## 7 Days in Beijing: The Ultimate Itinerary
Beijing is a city that blends ancient imperial grandeur with modern innovation. This 7-day itinerary covers everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, with practical tips for making the most of your visit.
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive & Settle - Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX) - Take Airport Express or taxi to hotel - Check in and rest
Evening: Wangfujing Walking Street - Stroll the famous shopping street - Try street food (scorpions, starfish optional!) - Dinner at a nearby restaurant
Tip: Get an early night - jet lag is real and you have a big week ahead!
Day 2: The Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Early Morning: Tiananmen Square - Arrive early (7-8 AM) to beat crowds - Watch the flag-raising ceremony if you wake up at dawn - Walk through the world's largest public square - Photo ops with Mao's portrait
Morning-Afternoon: The Forbidden City - Book tickets in advance online - Enter through Meridian Gate - Allow 3-4 hours to explore properly - Highlights: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Gardens - Audio guide recommended
Late Afternoon: Jingshan Park - Climb to the top for sunset views over the Forbidden City - This is the best viewpoint in Beijing!
Evening: Hutong Area - Walk through ancient alleyways - Dinner at a traditional Beijing restaurant - Try Peking Duck at Da Dong or Siji Minfu
Halal Option: Niujie area has excellent halal restaurants
Day 3: Great Wall of China
Full Day: Mutianyu Section
- Less crowded than Badaling
- Better preserved, more scenic
- Cable car and toboggan available
Schedule: - 7 AM: Depart Beijing (car or tour bus) - 9 AM: Arrive at Mutianyu - 9-1 PM: Explore the wall (hike or cable car) - 1-2 PM: Lunch at the base - 2-4 PM: More exploration or toboggan down - 4-6 PM: Return to Beijing
Tips: - Wear comfortable shoes - Bring water and snacks - Book transportation in advance - Skip weekends if possible
Evening: Rest & Recover Your legs will thank you for an early night!
Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Local Life
Morning: Temple of Heaven Park - Arrive early (7-8 AM) - Watch locals doing tai chi, dancing, playing music - Visit the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests - Explore Echo Wall and Circular Mound Altar
Midday: Panjiayuan Antique Market - Beijing's best flea market - Bargain hard (start at 30% of asking price) - Great for souvenirs and people-watching
Afternoon: Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple) - Stunning Tibetan Buddhist temple - 18m tall Buddha statue - One of Beijing's most impressive temples
Evening: Ghost Street (Guijie) - Famous food street with red lanterns - Spicy crayfish is the specialty - Vibrant nightlife atmosphere
Day 5: Summer Palace & Olympic Park
Morning-Early Afternoon: Summer Palace - Take metro Line 4 to Beigongmen station - Walk through the stunning garden complex - Highlights: Kunming Lake, Long Corridor, Marble Boat - Allow 3-4 hours
Afternoon: 798 Art District - Former factory turned art hub - Galleries, cafes, street art - Great for photography - Hipster vibes
Evening: Olympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube) - Walk around the 2008 Olympic venues - Beautiful when lit up at night - Water Cube is now a water park
Day 6: Modern Beijing & Hidden Gems
Morning: CCTV Headquarters & CBD - See the iconic "big pants" building - Modern architecture tour - Shopping at China World Mall
Midday: Drum Tower & Bell Tower - Climb for hutong views - Drum performance every 30 minutes - Explore the surrounding alleyways
Afternoon: Prince Gong's Mansion - Best-preserved prince's residence - Beautiful traditional gardens - Peaceful atmosphere
Evening: Houhai Lake Area - Walk around the scenic lakes - Bar street for nightlife - Traditional hutong atmosphere - Paddleboat optional
Day 7: Departure or Day Trip
Option A: Relaxed Departure - Sleep in - Last-minute shopping at Silk Market - Airport transfer
Option B: Day Trip Options
- Imperial tombs of 13 emperors
- Combine with Great Wall visit
- Former summer residence of emperors
- 3 hours by train
- 30 minutes by high-speed train
- European architecture, food scene
Where to Stay
Luxury: - The Opposite House - Rosewood Beijing - Park Hyatt Beijing
Mid-Range: - Hotel Kapok - The Emperor Hotel - NUO Hotel
Budget: - Leo Hostel - 161 Hotel - Beijing Downtown Backpackers
Location Tips: - Stay near subway for easy access - Dongcheng district is central - Avoid remote business districts
Halal Food Recommendations
Niujie (牛街) Area: 1. **Shaguoju** - Traditional Beijing Muslim cuisine 2. **Juyongcheng** - Famous lamb hotpot 3. **Bai Hou Beef Noodle** - Hand-pulled noodles
Elsewhere: - Da Dong halal branch - Crescent Moon Xinjiang restaurants - Search for 清真 on QilinGO app
Practical Tips
Getting Around: - Metro is best for most attractions - Didi for areas without metro - Walking between nearby sites
Tickets: - Book Forbidden City, Great Wall online in advance - Bring passport everywhere - Peak season = book earlier
Weather Considerations: - Spring/Autumn: Perfect - Summer: Hot, crowded - Winter: Cold but clear skies, fewer tourists
Budget (Per Day): - Budget: ¥300-500 - Mid-range: ¥500-1000 - Luxury: ¥1500+
What to Pack
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Layers (weather varies)
- [ ] Passport (needed everywhere)
- [ ] Power adapter
- [ ] VPN (download before arrival)
- [ ] Snacks for Great Wall
- [ ] Cash backup
- [ ] Umbrella/sunscreen
Enjoy your Beijing adventure!