Beijing Three-Day Tour: The Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide
Introduction: Is Beijing Worth Visiting?
If you’re asking yourself, “Is Beijing worth visiting?” the answer is a resounding yes. As the capital of China, Beijing is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and hyper-modernity. It’s a city where imperial palaces sit alongside soaring skyscrapers, and quiet, ancient alleyways buzz with contemporary life. A Beijing Three-Day Tour offers a perfect snapshot of this incredible metropolis, designed to immerse you in its essence. This comprehensive Beijing Travel Guide will walk you through an ideal itinerary, ensuring you experience the very best of the city.
This guide is meticulously crafted for travelers seeking a classic beijing three day tour. It answers the crucial question of what to see in beijing in 3 days. Think of this as your essential beijing 3 day tour package in a readable format. For those with different time constraints, we’ll also briefly touch upon how to adjust this plan for what to see in beijing in 2 days or expand it for what to do in beijing for 5 days.
Let’s embark on your unforgettable beijing 3 day trip!
Before You Go: Essential Tips for Your Beijing Trip
- 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. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry.
- Accommodation: Stay within the 2nd Ring Road for easier access to major sights. Popular areas include Wangfujing, Qianmen, and Sanlitun.
- Getting Around: The Beijing Subway is efficient, cheap, and has English signs. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also widely available. Have your hotel address written in Chinese to show drivers.
- Payment: While mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) dominate, international credit cards are accepted in major hotels and stores. Carry some Chinese Yuan (RMB) cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Day 1: The Imperial Heart of China
Theme: Step into the world of emperors and explore the city’s ancient core.
Morning (8:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City
Begin your Beijing Three-Day Tour at the symbolic center of the nation: Tiananmen Square. As one of the largest public squares in the world, it’s surrounded by significant buildings like the Great Hall of the People and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. From the square, walk through the iconic Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), featuring the famous portrait of Chairman Mao, and enter the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum).
This is the highlight of any beijing 3 day trip. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its sheer scale is breathtaking. Allow at least 3-4 hours to wander through the series of grand halls, peaceful courtyards, and intricate gates. Follow the central axis from the Meridian Gate to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and explore the smaller palaces on the sides. The Imperial Garden at the northern end is a beautiful, serene escape.
- Pro Tip: Booking is mandatory and must be done online in advance via the Palace Museum’s official website or a trusted travel app. Tickets often sell out days ahead, especially during holidays.
Afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Jingshan Park & Hutongs
Exit the Forbidden City from the north gate and cross the street to Jingshan Park. A short climb to the top of the artificial hill provides the most spectacular panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s vast, symmetrical layout—a must-see photo opportunity.
Next, dive into Beijing’s traditional life by exploring the Hutongs. These ancient alleyways are the lifeblood of old Beijing. We recommend taking a rickshaw tour through the hutongs near Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang. Your driver will often share stories and point out traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan). Nanluoguxiang is a more commercialized but lively hutong filled with boutique shops, cafes, and snack stalls. For a quieter experience, wander into the alleys branching off from it.
Evening: Wangfujing Street
For your first evening, head to Wangfujing Street, Beijing’s most famous shopping street. Here, you can find everything from luxury brands in modern malls to traditional Chinese department stores. Don’t miss the Wangfujing Snack Street (or its nearby alternatives), where you can be adventurous and try local street food like candied hawthorn berries, jianbing (savory crepes), and for the bold, various skewered delicacies. Alternatively, enjoy a famous Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong in this area.
Day 2: The Great Wall of China
Theme: A full-day excursion to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders.
Full Day (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM): The Great Wall at Mutianyu
No beijing 3 day tour package is complete without a trip to the Great Wall. While the Badaling section is the most famous, it’s also the most crowded. For a more scenic and enjoyable experience on your beijing three day tour, we highly recommend the Mutianyu section.
Mutianyu is known for its stunning forest scenery and well-preserved fortifications. It’s less commercialized and offers a fantastic balance of accessibility and authentic atmosphere. The section features watchtowers spaced closely together, and you have several options for ascent and descent: cable car, chairlift, or a vigorous hike. The most fun way down is undoubtedly the toboggan slide, which winds its way down the mountain—a hit with visitors of all ages.
- Pro Tip:
- Transportation: You can hire a private car for flexibility (approx. 800-1000 RMB round trip), join a group tour bus (easily bookable at your hotel or online), or take public bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen to Huairou and then a local taxi.
- Timing: The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours each way. Start early to avoid crowds.
- Essentials: Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
Evening: Relaxation
After a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day, your evening should be about relaxation. Enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant near your hotel or experience a traditional Chinese foot massage to soothe your tired muscles.
Day 3: Royal Gardens & Spiritual Sanctuaries
Theme: Discover the emperors’ retreats and ancient spiritual sites.
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Temple of Heaven Park
Your final day on this Beijing Travel Guide itinerary takes you to the Temple of Heaven Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would come to pray for good harvests. The architecture is even more majestic than the Forbidden City, symbolizing the relationship between heaven and earth.
The key structures include the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its distinctive triple-eaved blue roof, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the circular Echo Wall. The park itself is a vibrant hub of local life. Visit in the morning to see locals engaged in tai chi, fan dancing, playing chess, and singing opera—a delightful cultural experience in itself.
Afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Summer Palace
Conclude your beijing 3 day trip at the breathtaking Summer Palace. This is arguably China’s largest and most beautiful imperial garden. Unlike the formal grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is a place of leisure and natural beauty, built around the serene Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Spend your afternoon strolling along the lakeside, exploring the elegant palaces, and walking through the famously painted Long Corridor. A boat ride on the lake (seasonal) offers a peaceful perspective of the complex. Climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a stunning view over the entire area. The Summer Palace provides a tranquil and fitting end to your exploration of Beijing’s imperial past.
Evening: Departure or Last-Minute Exploration
Depending on your flight or train schedule, use your final evening for last-minute souvenir shopping at places like the Silk Market or enjoy a farewell dinner reflecting on your incredible journey.
Conclusion
This detailed Beijing Three-Day Tour plan ensures you witness the very best of Beijing’s historical and cultural treasures. From the imperial power of the Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall and the serene beauty of its classical gardens, this beijing 3 day tour package offers an unforgettable journey through time. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover why Beijing is absolutely worth visiting.