Beijing 5 days

The world's largest city square, a pivotal site in Chinese history. It's surrounded by significant buildings like 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 extra time.

The former imperial palace and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its vast courtyards, intricate halls, and royal residences.

• Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
• Consider renting an audio guide to understand the historical significance of each area.

Located directly north of the Forbidden City, this imperial garden offers panoramic views of the palace complex from its central hill.

• Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for the most iconic view of the Forbidden City.
• It's a great spot for sunset if you have time to linger.

One of Beijing's oldest and most well-preserved hutongs, now a bustling commercial street filled with trendy boutiques, cafes, and snack shops.

• Explore the smaller alleys branching off Nanluoguxiang for a more authentic hutong experience.
• Try local snacks like candied hawthorn or donkey roll.

Famous for its vibrant nightlife and concentration of restaurants, particularly those serving spicy crayfish and traditional Beijing cuisine. The street is illuminated by hundreds of red lanterns.

• Many restaurants here specialize in 'Mala Xiaolongxia' (spicy crayfish).
• It gets very busy on weekends; consider making a reservation if possible.

A magnificent imperial garden and former summer resort, renowned for its beautiful landscape of hills, lakes, and palaces. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

• Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake for a different perspective of the palace.
• Allow ample time to explore the Long Corridor, one of the longest painted corridors in the world.

A local eatery specializing in traditional Beijing snacks, particularly its namesake fried cakes which are crispy on the outside and soft within, often filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.

• This is a quick and authentic lunch option near the Summer Palace.
• Try the savory versions if available.

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

• You can walk around the exteriors for free, or pay for entry into the stadium and aquatics center.
• Consider visiting in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and good lighting for photos.

Beijing's most cosmopolitan district, known for its upscale shopping, international dining, and vibrant nightlife. It's a hub for modern Beijing life.

• Explore the various courtyards and shopping malls, each with a unique atmosphere.
• Plenty of international cuisine options are available, from Italian to Thai.

A royal temple complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual rites. Its iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture.

• Visit early in the morning to see locals practicing Tai Chi and other exercises in the park.
• The Echo Wall around the Imperial Vault of Heaven is a fun feature to test.

A renowned restaurant famous for its modern take on Peking Duck, using a healthier preparation method and offering a refined dining experience. It's a must-try for food enthusiasts.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
• The duck is carved tableside; enjoy the presentation.

A sprawling complex of former military factories transformed into a vibrant hub for contemporary Chinese art. It features numerous galleries, studios, cafes, and design shops.

• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Check exhibition schedules in advance as they change frequently.

An atmospheric restaurant offering Western cuisine with stunning views of the Forbidden City from its rooftop terrace. It's a romantic spot for a special dinner.

• Book a table on the terrace for the best experience, especially around sunset.
• Known for its excellent wine list.

A beautifully restored section of the Great Wall, known for its scenic surroundings, watchtowers, and less crowded atmosphere compared to Badaling. It 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.

Enjoy a simple, hearty meal at a local eatery near the Great Wall. Options often include traditional Chinese dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings.

• Ask your driver for recommendations or look for busy local spots.
• Potatoes are a common ingredient in this region; try a potato dish.

A lively pedestrian street famous for its diverse array of street food and souvenirs. While some offerings are adventurous (like scorpions), there are plenty of familiar Chinese snacks available.

• It can be very crowded; keep your belongings secure.
• Be adventurous and try some unique local snacks, but also find familiar favorites.

One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Beijing. It's a stunning complex with intricate artwork, impressive halls, and a giant sandalwood Buddha statue.

• Be respectful of worshippers and monks.
• The architecture is a blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

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

• Haggling is expected, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
• Look for authentic handmade brushes and ink.

Explore the traditional 'hutongs' (narrow alleyways) by rickshaw or on foot, and then learn to make authentic Chinese dumplings in a local home. This offers a glimpse into local life and culinary traditions.

• Many tours start from areas like Shichahai or Houhai.
• This is a great way to interact with locals and learn about daily life.

The main international airport serving Beijing. Ensure you allow ample time for travel to the airport and for check-in and security procedures.