🇨🇳 Your Unforgettable 3-Day China Itinerary

Your day begins at the world’s largest public square, Tiananmen Square. Here, you will see iconic landmarks including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and the Great Hall of the People. The sheer size of the square is a powerful statement in itself. From the square, you will pass under the famous portrait of Chairman Mao to enter the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will spend several hours exploring this magnificent palace complex, home to 9,999 rooms, stunning imperial gardens, and priceless cultural artifacts.

Inside the Forbidden City, you’ll walk through a succession of grand halls and intimate courtyards, learning about the Ming and Qing dynasties that ruled from this inner sanctum. After exploring the palace, you will exit from the northern gate and cross the street to Jingshan Park. A short climb to the top of the hill leads you to the Wanchun Pavilion, which offers the best possible aerial view of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops against the Beijing skyline. In the evening, consider attending a spellbinding Chinese acrobatics show or enjoying a leisurely stroll around the lively Houhai Lake area.

This iconic day can be adapted for all travelers. Young travelers might enjoy renting a smart audio guide in the Forbidden City to explore at their own pace, and later diving into the bustling nightlife and street food scene around Nanluoguxiang, near Houhai Lake. Seniors should be prepared for a significant amount of walking. It is advisable to hire a wheelchair or electric cart inside the Forbidden City (available for a fee) and take frequent breaks. A pre-booked private tour with a car can minimize walking between sites.

Families will find the history fascinating, but the scale can be tiring for young children. Making a game out of spotting the various animal statues on the rooftops can keep them engaged. The climb up Jingshan Hill is relatively short and rewarding for all ages. For travelers with disabilities, Tiananmen Square is largely accessible. The Forbidden City has designated accessible routes, though some of the smaller halls and pavilions may have steps. It is highly recommended to check the official Forbidden City website for the latest accessibility information before your visit.

Your first day in Beijing can be tailored to your preferred style. For a luxury experience, hire a private guide and chauffeur. Your guide, an expert in Chinese history, can provide deep insights and navigate the crowds seamlessly. After your tour, enjoy a sophisticated dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Forbidden City’s moat, followed by VIP seats at the Peking Opera. This provides a comfortable, educational, and exclusive experience.

Adventure travelers can embrace the local way of life by using Beijing’s efficient subway system to navigate between sites. Instead of a formal guide, they can use a detailed guidebook or app to explore the Forbidden City’s less-visited western and eastern wings, discovering hidden courtyards and temples. In the evening, a food tour through the city’s old alleyways offers an authentic taste of local life. Nature lovers, while in an urban setting, can appreciate the meticulous design of the Imperial Garden within the Forbidden City and the beautiful landscaping of Jingshan Park, which was once a private imperial garden.

Staying in a central location is key for this itinerary. For ultimate luxury, Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers exquisite elegance, impeccable service, and a prime location near Tiananmen Square. For a fantastic mid-range option, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing provides modern comfort and is within walking distance of the Forbidden City and major shopping streets.

Travelers on a budget who want an authentic experience will love the Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel. This hotel is set in a traditional courtyard house, or “siheyuan,” offering a unique glimpse into old Beijing life while still being centrally located. These hotels are recommended for their excellent locations, positive guest reviews, and their ability to cater to different travel styles and budgets, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

It is crucial to book your ticket for the Forbidden City online in advance, especially during peak season. Visitor numbers are capped daily, and tickets can sell out weeks ahead. You will need your passport information to book, and you must bring your physical passport with you on the day of your visit, as it is used as your entry ticket. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Wear extremely comfortable shoes. You will be walking for several kilometers on uneven stone courtyards. Bring water and sun protection, especially in the summer, as there is limited shade in the main squares. When visiting Tiananmen Square, you will need to go through a security check, so allow extra time for this process. It is best to carry only essential items to expedite the check.

Comfort is the most important factor for today’s attire. You will be on your feet for most of the day, so supportive walking shoes or comfortable sneakers are non-negotiable. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing, especially from spring to autumn. In the summer, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal due to the heat and humidity. Layers are a good strategy for spring and autumn, as mornings can be cool while afternoons get warm.

Sun protection is essential. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun, as large parts of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City’s courtyards are exposed. While the dress code is casual, it is always a good idea to dress respectfully. There is no specific requirement for covering shoulders or knees, but overly revealing clothing is not common. A light jacket is also recommended if you plan to stay out into the evening.

After a morning of exploring, there are many dining options near the Forbidden City. For a taste of imperial cuisine, restaurants in the vicinity of Jingshan Park offer dishes that were once favorites of the emperors. A more accessible and famous option is to head to the nearby Wangfujing area for dinner. This bustling commercial street has numerous restaurants, including some of Beijing’s most famous Peking Duck establishments, such as Quanjude or Dadong.

For a more casual and authentic experience, explore the alleys leading off Wangfujing Street, where you can find smaller local restaurants serving delicious noodles, dumplings (“jiaozi”), and various home-style dishes. The Wangfujing Snack Street (though touristy) offers a chance to try a wide variety of Chinese street foods, from savory crepes (“jianbing”) to more adventurous items like scorpions on a stick. It is an experience for all the senses.

Beijing’s subway system is modern, efficient, clean, and the best way to get around the city for this day’s itinerary. All signs and announcements are in both Mandarin and English, making it easy for international visitors to navigate. To reach Tiananmen Square, you can take Line 1 to either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West station. The Forbidden City is a short walk from the square.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like DiDi are also widely available and relatively inexpensive. However, traffic in the city center can be very heavy, especially during peak hours, so the subway is often the faster option. If taking a taxi, it is helpful to have your destination’s name written down in Chinese characters. For a hassle-free day, consider hiring a private car and driver, which allows for maximum flexibility and comfort.

The day begins with a trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located about 1.5-2 hours’ drive from Beijing. This section is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and stunning mountain vistas. It is also less crowded than the more famous Badaling section. To ascend the Wall, you can choose between a scenic cable car ride or a chairlift. You will have several hours to walk along the ramparts, explore the watchtowers, and soak in the magnificent views.

For a fun and thrilling descent, you can take a toboggan slide that winds its way down the mountainside. After lunch at a restaurant near the Wall, you will return to the city to visit the Olympic Park. You can walk around the central plaza, take photos of the iconic National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest), and the National Aquatics Center (the Water Cube). In the evening, these structures are often beautifully illuminated, making for a spectacular sight.

The Great Wall offers options for everyone. Young and active travelers can challenge themselves by hiking further along the Wall towards the unrestored sections for a more rugged experience. The toboggan ride down is a must-do for them. Seniors or those with mobility concerns will find the Mutianyu section ideal due to the cable car, which provides easy access to the top. They can enjoy the stunning views from a main watchtower without needing to walk long distances on the uneven steps.

Families will love the variety at Mutianyu. The chairlift up and the toboggan down are huge hits with children, making the experience a fun adventure rather than just a historical walk. The wide, restored sections are safer for kids to walk on. The Olympic Park is also great for families, with its wide-open plazas perfect for children to run around. For travelers with disabilities, Mutianyu is one of the most accessible sections of the Wall, with the cable car and relatively flat areas near the main watchtowers. The Olympic Park is modern and fully accessible.

Your Great Wall day can be designed to fit your style. For a luxury trip, book a private tour with a comfortable vehicle and an English-speaking guide. The tour could include a gourmet lunch at a boutique restaurant near the Wall, perhaps at a place like The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu, which offers fine dining in a beautifully restored school building. This ensures a seamless, comfortable, and insightful day.

Adventure travelers might opt to hike a “wild” or unrestored section of the Wall, such as Jiankou to Mutianyu. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek that offers solitude and a sense of discovery (this should only be done with an experienced guide). For nature lovers, the journey to Mutianyu is a treat in itself. The section is surrounded by lush forests, which are particularly stunning in the spring with blossoming trees and in the autumn with vibrant fall colors. The magnificent natural scenery is as much a part of the experience as the Wall itself.

As this day involves an early start for the Great Wall, staying in a hotel with easy access to transportation is beneficial. The hotels recommended for Day 1 remain excellent choices. For a unique experience, you could consider staying at a guesthouse near the Mutianyu Great Wall for one night. The Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the Wall, allowing you to see it at sunset and sunrise without the crowds.

This boutique hotel is a perfect example of a luxury style option, providing an exclusive and serene experience. Staying near the Wall allows you to beat the busloads of tourists arriving from Beijing in the late morning. For those returning to the city, a hotel near the Olympic Park area, such as the Pangu 7 Star Hotel Beijing, offers incredible views of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from its rooms, placing you right in the heart of modern Beijing.

The easiest and most convenient way to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall is by booking a private car or joining a small group tour. Public transportation options exist but can be complicated and time-consuming, involving multiple bus transfers. A private arrangement allows you to set your own pace and, crucially, arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat in summer.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip, as the stone steps on the Wall can be steep and uneven. Even if you take the cable car up, you will still need to walk on the ramparts. Bring layers of clothing, as the weather in the mountains can be different from that in the city. Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential. There are vendors selling drinks and snacks at the base and on the Wall, but they are more expensive.

Your clothing for the Great Wall should prioritize comfort and practicality for outdoor activity. Sturdy hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction are the most important item. The terrain is uneven and involves a lot of climbing up and down steep steps. Dress in layers. A moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof jacket is a perfect combination, allowing you to adapt to changing weather conditions in the mountains.

In summer, lightweight pants or shorts and a breathable shirt are suitable, but sun protection remains critical. A hat and sunglasses are must-haves. In winter, the Wall can be very cold and windy, so thermal underwear, a warm hat, gloves, and a heavy winter coat are necessary. For your visit to the Olympic Park in the afternoon, this comfortable attire will be perfectly appropriate.

There are several restaurants located at the base of the Mutianyu Great Wall catering to tourists. While convenient, the quality can be variable. Many pre-arranged tours will include lunch at one of these establishments. A popular and reliable option is to have a simple, home-style Chinese meal. Dishes like Kung Pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, and various vegetable stir-fries are commonly available and are usually very tasty.

Alternatively, you can pack your own lunch and have a picnic on the Great Wall itself, which can be a memorable experience. Just be sure to find a quiet spot and pack out all of your trash. For dinner, back in Beijing, you could explore the area around the Olympic Park, which has many modern restaurants in the nearby shopping malls. Or, you could take this opportunity to try another of Beijing’s famous dishes, such as hotpot, for a fun and communal dining experience.

For the trip to the Great Wall, the most recommended method is to hire a private car with a driver for the day. This provides the most comfort, convenience, and flexibility. You can book this service through your hotel or via a reputable online travel agent. Small group bus tours are a more budget-friendly alternative and are widely available. These tours often include hotel pick-up, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

Once you return to Beijing, the subway is the best way to get to the Olympic Park. Take Line 8 to the Olympic Sports Center or Olympic Green station. This line was built specifically for the Olympics and takes you directly to the heart of the park. Taxis are also an option, but again, be mindful of the city’s traffic.

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven Park. Arrive in the morning to see the park at its most active, with locals engaging in their daily exercises and social activities. Then, explore the temple complex itself, admiring the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its stunning triple-eaved blue roof. You can also visit the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar.

From there, make your way to the hutong area near Houhai Lake or the Drum and Bell Towers. Here, you can embark on a traditional rickshaw tour that will take you through the narrow alleyways. Many tours include a visit to a local family’s courtyard home, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their daily life and traditions. Afterwards, visit the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet. You will be amazed by its beautiful halls, intricate artwork, and the colossal 18-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single sandalwood tree. Following this, you can proceed to the airport for your departure.

This culturally rich day has something for everyone. Young travelers might enjoy renting a bicycle to explore the hutongs independently after the rickshaw tour, discovering trendy cafes and hidden craft breweries tucked away in the old alleys. The vibrant atmosphere of the Lama Temple is also very engaging. Seniors will appreciate the peaceful, flat grounds of the Temple of Heaven Park. The rickshaw tour is a great low-impact way to see the hutongs without extensive walking. It is a comfortable and relaxing way to experience local life.

Families can have a lot of fun in the Temple of Heaven Park, flying kites with the locals or watching the lively activities. The rickshaw ride is always a highlight for children. Visiting a local family’s home can be a wonderful cultural exchange for kids. For travelers with disabilities, the main paths in the Temple of Heaven Park are paved and accessible. The main halls of the Lama Temple are also accessible, though some smaller courtyards may have steps. Rickshaw tours can often accommodate passengers with mobility issues, but it is best to confirm with the tour operator in advance.

Your final day can be tailored to your interests. For a luxury approach, hire a cultural expert as your private guide. They can provide deep insights into the symbolism of the Temple of Heaven’s architecture and the principles of Feng Shui in courtyard homes. The experience could include a private calligraphy lesson or a traditional tea ceremony in a restored hutong courtyard house, offering a hands-on cultural immersion.

Adventure travelers can explore the hutongs on a food-focused walking tour, sampling a variety of authentic Beijing snacks and meals from hidden, family-run eateries. This is a delicious way to connect with the local culture. For nature lovers, the ancient cypress trees in the Temple of Heaven Park, some of which are over 600 years old, are a sight to behold. The park itself is a wonderful green space for bird watching and observing the local flora, providing a welcome respite from the bustling city.

For your final day, a hotel in the Dongcheng district, near the hutongs, is an excellent choice. The hotels recommended for Day 1, such as the Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel, are perfectly situated for this day’s itinerary, allowing you to step out directly into the atmosphere you’ll be exploring. For a luxury courtyard experience, the Hôtel Côté Cour Beijing offers exquisite traditional design combined with modern comforts, hidden within a quiet hutong.

A great mid-range option in this area is the Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel, which is located in a hutong but offers modern hotel rooms, giving you the best of both worlds. Staying in or near the hutongs provides a unique and authentic end to your Beijing trip. It allows for easy exploration of the alleys in the evening and morning, seeing them as the locals do, before the daytime crowds arrive.

When visiting the Temple of Heaven Park, go early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) to experience the park at its most vibrant. This is when local residents gather to practice Tai Chi, play chess, sing, dance, and socialize. It’s a fantastic cultural experience that you’ll miss if you only visit the temples in the middle of the day. Be respectful when taking photos of the locals; a friendly smile and gesture are always appreciated.

At the Lama Temple, remember that it is an active place of worship. Dress respectfully (avoid shorts and sleeveless tops) and be mindful of people who are praying. You will see many visitors burning incense as an offering. The atmosphere is filled with the scent of sandalwood and the sound of chanting, making it a very powerful spiritual experience. Follow the designated route through the temple to ensure you see all the main halls in the correct order.

Comfortable walking shoes are once again essential for today. You will be walking through the large Temple of Heaven Park and exploring the hutongs on foot after your rickshaw ride. As you will be visiting two major religious sites, the Temple of Heaven and the Lama Temple, it is recommended to dress more conservatively. While not strictly enforced for tourists, covering your shoulders and knees is a sign of respect, particularly at the Lama Temple.

A pair of comfortable trousers, a long skirt, or capris paired with a t-shirt or blouse would be appropriate. Carry a light scarf or cardigan, which is useful for covering up if needed and for the evenings, which can be cooler. As always in Beijing, layers are a good idea to adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day.

The hutongs are one of the best places in Beijing to find authentic and delicious food. For lunch, ask your rickshaw driver or guide for a recommendation of a local, family-run restaurant within the alleys. Here you can try home-style dishes in a truly authentic setting. This is a great place to try “zhajiangmian,” a classic Beijing dish of noodles with a savory fermented soybean paste.

For your farewell dinner, you could indulge in a meal of Peking Duck if you haven’t already. Alternatively, the area around the Lama Temple and nearby Wudaoying Hutong is known for its fantastic restaurant scene. Wudaoying Hutong is a trendy, restored alley filled with excellent restaurants offering everything from vegetarian Chinese cuisine to international options like Spanish tapas and Thai food, often set in beautifully designed courtyard spaces.

The subway is again the most efficient way to travel between today’s sites. To get to the Temple of Heaven, take Line 5 to Tiantandongmen station (East Gate). To reach the hutong area and the Lama Temple, you can take the subway to Shichahai station (Line 8) for the hutongs near the lake, or Yonghegong Lama Temple station (Line 2 and 5), which is located directly outside the temple entrance.

The main activity in the hutongs is the pre-booked rickshaw tour. Taxis and DiDi are also good options for getting from the Temple of Heaven to the hutong area if you prefer not to take the subway. From the Lama Temple area, it is a relatively straightforward taxi or subway ride back to your hotel to collect your luggage before heading to the airport (either Beijing Capital PEK or Daxing PKX) via the Airport Express train or a taxi.

Most foreign nationals require a tourist visa (L-visa) to enter China. You must apply for this from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country well in advance of your trip. The application typically requires your passport, completed application forms, photos, and often proof of flights and hotel bookings. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free transit policies (e.g., 72 or 144 hours) if they are transiting through major cities like Beijing, but these policies have strict rules. Always check the latest visa requirements for your specific nationality before planning your trip.

Packing for China depends on the season and region. For Beijing, summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Layers are always a good idea. Key items to pack include comfortable walking shoes, a universal power adapter, and a portable power bank. It is also highly advisable to bring any personal prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit. A reusable water bottle and a small backpack for daily excursions are very useful. Finally, consider installing a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your phone before you arrive to access blocked websites and apps like Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Beijing is a shopper’s paradise. For high-end brands, visit the malls in Wangfujing or Sanlitun. For souvenirs and traditional goods, the Panjiayuan Antique Market (on weekends) is a sprawling treasure trove of antiques, curios, and handicrafts—bargaining is expected. Other popular souvenirs include silk products, tea, calligraphy sets, and intricate paper cuttings. For a more traditional shopping experience, explore the shops in the hutong alleys or along Liulichang Culture Street. Remember to bargain politely in markets, but prices are fixed in department stores.

Yes, if you wish to access many Western websites and apps (Google services, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.), you must install a reliable VPN on your devices *before* you enter China.

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in China. Always drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Hotels will provide complimentary bottled water daily.

China has rapidly moved to a cashless society based on mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. While some larger hotels and restaurants accept foreign credit cards, cash is useful for smaller vendors. Setting up Alipay’s international version on your phone before you go is the most convenient option.

In major cities like Beijing, you will find English signs in tourist areas and on the subway. However, English is not widely spoken by the general public. It’s helpful to have a translation app and your hotel’s address written in Chinese characters.

Yes, public restrooms are common, especially at tourist sites. However, they are often squat toilets and may not have toilet paper, so it’s wise to carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer.

China is generally very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so be mindful of your belongings. Standard safety precautions are recommended.

Tipping is not a common practice in China and is generally not expected. The exception is for tour guides and drivers on organized tours, where a tip for good service is appreciated.

You can purchase a Chinese SIM card at the airport upon arrival or from official outlets of major carriers like China Unicom or China Mobile. You will need your passport to register the SIM card.

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is connected to the city by the Airport Express train, which is fast and efficient. Taxis are also readily available. Be sure to use the official taxi queue and avoid unofficial drivers.

Yes, bargaining is expected and is part of the culture in markets and with street vendors. It should be done with a friendly and respectful attitude. Prices in modern shopping malls and department stores are fixed.