The Perfect Beijing Itinerary (how to spend 5 days in Beijing, China)

Day 1 – Arrive in Beijing

Depending on the time of your flight today is easy and adjustable!

Morning: Arrive in Beijing

After landing from your flight, head through immigration and customs. 

To get from Beijing’s Capital Airport (PEK) to the Wangfujing Area.

Airport Express Train and Subway

• Route: Take the Airport Express Line from PEK to Dongzhimen Station, then transfer to Line 2 and subsequently to Line 1, alighting at Wangfujing Station.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Cost: Total fare is around ¥30 CNY (about $4.20 USD).
• Note: This option involves multiple transfers and may not be convenient with heavy luggage.

DiDi (what we did!)

• Service: DiDi for China 
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Prices vary based on surcharges etc however, our DiDi ended up being cheaper than paying for both of us to get the train! 
• Booking: You can book through the DiDi for China app or the AliPay App!
• Note: As you exit the airport follow signs for DiDi/e-hailing 

Private Transfort

• Service: Get Your Guide
• Duration: Approx 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on hotel location and traffic)
• Cost: Approx $50 pp
• Booking: book here

Afternoon: Explore your surroundings

When you’ve settled into your accommodations, take a leisurely walk around the Wangfujing area.

Time for lunch head towards the Forbidden City and grab your first dumplings for the trip! 

We went to [this] stall multiple times on our trip.

Next, it’s time to walk around the area and poke your head into the stunning surroundings of the Forbidden City before heading towards Wangfujing Street.

Known as one of Beijing’s busiest shopping streets, keep your eyes peeled for a 3D billboard!

Evening: Peking Duck

Finally, for dinner, head to a Wangfujing restaurant and try Beijing’s iconic Peking duck. Quanjude and Da Dong are great spots for this delicious dish.

Here’s how to enjoy it:

1. Lay a pancake on your plate.
2. Spread a little hoisin sauce.
3. Add a slice of duck, including crispy skin, and dip it in sugar.
4. Top with cucumber and scallions.
5. Roll it up like a mini burrito and enjoy!

Day 2 – Beijing Temples

Begin the day with breakfast at your hotel. Today is going to be a big one so keep your eyes peeled for an open coffee shop on your way to The Forbidden City! 

Morning: The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see in Beijing!

Tickets must be booked in advance – book the 8:30 am entry tickets online. 

You can book them here | Get Your Guide | Klook

Take your time walking through the sprawling imperial palace complex soaking in the fascinating history. 

If your energy is running low there are a couple of restaurants and cafes within the Forbidden City (be prepared for the steeper prices though!)

Afternoon: Jingshan Park

Next, head to nearby Jingshan Park, a short walk north of the Forbidden City. 

Climb to the top of the artificial hill for stunning panoramic views of the palace and the city skyline.

Evening: Dinner at Beijing Pie

After so much walking today it’s time to savour some delicious Chinese food. 

Beijing Pie is a cozy spot famous for its crispy, golden pies stuffed with flavorful fillings like pork or beef. Think of them as a delightful cross between a dumpling and a meat pie!

At this point, it’s time to go to bed early because tomorrow is going to be an early morning!

Day 3 – The Great Wall

Today is the day you get to see the iconic world wonder!

You can book your tickets for a private tour to the Mutianyu Section from Get Your Guide here, Klook here or Viator here.   

Morning: The Great Wall

Booking a private tour of the Great Wall is worth every penny for one major reason: flexibility. 

With a private tour, you can choose your start time, and an early morning visit means fewer crowds. I mean, we had the wall completely to ourselves!!

I know, waking up early on vacation isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but this is one experience where the payoff is more than worth the 6-6:30 am wake up.

We recommend heading to the Mutianyu section which is about an hour away from Beijing.

Because this part of the Wall is less crowded and family-friendly. 

Plus, it boasts added perks like a cable car for easy access and a toboggan ride for a fun and unique descent! How many people can say they tobogganed from the Great Wall of China?!

Before moving on spend time wandering along this iconic landmark, taking in the sweeping views of the rugged mountains and iconic Wall, and taking a million and one photos. 

Afternoon: Tiananmen Square

After returning to Beijing and grabbing a quick bite, head over to Tiananmen Square, the heart of the city and a key part of China’s history.

There is no fee to visit Tiananmen Square however you will need to reserve a time slot. (read how to here)

Start by wandering through the square, taking in its sheer scale. It’s surrounded by significant landmarks, such as

• The Great Hall of the People, where China’s congress meets.
• The National Museum of China, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts (perfect for history buffs, though visiting might take a few hours).
• The Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering granite obelisk commemorating those who fought for modern China and the largest monument ever built in China!
• Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, preserved body of the former leader is displayed here.
• Gate of Heavenly Peace, which features a GIANT portrait of Mao Zedong and serves as the entrance to the Forbidden City. 
• Tiananmen Tower, was built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty

Evening: Hot Pot

Obviously, it’s been a big day! So we will stick close to home for dinner. 

Treat yourself to a relaxing evening. Opt for a traditional hot pot dinner or unwind with a cup of tea at a local teahouse.

Day 4 – Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven

Dive deeper into Beijing’s beautiful temples today!

Morning: The Summer Palace

Spend the morning at the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden and palace complex that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. 

At this point, take a stroll around Kunming Lake, cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and visit Longevity Hill for incredible views.

The iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense is an extra fee to enter. However, you can see the exterior from all over the Summer Palace!

Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven

Yet another UNESCO site! This iconic temple is where emperors once prayed for good harvests for the year.

Can you believe this iconic building is completely made of wood and does not have a single nail?!

Why not treat yourself to a Temple of Heaven-shaped ice cream? 

Expensive? Yes, but tasty and worth it for the gram in my humble opinion!

Don’t forget to explore the surrounding park, where locals gather for tai chi, card games, and music, there is even a whispering wall! 

Evening: Shichahai

After a day of history and culture, it’s time to hit the hip bars & restaurants because life is all about balance!

Shichahai is a scenic area by the river that comes alive at night!

Surprisingly, every second bar/restaurant one had some form of live performer! To say this is an epic place to end your day in Beijing would be an understatement.

Finally, end the day with a stroll along the riverside until you find somewhere that tickles your fancy, then sit back and enjoy!

Day 5 – Final Day in Beijing

Before heading to the airport it’s time to sneak in one last attraction. 

Morning: Lama Temple

After breakfast at the hotel, take an hour’s detour to the Lama Temple.

Did you know this is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet?

With its stunning architecture and impressive golden Buddha, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on your trip to Beijing. 

More on the blog

What Section of the Great Wall of China Should You Visit? (Ultimate Guide)

How to Get Temple of Heaven Tickets 2025 (Step by Step Guide)

Additional days Beijing Itinerary: How many days are enough in Beijing?

If you have more than five days in Beijing or want to customise your itinerary further, here are some additional sights worth visiting:

FAQs About Planning Your Beijing Itinerary

Is Beijing worth visiting?

YES! Even if it’s just a quick layover, Beijing is such a historic place that it is worth your time.

In truth, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven alone it is worth it – let alone the food!

What to see in Beijing in 2 days?

My favourites were the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven!

They would be FULL DAYS but if you have extra time I would head to the Summer Palace.

And, of course, trying Peking Duck is a must

What is the recommended duration for a trip to Beijing?

I think 5 days is the perfect amount of time, you will see everything you want at a slightly more relaxed pace!

Is Beijing foreigner-friendly?

Yes! The city is full of tourists. 

Now that being said, make sure you are prepped for China Travel! 

In addition, make sure you have your apps downloaded like maps & translators!

Is Beijing a walkable city?

Beijing city is a huge, sprawling city so I would not call it walkable! 

Is Beijing cheap or expensive?

We found Beijing, and China as a whole, to be on the slightly more expensive side. However, we stayed centrally, ate out most days and splurged on fun experiences.

For example, our hotel was booked last minute, very basic and cost around $100 a night. 

Before heading we were wondering “Is China expensive to visit?” but I think a solid budget for Beijing would be anywhere from $50-$200 a day. 

What is the coldest month in Beijing?

January! Temperatures average -5°C (24°F)

Final Thoughts on Planning Your Beijing Itinerary

In conclusion, Beijing is such a fun (and huge) city to explore. 

I hope this Beijing Travel Blog has helped you plan your Beijing Vacation!

Your days in Beijing, China will be full of ancient sights and incredible food. I’m not jealous at all..

Read more on the blog here | South East Asia | Flores, Indonesia | Where to Stay Flores

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