Beijing in 5 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Welcome to Beijing, a city where ancient history and hyper-modernity coexist in a captivating dance. This Beijing five day tour itinerary is meticulously crafted to help you dive deep into the heart of China’s capital, exploring its imperial grandeur, cultural gems, and vibrant contemporary life. As your essential Beijing Travel Guide, we’ll navigate you through iconic landmarks, hidden hutongs, and culinary delights, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Before You Go: Essential Tips
- Visa: Most foreign travelers need a visa to enter China. Apply well in advance at your local Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is cold but less busy.
- Accommodation: Stay in central areas like Wangfujing, Dongcheng, or Xicheng districts for easy access to major sights.
- Getting Around: The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and has English signs. Ride-hailing apps like Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) are also very convenient. Have your hotel write down your destinations in Chinese to show taxi drivers.
- Payment: While mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate, international credit cards are increasingly accepted. It’s still wise to carry some cash (Chinese Yuan/RMB) for smaller vendors and Hutongs.
Day 1: The Imperial Heart of China
Theme: Stepping into the world of Emperors.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): The Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Begin your Beijing five day tour itinerary at the symbolic center of China: Tiananmen Square. Gaze upon the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Then, walk through the towering Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen) and enter the magnificent Forbidden City (故宫, Gùgōng). This UNESCO World Heritage site was the imperial palace for 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Allocate at least 3-4 hours to wander through its vast complex of grand halls, serene courtyards, and intricate gates. Don’t miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the emperor’s throne room. Pro Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the long queues. - Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Jingshan Park
Exit the Forbidden City from the north gate and cross the street to Jingshan Park. A short climb to the summit of the artificial hill rewards you with the most breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City laid out symmetrically below you. It’s the perfect photo opportunity and a moment to absorb the scale of what you’ve just explored. - Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Wangfujing Street & Peking Duck Feast
Immerse yourself in modern Beijing at Wangfujing, a bustling pedestrian shopping street. For the adventurous, the nearby snack street offers a variety of local treats. For dinner, indulge in Beijing’s most famous dish: Peking Duck. Renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Dadong offer an unforgettable culinary experience where the crispy-skinned duck is carved tableside and served with pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce.
Day 2: The Magnificent Great Wall
Theme: A journey along one of mankind’s greatest wonders.
- Full Day: Mutianyu Great Wall
No Beijing Travel Guide is complete without a day trip to the Great Wall. We recommend the Mutianyu section for its excellent preservation, stunning scenery, and fewer crowds compared to Badaling. The hike is rewarding, with watchtowers dotting the rolling mountain ridges. You can take a cable car or chairlift up and, for a fun descent, slide down on a toboggan ride. Allow a full day for this excursion, including travel time (about 1.5-2 hours each way by car or tour bus). Pack water, snacks, and wear comfortable walking shoes. - Evening: Relax and Recuperate
After this physically demanding day, return to the city. Enjoy a relaxed evening. Consider a traditional Chinese foot massage to soothe your muscles or have a simple dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel.
Day 3: Temples, Hutongs, and Local Life
Theme: Exploring spiritual sites and the old city’s charm.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Temple of Heaven
Visit the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán), where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. The architecture is sublime, especially the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The surrounding park is a vibrant hub of local life, where you can see residents practicing tai chi, dancing, playing chess, and singing opera. It’s a wonderful place to observe the daily rhythms of Beijingers. - Afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Hutongs by Rickshaw & Houhai Lake
This afternoon, step back in time by exploring Beijing’s ancient network of alleyways, known as Hutongs. Take a guided rickshaw tour through the narrow lanes of the Shichahai area, which allows you to see traditional courtyard homes (Siheyuan) and get a glimpse of a vanishing way of life. The tour often concludes near the scenic Houhai Lake. Stroll around the lake, where willows line the shore, and explore the charming shops, cafes, and bars that now inhabit the old buildings. - Evening: Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre
Cap off the day with a dynamic performance of “The Legend of Kung Fu” at the Red Theatre. This spectacular show combines martial arts, acrobatics, and dance to tell a story of a young monk’s journey to enlightenment. It’s a visually stunning experience enjoyed by all ages.
Day 4: A Summer Retreat & Modern Marvels
Theme: From imperial gardens to Olympic architecture.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Summer Palace
Escape the city bustle at the Summer Palace (颐和园, Yíhé Yuán), a vast imperial garden and another UNESCO site. Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it’s a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, walk through the beautifully painted Long Corridor, and admire the Marble Boat. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and elegance. - Afternoon (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Olympic Park
Travel from ancient grandeur to 21st-century splendor at the Olympic Park. See the iconic Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). You can enter both stadiums for a closer look. The scale of the architecture is awe-inspiring. The park is particularly magnificent at night when the structures are brilliantly illuminated, making it a great spot for an evening walk. - Evening: Ghost Street (Guijie) for Dinner
For dinner, head to Guijie, or “Ghost Street,” a long street famous for its vibrant red lanterns and countless restaurants open late into the night. It’s the perfect place to try spicy hot pot or other regional Chinese cuisines in a lively atmosphere.
Day 5: Lama Temple, Art District, and Departure
Theme: Spiritual reflection and contemporary culture.
- Morning (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Lama Temple & Confucius Temple
Visit the Yonghe Temple (雍和宫, Yōnghé Gōng), also known as the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s most beautiful and active Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The air is thick with the scent of sandalwood incense, and the complex houses an incredible 18-meter-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree. Just next door, the tranquil Confucius Temple offers a quiet contrast. - Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM): 798 Art Zone
If your flight is in the evening, spend your last afternoon at the 798 Art Zone. This sprawling complex of decommissioned factory buildings has been transformed into Beijing’s epicenter of contemporary art, filled with galleries, studios, cafes, and quirky sculptures. It’s a testament to the city’s dynamic and evolving cultural scene. - Late Afternoon: Departure
Head to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) for your departure, filled with memories of an incredible journey.
This Beijing five day tour itinerary offers a balanced blend of must-see attractions and authentic experiences. Use this Beijing Travel Guide to navigate with confidence and create your own adventure in this endlessly fascinating city. Enjoy your trip!