Beijing 10 days

The world's largest city square, a significant site for modern Chinese history and ceremonies. It's surrounded by monumental buildings, including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

• Arrive early to avoid crowds and for better photo opportunities.
• Security checks are thorough; allow ample time.

The former imperial palace and the heart of Chinese imperial power for almost 500 years. This vast complex of palaces, courtyards, and halls showcases exquisite traditional Chinese architecture and historical artifacts.

• Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider renting an audio guide for a deeper understanding of the history and symbolism.

Located directly north of the Forbidden City, this imperial garden offers a panoramic view of the palace complex and the city skyline from its summit.

• Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for the best vantage point.
• It's a great spot for sunset views if you have time.

A bustling pedestrian street famous for its vibrant atmosphere and array of street food. While some items are adventurous, it's a lively place to experience local snacks and souvenir shopping.

• Be adventurous and try some local delicacies.
• It can get very crowded, especially in the evening.

A renowned restaurant chain famous for its authentic Peking Roast Duck, prepared using traditional methods. It offers a classic Beijing dining experience in an elegant setting.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• The roast duck is the signature dish; order it in advance if possible.

A UNESCO World Heritage site where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual rites to pray for good harvests. The park is also a popular spot for locals practicing tai chi and other activities.

• Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar.
• Go early to witness local life in the park.

A traditional Beijing teahouse offering a cultural experience with performances of folk music, storytelling, and Beijing opera, alongside authentic tea and snacks.

• Book tickets for a performance in advance.
• Try the traditional snacks and various types of Chinese tea.

A former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant hub for contemporary Chinese art. It features numerous galleries, studios, cafes, and unique shops housed in converted factory buildings.

• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Explore the smaller galleries tucked away for hidden gems.

A highly-regarded fine-dining restaurant offering contemporary European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, set within a beautifully restored courtyard house in a traditional hutong.

• Reservations are essential, often weeks in advance.
• The tasting menu is a popular choice for experiencing the chef's creations.

A beautifully restored section of the Great Wall known for its scenic views, watchtowers, and lush greenery. It's less crowded than Badaling and offers cable car and toboggan options for ascent and descent.

• Take the cable car up and the toboggan down for a fun experience.
• Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as there's a lot of walking and climbing.

The site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, featuring iconic structures like the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). It's now a public park for recreation and sightseeing.

• Walk around the exteriors of the stadiums for impressive photos.
• Consider a guided tour if you want to go inside the venues.

A lively street famous for its hundreds of restaurants, particularly those specializing in spicy crayfish (mala xiaolongxia) and other Sichuan dishes. The street is illuminated by hundreds of red lanterns at night.

• Go with an appetite; the portions can be generous.
• Many restaurants here are open late into the night.

A vast imperial garden and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and numerous palaces, temples, and bridges. It served as a royal retreat for the Qing Dynasty.

• Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake for a different perspective.
• Don't miss the Long Corridor, painted with thousands of traditional Chinese scenes.

One of Beijing's oldest and most popular hutongs, now a lively pedestrian street lined with boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It offers a glimpse into traditional Beijing alleyway life with a modern twist.

• Explore the smaller side alleys for more authentic experiences.
• Great place for souvenir shopping and people-watching.

A picturesque area surrounding the Houhai Lake, known for its scenic beauty, traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan), and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular spot for leisurely strolls, boat rides, and enjoying local snacks.

• Rent a bicycle to explore the lake perimeter and surrounding hutongs.
• Enjoy a drink at one of the many lakeside bars in the evening.

A popular restaurant offering authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It's known for its spicy dishes and good value.

• Be prepared for spicy food; ask for milder options if needed.
• Try the Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken.

One of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in Beijing, featuring the iconic White Dagoba on Qionghua Island. It's a tranquil escape offering boating, walking, and cultural sites.

• Rent a paddleboat on the lake.
• Visit the Nine-Dragon Screen.

Showcasing a vast collection of modern and contemporary Chinese art, this museum features rotating exhibitions and permanent collections that highlight the evolution of Chinese art.

• Check the museum's website for current exhibitions.
• Allow ample time to appreciate the diverse artistic styles.

A sprawling market where you can find a wide array of antiques, handicrafts, jade, calligraphy, paintings, and curios. It's a treasure trove for bargain hunters and those interested in Chinese folk art.

• Bargaining is expected; start by offering about 30-40% of the asking price.
• Be discerning; not everything is a genuine antique, but it's great for souvenirs.

Another highly acclaimed restaurant for Peking Roast Duck, known for its 'superlean' duck preparation and elegant dining environment. It offers a modern take on the classic dish.

• Reservations are recommended.
• Try their crispy duck skin with sugar for a unique treat.

This hall showcases Beijing's urban development and future plans through detailed models and interactive displays, offering a unique perspective on the city's growth and heritage preservation efforts.

• Pay close attention to the large-scale model of Beijing.
• It provides context for the city's historical and modern transformation.

A modern museum dedicated to Beijing's history and culture, featuring extensive collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, as well as exhibits on folk customs.

• The section on Beijing's folk traditions is particularly insightful.
• Free admission, but booking a time slot online might be required.

The area around Houhai Lake comes alive in the afternoon and evening with numerous bars and cafes offering a relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to unwind.

• Enjoy a drink by the lake as the sun sets.
• The vibe is more laid-back than some other nightlife areas.

A well-loved restaurant specializing in a wide variety of delicious dumplings, offering both traditional and creative fillings. It's a casual and affordable place to experience a Beijing staple.

• Try a mix of different dumpling types to sample the variety.
• A great option for a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner.

Located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, this vast museum houses an impressive collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts, covering ancient to modern periods.

• Focus on specific exhibitions as the museum is enormous.
• The 'Ancient China' and 'Road to Rejuvenation' exhibits are highlights.

A historic street known for its traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including calligraphy, paintings, antiques, and ink stones. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and experience traditional Beijing commerce.

• Look for shops selling traditional paper and writing brushes.
• Bargaining is possible, especially for larger items.

Home to a diverse range of animals, including giant pandas, and the adjacent Beijing Aquarium, one of the largest in China, featuring marine life and aquatic performances.

• See the pandas in the morning for their most active period.
• The aquarium offers impressive exhibits, including a shark tunnel.

A historic restaurant famous for its traditional Beijing-style roast mutton, cooked on skewers over charcoal. It offers a rustic and authentic dining experience.

• This is a very traditional experience, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.
• The mutton is the star; order a variety of skewers.

The burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Changling Tomb is the largest and most intact of the tombs, offering a glimpse into imperial funerary architecture and rituals.

• Consider hiring a local guide at the site for historical context.
• The Sacred Way leading to the tombs is also impressive.

Located in the 798 Art District, UCCA is a leading institution for contemporary art in China, hosting major international and Chinese exhibitions, and offering a dynamic cultural space.

• Check their website for current exhibitions and events.
• The UCCA Store offers unique art-related merchandise.

One of Beijing's oldest commercial streets, recently revitalized to preserve its historic architecture while incorporating modern shops and cafes. It's a great area to explore traditional Beijing street life and architecture.

• Look for traditional shops selling tea, medicine, and crafts.
• Enjoy a traditional snack like Douzhi (fermented mung bean drink) if you're adventurous.

Experience a traditional Peking Opera performance, a classical Chinese art form combining music, vocalism, mime, dance, and acrobatics. Jingzun offers a refined setting for this cultural spectacle.

• Book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows.
• Audio guides or summaries of the plots can enhance understanding.

Located directly north of the Forbidden City, this imperial garden offers a panoramic view of the palace complex and the city skyline from its summit. It's a peaceful spot for morning strolls.

• Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for the best vantage point.
• Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and soft light.

A stunning example of a Qing Dynasty aristocratic mansion and garden, it offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the nobility. The mansion complex is beautifully preserved.

• Explore both the mansion and the adjacent garden.
• It's located near the Houhai Lake area, allowing for easy combination.

An architectural marvel known as 'The Giant Egg,' this state-of-the-art performing arts complex hosts opera, music, and theater performances. Its unique design is a landmark in itself.

• Consider attending a performance if your schedule allows.
• The exterior and surrounding artificial lake are worth seeing even without a show.

A highly acclaimed restaurant offering innovative Chinese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative presentation. It provides a refined dining experience.

• Reservations are essential.
• The tasting menu is a good way to experience their culinary philosophy.

Explore the traditional narrow alleyways (hutongs) of Beijing by rickshaw. This offers an intimate look at local life, traditional courtyard homes, and the city's historical fabric.

• Choose a tour that includes a visit to a local family's home.
• This is a great way to see a different side of Beijing away from the grand monuments.

A stylish hotel with an excellent restaurant offering contemporary cuisine in a chic setting. It's a good spot for a modern, upscale lunch before departure.

• Enjoy the modern design and ambiance.
• Perfect for a relaxed final meal.

A vibrant and trendy shopping district known for its modern architecture, high-end boutiques, international brands, and diverse dining options. It represents Beijing's contemporary lifestyle.

• Great for last-minute souvenir shopping or browsing.
• Enjoy the lively atmosphere and street art.

Beijing's primary international airport, serving as a major gateway for global travel. It offers a wide range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges.

• Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially for international flights.
• Consider using the Airport Express train for efficient transport to the city center.