China · City break
5 days in Beijing
Explore Beijing’s imperial heritage, vibrant markets and historic parks over five days. Highlights include the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. The itinerary balances cultural sights with relaxed evenings in lively neighbourhoods.
Your days, in detail
The itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Tiananmen Square
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Morning
Arrive in Beijing, check‑in to Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongcheng.
Afternoon
Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the surrounding area.
Evening
Stroll through Wangfujing Snack Street for dinner.
xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 Tiananmen Square
Walk around the vast plaza and view the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Open 24 h, no admission fee.
Directions ↗Wangfujing Snack Street
Sample local street foods such as jianbing and candied hawthorn.
Cash preferred; try the scorpions if adventurous.
Directions ↗
Day 2
Forbidden City and Jingshan Park
Morning
Explore the Forbidden City.
Afternoon
Climb Jingshan Park for city views.
Evening
Relax in the Houhai lakeside area.
Tojan76 · CC BY-SA 3.0 Forbidden City
Tour the historic imperial palaces and courtyards.
Buy tickets in advance; allow time for security checks.
Directions ↗
Charlie fong冯成 · Public domain Jingshan Park
Climb the hill for panoramic views of the Forbidden City.
Open 6:00‑21:00, free entry.
Directions ↗
chinogypsie · CC BY 2.0 Houhai
Enjoy lakeside bars and a leisurely dinner.
Evening ambience is lively; taxis available for return.
Directions ↗
Day 3
Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple
Morning
Visit Temple of Heaven complex.
Afternoon
Explore the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple).
Evening
Free evening – optional shopping in Dongcheng.
Shujianyang · CC BY-SA 4.0 Temple of Heaven
See the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and surrounding park.
Open 8:00‑21:30; ticket includes park.
Directions ↗Pearl Market
Try local dumplings and street snacks.
Cash recommended; crowded during lunch.
Directions ↗
xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 Lama Temple
Admire the magnificent Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
Respect dress code; remove shoes before entering main hall.
Directions ↗
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Day 4
Great Wall – Mutianyu
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Morning
Depart for Mutianyu Great Wall via organized tour.
Afternoon
Walk the wall, take the cable car and toboggan down.
Evening
Return to Beijing, dinner at Donghuamen Night Market.
Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BY 2.0 Mutianyu Great Wall
Explore restored sections, enjoy cable car ride and toboggan.
Dress in layers; bring water and sunscreen.
Directions ↗Donghuamen Night Market
Taste a variety of street foods for dinner.
Market may be closed on certain weekdays; verify before travel.
Directions ↗
Day 5
Summer Palace and Departure
Morning
Visit Summer Palace grounds and the Long Corridor.
Afternoon
Check‑out and transfer to departure point.
xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 Summer Palace
Stroll the lake, see the Marble Boat and gardens.
Open 8:30‑17:30; ticket includes entry to main sites.
Directions ↗
Make room for your own discoveries
Make it your Beijing.
Keep the ideas you like. Build the rest around you.