5-day itinerary

The Perfect 5 Days in Beijing

A balanced 5-day plan for Beijing, built around its top-rated sights so each day flows without backtracking — plus a bite to eat along the way. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.

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Day 1The Big Highlights

  1. Morning

    O 银 Anzu

    A venerable ginkgo tree steeped in religious history, its golden autumn leaves are utterly breathtaking.

  2. Afternoon

    “ Shison 长 Sha ” Koku Enju

    A 382-year-old majestic scholar tree standing proud between modern buildings on Tsinghua's campus.

  3. Evening

    Old Summer Palace Park

    Hauntingly beautiful ruins of the once-magnificent Qing Dynasty imperial gardens, frozen in time.

Where to eat: Lao She's TeahouseA well-loved local spot.

Day 2Parks & Slower Moments

  1. Morning

    Summer Palace

    Wander through China's grandest imperial garden, where palaces, pavilions, and a shimmering lake dazzle at every turn.

  2. Afternoon

    Matteo Ricci

    Visit the Beijing tomb of Matteo Ricci, the pioneering Jesuit who bridged East and West.

  3. Evening

    Ferdinand Verbiest

    An attraction in Beijing.

Where to eat: MoscowRussian — a well-loved local spot.

Day 3Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Beihai Park

    Wander ancient pavilions beside a shimmering jade lake at this stunning imperial garden near the Forbidden City.

  2. Afternoon

    Palace Museum

    Wander through China's breathtaking 600-year-old imperial palace, once home to 24 emperors.

  3. Evening

    Forbidden City

    Explore 9,000 rooms of Ming dynasty splendor at the world's largest ancient palace complex.

Where to eat: Slow Boat BreweryBurgers — a well-loved local spot.

Day 4Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Gate of Heavenly Peace

    Stand before China's most iconic gate, where history and grandeur meet at the heart of Beijing.

  2. Afternoon

    Monument to the People's Heroes

    Towering granite obelisk at Tiananmen Square honoring China's revolutionary heroes with stirring inscriptions.

  3. Evening

    Tian'anmen Square

    One of the world's largest squares, steeped in history and framed by China's most iconic landmarks.

Where to eat: 姚 记 I Kimo TenA well-loved local spot.

Day 5Culture & Icons

  1. Morning

    Temple of Heaven

    Marvel at Ming dynasty's celestial temple where emperors once prayed for heavenly blessings.

  2. Afternoon

    Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution

    China's premier military museum showcasing weapons, aircraft, and revolutionary history across dramatic exhibition halls.

  3. Evening

    National Stadium

    Marvel at the spectacular Bird's Nest stadium, symbol of Beijing's unforgettable 2008 Olympic Games.

Where to eat: Kabuto ShoA well-loved local spot.

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Built from Beijing's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.