5 Days Beijing, China Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary explores the highlights of Beijing, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences. It aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the city's history, culture, and cuisine while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$500-900 (excluding flights)
Best Time
The best times to visit Beijing are during Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Activities
20
Daily Avg
$140/day
Pace
Moderate
Beijing is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern marvels. From the iconic Forbidden City to the bustling hutongs, Beijing provides an unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 10 must-have experiences
Imperial Palaces & Royal Gardens
Day 1: Forbidden City
Great Wall Excursions
Day 2: Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall
Hutong & Old Beijing Exploration
Day 1: Tiananmen Square
Ancient Temples & Spiritual Sites
e.g., Lama Temple (Yonghegong), Temple of Confucius
Street Food & Local Markets
Day 1: Wangfujing Snack Street
Modern Architecture & City Views
Day 1: Forbidden City
Art Districts & Contemporary Culture
e.g., 798 Art Zone, National Museum of China
Traditional Performances & Arts
e.g., Liyuan Theatre (Peking Opera), Chaoyang Theatre (Acrobatic Show)
Vibrant Nightlife & Bars
e.g., Sanlitun Bar Street, Houhai Bar Street
Serene Parks & Green Spaces
Day 1: Jingshan Park
Beijing's cuisine is a delightful blend of imperial traditions and street food innovation. From Peking duck to savory pancakes, the city offers a wide range of flavors and culinary experiences. Be prepared to explore diverse restaurants and bustling street food stalls to truly immerse yourself in Beijing's food culture.
Must-Try Dishes
Thinly sliced roasted duck with crispy skin, served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. A must-try iconic Beijing dish.
📍 Da Dong, Quanjude, Siji Minfu
A savory crepe-like street food made with mung bean flour, eggs, vegetables, sauces, and crispy crackers. Perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.
📍 Street food stalls near subway stations, Wangfujing Snack Street
Noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste, ground pork, and vegetables. A classic Beijing comfort food.
📍 Local noodle shops, casual restaurants
Dumplings, either boiled (shuijiao), steamed (zhengjiao), or fried (guotie), filled with meat and vegetables. A versatile and popular dish.
📍 Bao Yuan Dumpling Restaurant, Mr. Shi's Dumplings
Food Neighborhoods
Touristy but offers a wide variety of Beijing snacks.
Known for its numerous restaurants, especially spicy Sichuan cuisine and late-night dining.
Trendy area with cafes, restaurants, and shops offering a mix of traditional and modern cuisine.
International cuisine, upscale dining, and trendy bars.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in Buddhist restaurants. Use translation apps to communicate dietary restrictions clearly. 'Su' (素) indicates vegetarian dishes. Halal food is available in Muslim neighborhoods. Be cautious of MSG (monosodium glutamate) in many dishes; ask if it can be avoided.
It is customary to use chopsticks. Do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the deceased. Slurping noodles is acceptable. Sharing dishes is common. Tipping is generally not expected.
Chinese New Year
ChunjieMost important Chinese holiday with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
Note: Book flights/hotels 2 months ahead
Mid-Autumn Festival
Zhongqiu JieHarvest festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Dongcheng District, take the subway line 1 to Tiananmen East Station.FREE
9:00 AM - Tiananmen Square
Visit the world's largest public square, a significant landmark in Chinese history. Allow at least an hour to walk around and take photos.
Book on Klook - 🚶Tiananmen Square is a short walk from Tiananmen East Station.$9
10:30 AM - Forbidden City
Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace. Arrive early to beat the crowds and purchase tickets online in advance. Allocate at least 3-4 hours.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk north from Tiananmen Square, through Tiananmen Gate, to reach the Forbidden City.$0.30
2:30 PM - Jingshan Park
Climb Jingshan Hill for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing. It's a great spot for photos.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Forbidden City, take a taxi or bus to Jingshan Park.$10-20
4:00 PM - Wangfujing Snack Street
Sample local snacks and street food at Wangfujing Snack Street. Be adventurous and try some unique treats!
Book on Klook
Dongcheng District
Close to many historical sites and has good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Beijing are during Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) can be very hot and humid with higher crowds due to school holidays. Winter (November-March) is cold and dry, with potential for heavy smog, but offers fewer tourists and unique snowy landscapes. Avoid major national holidays like Golden Week (early May and early October) when tourist sites are extremely crowded and prices are inflated.
Expect comfortable temperatures during the day, with cooler evenings. Rainfall is relatively low, and the air quality is generally good.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making them ideal for sightseeing.
Avoid traveling during Golden Week (early May and early October) due to extreme crowds and inflated prices.
Getting Around
Extensive high-speed rail and metro systems in major cities
City-specific transit cards or Alipay QR codes
Download DiDi for ride-hailing. Book train tickets in advance on 12306 or Trip.com.
Travel
$600-1200 (round-trip flight)Accommodation
$200-350 (for 5 nights)Food
$150-250Activities
$150-300Eat at local eateries (xiaochi) and street food stalls for delicious, authentic, and inexpensive meals. Use the efficient and very affordable public transportation system (subway, buses).
Bargain respectfully at tourist markets (e.g., Silk Market, Pearl Market) for souvenirs; always haggle, but know your limit and be prepared to walk away.
Indulge in an authentic Peking duck dinner at one of Beijing's renowned restaurants (e.g., Quanjude, Bianyifang) for a memorable culinary experience.
Consider a private guided tour to a less-crowded section of the Great Wall (e.g., Jinshanling or Gubeikou) for a more personalized and immersive experience away from the main tourist throngs.
Download local apps like Meituan and Dianping. Locals use these for restaurant reviews, finding discounts, and food delivery services, offering great value and insight into local preferences.
Explore Beijing's many beautiful parks (e.g., Temple of Heaven Park, Beihai Park). You can experience local life, watch tai chi, dancing, or calligraphy, often for a low entry fee or even free.
- Always have a VPN active on your devices to access many international websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.).
- WeChat Pay or Alipay are the predominant payment methods; carry very little cash as it's rarely accepted for daily transactions.
- Carry your passport or a clear photocopy for security checks at metro stations, major tourist sites, and for hotel check-ins.
- Be prepared for extensive security checks at metro stations and major tourist sites (e.g., Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square).
- Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes be seen as impolite.
- Download offline maps (Baidu Maps is ideal for local context; Google Maps with VPN can also work) to navigate without constant internet access.
- Learn some basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., 'Ni hao' - Hello, 'Xie xie' - Thank you, 'Duoshao qian?' - How much?) as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas.
- Bargain respectfully in local markets (like the Silk Market), but be aware that prices are fixed in most modern stores and supermarkets.
- 1VPN subscription (installed and tested on all devices before arrival).
- 2Portable power bank/charger for your phone, as you'll rely heavily on it for payments and navigation.
- 3Comfortable walking shoes, essential for extensive walking at sites like the Great Wall and within large complexes.
- 4Layers of clothing, especially during spring and autumn, to adapt to varying temperatures throughout the day.
- 5Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste (filtered water stations are common).
- 6High-quality air pollution mask (e.g., N95 or KN95) for potential smoggy days, particularly in colder months.
- 7Universal travel adapter (Type A/C/I) for charging electronics.
- 8Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, stomach remedies) for minor ailments.
- 9Small backpack or day bag for daily excursions to carry essentials.
- 10Hand sanitizer, especially useful when visiting public restrooms or eating street food.
China Visa
Most foreign visitors require a visa; apply at least 1-3 months in advance as the process can be lengthy and requires careful documentation.
International Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, and even earlier if traveling during peak season or major holidays.
Accommodation
Secure hotels/hostels 2-4 months out, especially if you have specific preferences or are visiting during peak travel times.
VPN Subscription
Purchase and set up a reliable VPN on all devices before departure; it's essential for accessing many international online services.
SIM Card / eSIM
Research and pre-order an international eSIM or plan for airport SIM pickup to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival.
Forbidden City Tickets
Book online in advance via the official website (or authorized agents) 7-10 days out; tickets are limited and often sell out.
Great Wall Tour / Transport
Arrange your preferred method of visiting the Great Wall (e.g., guided tour, private driver, public transport route) 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for popular sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
High-Speed Rail Tickets
If traveling to other cities in China, book high-speed rail tickets 1-2 months in advance, as popular routes can sell out quickly.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Official stores at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or authorized retailers in the city
📍 Online booking with airport pick-up or delivery to your hotel
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas like shopping malls. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Expect to register with a local phone number in some public WiFi hotspots.
Useful Apps
Download a VPN before arriving in China to access blocked websites and apps (e.g., Google, Facebook, Instagram). Register your SIM card with your passport if required. Consider using a travel router to create a secure WiFi hotspot with your SIM card. Familiarize yourself with using mobile payments (WeChat Pay or Alipay) as cash is becoming less common.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two angled flat pins + ground
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — may be refused
Not expected; round up fare if desired
Not expected in most hotels
Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
120
119
Limited English support — have your hotel address written in Chinese
Payments
China is nearly cashless — mobile payment dominates
International cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels
WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential; some now allow foreign card linking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Carry some cash for rural areas.
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How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Beijing are during Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and clear skies. Avoid major holidays like Golden Week due to overcrowding.
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