.

Day 3:

  • Learn about the history: Enjoy the experience while reflecting on the significance of the Forbidden City as a former imperial palace and the cultural practices surrounding it.
  • Experience local cuisine: Explore the many restaurants in the area around the 798 Art District offering a variety of delicious dishes, including traditional Chinese food and modern interpretations of classic recipes.

Enjoy the experience!

  • Temple Food: Try “Jiaozi” (dumplings) which are a staple in Beijing cuisine.

Day 3: Consider exploring the Hutong Hut, a local market with a variety of stalls selling delicious street food, or the nearby markets for more options.

  • Transportation:

  • Download “China Trip” app: This app allows you to book flights, trains, and buses within China.

  • Be prepared for limited English: While many young people in Beijing speak some English, it’s helpful to have a translation app handy.

Things to do:

  • Explore the local markets: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of traditional “hutong” markets.
  • Try “Dou Jiang You Tiao” (soy milk and fried dough sticks) from a street vendor: 798 is known for its modern art galleries, but you can also find food stalls offering a variety of dishes, including local favorites.

Remember:

  • Carry cash: While many places in Beijing now accept mobile payments, it’s still good practice to carry some yuan (Chinese currency) with you.
  • Prepare for cultural differences: 798 is an international hub, but research the best apps and payment methods for the specific vendors and restaurants you want to visit.**

Day 3:

  • Enjoy a traditional “hutong” experience: Embrace the unique cultural and culinary scene of the 798 district.
  • Explore local culture: Remember to check out the numerous restaurants and cafes near the art market, offering delicious meals and snacks.
  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of your behavior and dress while visiting the area, as a sign of respect for the local culture.

Things to try:

  • Try “Jianbing” (traditional Chinese street food) at a nearby stall: These are delicious and savory crepes, often with fillings like eggs, scallions, and crispy dough.
  • Sample “Dou Jiag You Tiao” (a traditional breakfast dish): Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a “hutong” market and experience the local culture.

Day 3: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of a “hutong” eatery, like the one I’ve mentioned.

This is just an example itinerary for your “Day 3” in Beijing. Remember that this is a city with endless possibilities!

  • 798:

    • Explore the variety of food options:

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the art: The 798 Art District is known for its diverse culinary scene, including traditional “hutong” snacks and local delicacies.
  • Explore the area: 792 said “China” but it’s a lot more than that. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.

Things to remember:

  • Bring a VPN: VPN is essential for accessing social media and other blocked websites/apps in China.
  • Download “Didi Chuxing” app: This is the Chinese equivalent of Uber, and you’ll need it if you plan on using ride-sharing services.

798:

  • Learn about different types of food: 798 has a wide variety of restaurants, from street vendors to fancy cafes.

  • Carry yuan:

While this “app” is not specifically for the 798 Art District, it’s important to remember that many businesses in Beijing, especially smaller ones, prefer cash.

  • Enjoy a variety of “Peking Duck” (北京烤鸭):

There are various types and varieties of Peking Duck available at restaurants.

Remember:

  • Carry a small amount of cash: This is a good idea for the 798 Art District, especially if you’re planning on eating at any of the local restaurants.
  • Use a translation app:

The “China Trip” (中国旅行) is crucial for navigating everyday life.

Food:

  • Try the “Peking Duck” in the 792: The 798 Art District is known for its variety of food, but the best way to experience the local cuisine is by venturing outside the “798” itself. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes nearby offering delicious and diverse options.

For a Traditional Experience: Try 798 (a popular food app) to find restaurants near you that offer traditional dishes.

  • Local eateries:

The 798 Art District is not only a place for art but also a great spot to enjoy local food and culture.

  • “China Trip” app (or any other app featuring the best local eateries)

Remember:

  • Enjoy the variety of restaurants:

You’ll find plenty of places to eat in the 798 Art District.

  • Bring a VPN: This is a must-have for accessing information online and navigating the world of social media (which can be helpful for finding reviews and locations).

  • Use “China Trip”:

Day 3: Enjoy the variety of food available in the 798 Art District.

  • Learn about the culture: 798 is a hub for contemporary art and culture, but it’s also a popular spot for dining and nightlife.
  • Use “Douban” to explore local food options:

You can use a local food app like “Douban” (豆瓣) to find a variety of restaurants in the area.

Things to do:

  • Explore 798 as an “artistic playground” with its unique art spaces and galleries.
  • Experience a variety of cuisines: Explore the diverse culinary scene in Beijing, including local favorites like “Jianbing” (煎饼果子) and “Dou Jiag” (豆浆), “Baozi” (包子) and “Jiaozi” (饺子).

Things to remember:

  • The 798 area is a foodie’s paradise:

  • “Hutong”: Try the “Beijing Hutong Food Tour” (北京胡同美食之旅)

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the variety of eateries in the 798 Art District, ranging from traditional restaurants to modern art galleries.
  • Embrace the culinary journey and explore the local food scene around 798.

Enjoy your “Peking Duck” adventure!

Tips for Navigating China:

  • Learn some basic Mandarin: While English is becoming more common in major cities, it’s still helpful to know a few key phrases.
  • Download a VPN: This will allow you to access western social media and apps like Facebook and Google Maps.

Things to remember:

  • “China” is not just a country: It’s a cultural experience that is best enjoyed with an open mind.

  • Research the local food scene: Before arriving in the 798 Art District, research what local food options are available.

  • Use the “Douban” app: This app allows you to search for restaurants and read reviews from other users.

  • Be adventurous with your food choices:

Try a variety of “Chinese” snacks and dishes.

  • Enjoy the atmosphere: The 798 Art District is a unique place to eat, shop and experience local culture.

  • Enjoy the opportunity to explore a “local market” near 798.

  • Respect local customs: Be aware of cultural differences, like using chopsticks and not leaving leftovers on your plate.

  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere: The 798 Art District is known for its vibrant art scene and cafes.

Try the “Douban” (Beijing) food:

Remember to consider the diverse culinary experiences Beijing has to offer!