Beijing Itinerary 2026: 3-5 Days Guide - Attractions, Restaurants & Things to Do

Get a 3 to 5-day Beijing itinerary for solo travelers, couples, and families. Includes tips on things to do, costs, transportation, restaurants, cheap hotels, and weather to make your Beijing trip easy and enjoyable. 😉

Beijing Itinerary: 3-5 Days

Check Beijing itinerary for 3-5 days tailored to different travelers: solo, couples, and families. The costs are estimated per person based on entry fees and average expenses.

3 Days in Beijing

Attractions Highlights

Gate of Heavenly Peace: As the largest public square in the world. A place with a lot of history - definitely worth visiting at least once. Entrance fee is free, just show your passport or ID card to the guards. The square is close by to forbidden city and great to include as part of a day trip (or if you’re coming from the other way, walking distance from Qianmen Street).

• Operating Hours: 🕒 24/7
• 📍Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: Free

The Palace Museum (Forbidden City): Walking through the gates of the Forbidden City feels like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the imperial architecture and the vast collections of artifacts are mesmerizing. Plan to spend a good amount of time here to fully appreciate the history and beauty.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (April to October); 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (November to March); Closed on Mondays
• 📍Location: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥60 (April to October), ¥40 (November to March)

Badaling Great Wall: Climbing the Great Wall at Badaling is an unforgettable experience. The views are stunning, and the history is palpable. It’s a bit of a climb, but the sense of achievement and the breathtaking scenery are well worth it.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Summer); 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Winter)
• 📍Location: Yanqing District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥40 (April to October), ¥35 (November to March) $5.5 on Trip.com

Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven is a serene and beautiful place. Walking through the grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests is awe-inspiring. The architecture and the park are great for a leisurely afternoon.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Park); 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Major Buildings)
• 📍Location: 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥34 (through ticket)

Summer Palace: The Summer Palace is a vast and stunning area of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It's a perfect place to spend a relaxing day. The scenery is beautiful, and the history is fascinating. Don’t miss the boat ride on Kunming Lake! If you go to the east of the Summer Palace towards Gyeongbokgak and Iksudang, there are no people and it is quiet. I liked it the best there.😏

• Operating Hours: 🕒 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM (April to October); 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November to March)
• 📍Location: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥30 (April to October), ¥20 (November to March). $4.13 on Trip.com

4 Days in Beijing

Attractions Highlights

Yuanmingyuan Park (Old Summer Palace): Yuanmingyuan Park, known as the Old Summer Palace, is a place of historical significance and beauty. Wandering through the ruins, you can imagine the grandeur of the gardens and buildings before they were destroyed. The tranquil setting and the historical context make it a fascinating visit.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM (April to October); 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM (November to March)
• 📍Location: 28 Qinghua West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥10

Jingshan Park: After exploring Yuanmingyuan, head to Jingshan Park. Climbing to the top of the hill offers stunning panoramic views of Beijing, including a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. It's a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy the scenery.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• 📍Location: 44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥2

National Museum of China: Spend the morning at the National Museum of China, where you can see many national treasures and artifacts spanning thousands of years. The exhibits are vast and varied, providing a deep dive into China's rich history.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• 📍Location: 16 E Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: Free

Beihai Park: In the afternoon, visit Beihai Park. Take a boat ride on the lake, stroll through the gardens, and visit the White Dagoba on Qionghua Island. It's a relaxing and scenic place to spend an afternoon.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• 📍Location: 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥10

Universal Beijing Resort: Spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios. From exhilarating rides and attractions to shows and character meet-and-greets, it’s a perfect spot for some fun and excitement. Don’t miss the Harry Potter World and Jurassic Park sections!

• Operating Hours: 🕒 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• 📍Location: 7 Shuangjing Road, Tongzhou District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥638 ($90) $82.88 on Trip.com

Houhai Lake: Start your day with a peaceful stroll around Houhai Lake. You can rent a paddle boat and enjoy the calm waters. The area is lined with cafes and bars, perfect for a relaxing morning.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 24/7
• 📍Location: Xicheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: Free

Shichahai: After the lake, explore the nearby Shichahai area, known for its historic hutongs (alleyways). Visit local shops, enjoy traditional snacks, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The traditional architecture and the bustling atmosphere make it a memorable experience.

• Operating Hours: 🕒 24/7
• 📍Location: Xicheng District, Beijing
• 💵 Ticket Price: Free

5 Days in Beijing

Attractions Highlights

Beijing Zoo: The Beijing Zoo is a great place for families. You can see a variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas. It's a nice way to spend the morning, and the kids will love it.

• 🕒 Operating Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Summer); 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Winter)
• 📍 Location: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng District, Beijing
• 🚇 Transportation: Subway Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥15 $2.07 on Trip.com

Beijing Wildlife Park: The Beijing Wildlife Park is a fantastic place to experience wildlife up close. The park is designed for interactive experiences, allowing you to feed some of the animals and get a close look at various species. It’s educational and fun for the whole family.

• 🕒 Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• 📍 Location: 158 Nanliu Road, Daxing District, Beijing
• 🚇 Transportation: Take the Daxing Line to Tiangongyuan Station, then take a taxi
• 💵 Ticket Price: ¥130 ($20) $19.93 on Trip.com

Trip to Beijing Cost

Beijing Hotel Cost

Hotels in Beijing are generally cheap, with prices varying based on location, season, and hotel rating.

• High Season: May through October (some hotels start as early as April and go until November)
• Low Season: November through March

Check out our recommended hotels with exclusive deals!

Beijing Transportation Cost

Beijing has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses, and taxis.

【Metro Costs】

【Bus Costs】

【Taxi Costs】

【Car Rental】

Beijing Food Cost

Food in Beijing is very cheap compared to Western food, especially if you avoid touristy areas and opt for local eateries.

Recommended Beijing hotels

Find discounted Beijing hotels near popular Beijing attraions like Tian'anmen Square, The Palace Museum, Beijing Universal Resort & the hotels near Beijing Airport with free shuttle service!

Beijing Airport Voyage international hotel

Beijing Airport Voyage international hotel is only 1.8km away from the waiting building and 1.5km away from the New International Exhibition Center. At the same time, the hotel is equipped with free shuttle bus service. You can get to the city center by subway and airport express rail, with convenient transportation.

It is an ideal high-end hotel for you to attend the exhibition, live and travel. Hotel has various guest rooms and conference rooms. WiFi is provided free in all guest rooms. The conference room can receive 150 people for high-quality meetings.

The hotel restaurant can also provide local delicacies. In the course of operation, the restaurant adopts a variety of business methods, which can provide morning, middle and evening buffet of different standards according to needs, as well as on-site flavor production. In addition, there are conference room, fitness room, coffee leisure area, Chinese tea bar, etc.

👉Real Guest Reviews:

Best service ever, great communication before arrival to plan pick up at airport. On arrival they were waiting for me at indicated spot. Friendly and efficient check in, they managed the shuttle back to the airport. Hotel modern, clean, close to restaurants... I do recommend this place and will definitely iluse it again.

Absolutely loved this hotel, how quick and efficient the airport transfer was, the staff was amazing! The room was even better. Definitely staying here again when I come to Beijing. The Lobby was absolutely immaculate and they had a beautiful green wall where we took pictures. Bathroom had really great mirrors for women to use for their makeup. Curtains were motorized so we didn’t have to get up and open them ourselves. The HUMIDIFIER WAS THE BEST PART FOR ME!!! Made my sleep 100x better.

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong

The 5-star Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong (Changfu Gong Fandian) is located at the intersection of Chang'an Street and Erhuan Road, within easy reach of shopping mecca Beijing Scitech Plaza and the central Beijing Railway Station. The hotel is also not too far from Tian'anmen Square and other commercial areas.

This Beijing hotel features a fusion of Japanese and Oriental styles, displaying to guests a elegant, modern, yet simple design. There are multiple garden-view and street-view rooms and each room has free Internet access as well as other modern facilities. Though there are different room types, all guestrooms are spacious and comfortable.

The Mudan Garden Chinese Restaurant serves classic Chinese cuisine including Cantonese food, while the Sakura Japanese Restaurant offers a variety of international dishes. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Orchid Terrace Café. There are also banquet halls suitable for organizing exhibitions, gatherings over meals and meetings.

On-site fitness facilities feature a full range of state-of-the-art equipment. When guests want to relax, they can simply visit the spa and salon or receive a massage to ease the stress away. Guests also have access to the indoor swimming pool, basketball court, badminton court, and table tennis rooms for a more active relaxation.

👉Real Guest Reviews:

A good location: close to a metro station, (and Didi taxis are very cheap). Staff speak English and are helpful. The rooms are clean and in good condition- it feels like a business hotel, but it was perfect for our family stay. Breakfast was excellent.

Convenient Location! I had a delightful stay at this hotel, perfectly located with exceptional access to transportation. Despite my busy schedule on this business trip, the hotel's unique and advantageous location allowed me brief morning runs to significant landmarks like the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park, which was truly refreshing. The breakfast at the hotel was a real treat with a wide variety of options. The Jianbing (Chinese crepe) was especially delicious and a must-try for anyone wanting to experience authentic local cuisine.

Jianguo baicui Hotel (Beijing Universal resort)

It is located in Liyuan town, Tongzhou District, the sub-center of Beijing, only 300 meters from Qunfang station of Metro Line 7. The hotel is adjacent to Beijing’s UNIVERSAL resort and is located just 1.5 km from the world’s largest UNIVERSAL studios theme park. The entrance is only 3 stops away by subway line 7.

The hotel has a total of 237 smart rooms of different styles, complete with meeting rooms, gyms, shared spaces and other service facilities. The surrounding business and tourism atmosphere is nice, within five kilometers of all kinds of catering, entertainment, bathing, banking, hospitals, shopping malls, parks and other supporting services. The location of the hotel is superior, the transportation is extremely convenient, is the traveling vacation, the business leisure ideal place.

👉Real Guest Reviews:

The experience was really good. I came here for the Universal Studios. The hotel is located close to the metro. This enables easy commute to the theme park. It also offers a shuttle bus to the park. The hotel is very clean and has a good restaurant too. The other amenities such as laundry and gym are well maintained. The staff is very friendly and eager to help in anyway they can. Highly recommend this hotel :)

Things to do in Beijing

Watch the Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square

• Activity: Witness the daily flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, especially on National Day (October 1st) for a more solemn atmosphere.
• Tip: Arrive early to get a good viewing spot as it attracts large crowds.

Take a Stroll in Nanluoguxiang

• Activity: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Nanluoguxiang or other ancient streets, sampling traditional Beijing snacks like Peking duck, donkey rolls (驴打滚), and pea cakes (豌豆黄), copper pot hotpot (铜锅涮肉).
• Tip: Evening visits offer a lively atmosphere with various street performances.

See Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo

• Activity: Spend a morning at Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. This activity is particularly popular with families and animal lovers.
• Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and see the pandas when they are most active.

Boat Ride in Beihai Park

• Activity: Rent a boat for a peaceful ride on the lake in Beihai Park, one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China.
• Highlights: Don't miss the White Pagoda and the Nine-Dragon Screen.

Winter Ice Skating at Shichahai

• Activity: Enjoy winter fun by ice skating at Shichahai, a large natural ice rink. You can rent skates or a sled for a memorable winter experience.
• Tip: Dress warmly and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Climb the Great Wall at Badaling

• Activity: Spend a day climbing the Badaling section of the Great Wall, the most popular and well-preserved section of this ancient wonder.
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Early morning visits help avoid the large crowds.

Explore the National Museum of China

• Activity: Visit the National Museum of China to see the famous Simuwu Ding (司母戊鼎) and other significant artifacts, offering insights into China’s extensive history.
• Tip: Allocate several hours to fully explore the extensive exhibits.

Enjoy Panoramic View at Jingshan Park

• Activity: Start your day with a hike up Jingshan Park to get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, then spend time exploring the Forbidden City's ancient halls and courtyards.
• Highlights: Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden.

Night Photography at the Bird’s Nest & Water Cube

• Activity: Capture stunning nighttime photos of the iconic Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). If possible, attend a concert or event.
• Tip: Check the event schedule in advance to enhance your visit.

Autumn Foliage at Fragrant Hills Park

• Activity: Visit Fragrant Hills Park in late October to witness the vibrant red autumn leaves. It’s a picturesque spot for nature photography and leisurely hikes.
• Highlights: The "Incense Burner Peak" offers a great panoramic view.

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to City Center

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is well-connected to the city center, offering several transportation options. Here are how to get from PEK to central Beijing:

Airport Express Train

The Airport Express Train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from PEK to the city center.

• Route: The train stops at Terminal 3, Terminal 2, Sanyuanqiao, and Dongzhimen.
• Operating Hours:
• From PEK Terminal 3: 06:20 - 22:50
• From PEK Terminal 2: 06:35 - 23:10
• From Dongzhimen: 06:00 - 22:30
• Frequency: Every 12-15 minutes
• Duration: Approximately 16-20 minutes
• Fare: RMB 25 (about $3.7) one way

At Dongzhimen, you can transfer to Subway Line 2 or Line 13 to reach various parts of Beijing.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The shuttle bus connects PEK with different parts of Beijing and neighboring cities.

• Routes: 13 routes to various city locations, including Beijing Railway Station and Dongzhimen.
• Operating Hours: Route-specific, but generally from early morning to late night
• Night Shuttles: Available from 21:00 to 04:00, departing when there are at least six passengers
• Fare: RMB 15-30 within Beijing; regional routes, such as to Tianjin, cost around RMB 82
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour to the city center
• Frequency: Typically every 30 minutes during the day

Shuttle bus ticket counters are located on the ground floor of each terminal​.

City Bus

Beijing's public bus network also provides access to PEK, with several routes connecting to the airport.

• Routes: Approximately a dozen city bus lines service PEK
• Fare: Up to RMB 11 one way
• Operating Hours and Frequency: Varies by route, generally from early morning until late evening

City buses are a cheap option for those familiar with the local bus network and who need to connect to other parts of the subway system.

Taxi

Taking a taxi from PEK to the city center is a convenient option, especially with luggage or during late hours.

• Cost: RMB 100-150 ($15-22), depending on the time of day (higher fares at night)
• Duration: About 1 hour under normal traffic conditions

Taxis are available at the designated taxi stands outside each terminal​.

Private Transfer Service

For the most comfortable experience, a private transfer service is available on Trip.com. Skip the long line for taxis and travel in a clean & comfortable private air-conditioned car.

• Includes an English-speaking guide, assistance with luggage, and a private, spacious car
• Avoids the need to queue for taxis and offers personalized service

Enjoy this private one-way arrival or departure transfer between Beijing Capital International Airport and your downtown Beijing hotel. Driver sent the transport details before the trip. He arrived early. The transport was spacious and very comfortable for me.

The driver will be waiting for you at the exit of luggage claim hall of the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting and greeting by your driver, you will be transferred to your hotel. Free waiting time is up to 2 hours at the airport.

Beijing Restaurant

Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Introduction Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant is a legendary establishment in Beijing, known for its exquisite roast duck. Established in 1864, it has a rich history and offers a variety of duck dishes including "Quanjude Boutique Roast Duck" and "Fish-flavored Shrimp Ball." The restaurant's antique ambiance adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Eaters praise the crispy duck skin and the flavorful, tender meat, though some suggest the service at the door could be improved.

ChaTang Li JingWei Restaurant

Introduction ChaTang Li JingWei Restaurant is celebrated for its traditional Beijing snacks. Popular items include "Almond Tea," "Tea Soup," and "Fried Enema." The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals. Customers love the rich flavors and the nostalgic feel of the dishes, often reminiscing about the authentic taste of Beijing's culinary heritage. The restaurant is known for its quick service and welcoming staff.

MeiZhou DongPo Restaurant (Wangfujing)

Introduction MeiZhou DongPo Restaurant in Wangfujing is a top choice for Szechuan cuisine enthusiasts. It offers a variety of spicy and flavorful dishes such as "Gongbao Chicken Ding" and "Fried Chicken." The restaurant provides a wonderful dining experience with views of Wangfujing Street from its location on the top floor. Diners appreciate the balanced sweet and spicy flavors, the high-quality ingredients, and the attentive service. The setting is elegant and inviting, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal with a view.

Beijing Map

Beijing's layout is commonly described in terms of its "ring roads," which circle the city. Although the First Ring Road (theoretically encircling the Forbidden City) does not exist, the city's ring roads start from the Second Ring Road. The area within the Third Ring Road is often considered the city proper, while the city center specifically refers to the region around Wangfujing Street, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.

Beijing District Map

Source from China Discovery

Beijing's city proper is administratively divided into four main districts:

• Chaoyang District: Extends from the city center to the Olympic sites in the north.
• Dongcheng District: Lies directly east of the Forbidden City.
• Xicheng District: Located to the west of the Forbidden City.
• Haidian District: Positioned in the north, housing many of Beijing's universities.

Beijing Metro Map

Source: from Wikipedia

The Beijing Metro network generally follows a checkerboard layout, especially within the urban core delineated by the Line 10 loop. This core is outlined by the 3rd Ring Road, with lines running parallel or perpendicular and intersecting at right angles. Several key lines, including Lines 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 19, pass through the Line 2 loop, which marks the boundaries of the old Ming-Qing era city.

Beijing Attraction Map

Beijing is home to numerous scenic spots and historical sites, some within walking distance and others a bit farther from the city center. Among the vast number of attractions, the top 10 must-see places in Beijing are:

• Forbidden City: The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
• Temple of Heaven: An ancient sacrificial building.
• Summer Palace: A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces.
• Ming Tombs: The burial site of thirteen Ming Dynasty emperors.
• The Great Wall: The iconic ancient fortification.
• Old Hutongs: Traditional narrow alleys and courtyard residences.
• Lama Temple: A renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple.
• Tiananmen Square: The large city square in the heart of Beijing.
• Capital Museum: Shows Beijing's history, culture, and heritage.
• Olympic Sites: Venues from the 2008 Olympics, including the Bird's Nest stadium.

Best time to visit Beijing

Source: from China Travel Guide

Beijing experiences a climate with 4 distinct seasons: a short and windy spring, a long and hot summer, a cool and brief autumn, and a long and chilly winter.

Seasonal Weather in Beijing

• Spring (April - May): Spring in Beijing, from early April to the end of May, is characterized by warm but windy and dry conditions. Daytime temperatures can be comfortable, but nights are often cooler, necessitating lightweight layers such as long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, and jackets. Sandstorms are a common occurrence, so it's advisable to carry windproof gear when venturing outside.
• Summer (June - August): Summers in Beijing, from early June to August, are hot with significant rainfall. Temperatures frequently range between 30°C (86°F) and 40°C (104°F), especially in July and August, which are the hottest months. Short, intense rainstorms can occur unexpectedly in the afternoons, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is recommended. Light clothing is essential to stay comfortable in the summer heat.
• Autumn (September - October): Autumn is a brief but beautiful season in Beijing, spanning from mid-September to the end of October. The weather is mild with plenty of sunshine, making it one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are comfortable, and light layers like long-sleeved shirts and thin coats are suitable. Late October sees a sharp drop in temperatures, so warmer clothing becomes necessary.
• Winter (November - March): Winter in Beijing is long, cold, and dry, lasting from early November to mid-March. Average temperatures during December, January, and February often fall below 0°C (32°F), with January being the coldest month. Visitors should dress in wool sweaters and thick down coats to stay warm. Despite the harsh weather, winter sports like skiing and ice skating are popular, and Chinese New Year celebrations offer a unique cultural experience.

While Beijing can be visited year-round, the best times to visit Beijing are typically September and October due to the pleasant autumn weather. May and June also provide comfortable early summer conditions, though it's important to be mindful of the occasional spring sandstorms and the extreme summer temperatures.

Beijing Weather Averages

Check about average high and low temperatures and the average number of rainy days in Beijing: