Beijing Travel Guide

Beijing Travel Guide | The Ultimate Playbook for the Imperial Capital✨ Hey guys👋, Beijing is a city that blends ancient charm with modern prosperity, like an endlessly fascinating book with surprises on every page. Today, I’m sharing my top-secret Beijing travel guide to make sure your trip leaves no regrets! 💰Budget Accommodation: 300 - 1000 RMB/day (choose from hostels, budget hotels, or luxury hotels based on your needs) Food: 200 - 500 RMB/day (options range from street snacks to high-end restaurants) Tickets: 300 - 500 RMB (ticket prices vary by attraction) Transportation: 100 - 200 RMB (mainly subway and occasional taxis) Total Budget: 3000 - 5000 RMB per person (for about 5 days) ⏳Best Time to Visit Beijing has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique beauty. ● Spring (March - May): Warm and blossoming, perfect for photographing the flowers at the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. ● Autumn (September - November): Crisp and refreshing, the red leaves at Fragrant Hills are spectacular—best time for leaf viewing. ● Winter (December - February): See the Forbidden City covered in snow and experience the traditional Beijing New Year atmosphere. It’s cold, so dress warmly. 🚗Transportation Guide ● Airplane: Both Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport are connected to the city by subway and airport shuttle buses. ● Train: Beijing has several train stations—Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West, Beijing South, etc.—all with convenient transport to the city center. ● City Transport: It’s recommended to get a Beijing Transportation Card for easy subway and bus rides. The subway covers most attractions; taxis may get stuck in traffic during rush hours. 🏨Accommodation Suggestions Stay near subway lines, such as Qianmen, Wangfujing, or Xidan, for convenient travel and plenty of nearby food options. To experience old Beijing charm, consider staying in a hutong guesthouse. 🌟Itinerary Planning Day 1: Tiananmen Square - The Palace Museum - Jingshan Park ● Morning: Get up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square and feel the solemn atmosphere. Then visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. ● Noon: Find a restaurant on Qianmen Street to try Beijing specialties like zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles) and Peking duck. ● Afternoon: Tour the Palace Museum, China’s largest ancient cultural and art museum. Be sure to book tickets in advance on the official website. Take your time admiring the artifacts and ancient architecture to soak in the history. ● Evening: Exit the Palace Museum from Shenwu Gate; across the street is Jingshan Park. Climb to Wanchun Pavilion for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s central axis—night views are stunning. Day 2: Badaling Great Wall - Olympic Park ● Morning: Head to the Badaling Great Wall by taking the suburban railway S2 line or joining a day tour. Climb the wall and feel the heroic spirit of “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” ● Noon: Eat at a local farmhouse restaurant near the Great Wall. ● Afternoon: Return to the city and visit Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), marveling at modern architecture. ● Evening: Enjoy the dazzling night lights at Olympic Park—truly spectacular. Day 3: Summer Palace - Peking University - Tsinghua University ● Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, a Qing Dynasty royal garden with beautiful lakes, mountains, the Long Corridor, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. ● Noon: Dine near the Summer Palace and try Beijing’s local snacks. ● Afternoon: Tour Peking University and Tsinghua University to experience the academic atmosphere and campus scenery of China’s top universities. Book visits in advance via the schools’ official WeChat accounts. ● Evening: Explore Wudaokou, known for its many eateries and trendy shops. Day 4: Nanluoguxiang - Shichahai - Yandai Xiejie ● Morning: Stroll through Nanluoguxiang, a hutong with old Beijing vibes, featuring many unique shops, cafes, and snack stalls. ● Noon: Have lunch nearby and try old Beijing copper pot hotpot. ● Afternoon: Visit Shichahai, rent a bike to ride around the lake, and enjoy the lakeside scenery. You can also take a rickshaw ride and listen to the driver’s stories about old Beijing. ● Evening: Wander Yandai Xiejie, known for antique shops and souvenir stores. Sit at a bar around Shichahai and experience Beijing’s nightlife. Day 5: Temple of Heaven Park - Wangfujing Pedestrian Street ● Morning: Visit Temple of Heaven Park, where Ming and Qing emperors performed “heaven worship” and “prayer for harvest.” The Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are magnificent. ● Noon: Eat near Temple of Heaven and try Beijing’s signature stews. ● Afternoon: Head to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, one of Beijing’s busiest commercial streets, with many malls, restaurants, and historic shops—great for souvenir shopping. ● Evening: Have dinner on Wangfujing Street and conclude your wonderful Beijing trip. 📋Food Recommendations ● Peking Duck: Quanjude, Da Dong Roast Duck, and Siji Minfu are famous roast duck restaurants. ● Zhajiangmian: Haiwanju and Laociqikou Douzhi Shop serve excellent fried sauce noodles. ● Hotpot: Donglaishun and Nanmen Hotpot are great places for lamb hotpot. ● Snacks: Wangfujing Snack Street and Huguosi Snack Street offer many Beijing specialties like fermented mung bean juice, donkey roll, and tofu pudding. 💡Tips ● Always book attraction tickets in advance, especially for popular spots like the Palace Museum and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. ● Beijing winters are cold—bring thick coats, scarves, and gloves; summers are hot, so prepare sunscreen and stay hydrated. ● For authentic Beijing flavors, try restaurants tucked away in small alleys. Guys, follow this guide for a fulfilling and joyful trip to Beijing🥰! Save it now and get ready to start your Beijing adventure!