Beijing in 5 days

China's monumental capital, home to the Great Wall, imperial palaces and a 3,000-year-old culture. Best time to visit: September-October & April-May. Average daily budget: $45 to $110 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Forbidden City / Tiananmen, The monumental imperial core and the symbolic centre of the city.

Morning: Walk the Great Wall. Hike a scenic section like Mutianyu or Jinshanling.

Afternoon: Explore Forbidden City / Tiananmen, The monumental imperial core and the symbolic centre of the city.

Evening: Explore the Forbidden City. Wander the world's largest imperial palace complex.

Eat: Peking roast duck at a classic duck house

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Hutongs (Gulou / Nanluoguxiang), Maze-like old alleys of courtyard homes, cafés and bars.

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven. See the iconic circular hall and its tranquil park.

Afternoon: Explore Hutongs (Gulou / Nanluoguxiang), Maze-like old alleys of courtyard homes, cafés and bars.

Evening: Wander the hutongs. Lose yourself in the old alleys by bike or on foot.

Eat: Zhajiangmian, Beijing's signature noodles with savoury soybean sauce

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Wangfujing, The central shopping street near the main sights and food stalls.

Morning: Eat Peking duck. Try the city's signature dish at a famous roast-duck house.

Afternoon: Explore Wangfujing, The central shopping street near the main sights and food stalls.

Evening: See the Summer Palace. Stroll the lakeside imperial gardens and pavilions.

Eat: Jianbing, the savoury breakfast crepe from a street cart

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Sanlitun, The modern nightlife, dining and shopping district.

Morning: Quieter, wilder Great Wall sections like Jinshanling or Gubeikou.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Sanlitun, The modern nightlife, dining and shopping district.

Evening: Hidden courtyard cafés and bars deep in the Gulou hutongs.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Hotpot, especially in the colder months

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: 798 Art District, A converted factory complex full of galleries and creative studios.

Morning: The Lama Temple's incense-filled halls and giant Buddha.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore 798 Art District, A converted factory complex full of galleries and creative studios.

Evening: Sunset over Houhai lake from a rooftop bar.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Peking roast duck at a classic duck house

Hidden gems

Quieter, wilder Great Wall sections like Jinshanling or Gubeikou.
Hidden courtyard cafés and bars deep in the Gulou hutongs.
The Lama Temple's incense-filled halls and giant Buddha.
Sunset over Houhai lake from a rooftop bar.

Getting around

Beijing's metro is extensive, cheap and English-signed, and the best way to cover the city's long distances, though it gets very crowded at peak times. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes or a transport card to ride. Didi (ride-hailing) and taxis are affordable but need an app or some Mandarin. The Great Wall sections require a tour, chartered car or public bus, factor in 1.5 to 2 hours each way. As with the rest of China, set up mobile payments before arrival, as the city is largely cashless.

Safety

Beijing is extremely safe with very low violent crime, a heavy police presence and CCTV throughout, it's a great solo destination, including for women, at all hours. The main concerns are scams targeting tourists, especially the 'tea house' and 'art student' invitations around Tiananmen and Wangfujing, and overcharging by unlicensed rickshaws, agree prices first or use official transport. Air pollution can spike, so check the AQI and carry a mask on bad days. Bring your passport, as it's required to enter major sights and is checked frequently.

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