游小途
Day 1: Explore the Historical Sites
As the capital of China, Beijing is rich in history and culture, and the first day of your trip should be dedicated to exploring some of its most famous historical sites.
Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Here, you can see the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. From there, head to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The palace complex is huge, so be sure to set aside at least a few hours to explore it.
After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would come to pray for a good harvest. The park surrounding the temple is also a great place to relax and people-watch.
In the evening, head to the Wangfujing Night Market for some street food and souvenir shopping.
Day 2: Experience the Modern Side of Beijing
Beijing is not just a city of ancient history – it is also a modern metropolis with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Start your day at the 798 Art District, a former industrial area that has been transformed into a hub for contemporary art. Here, you can visit galleries, check out street art, and grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
After lunch, head to the Sanlitun area, where you can find high-end shopping, trendy bars and restaurants, and plenty of people-watching opportunities. If you’re interested in architecture, be sure to check out the CCTV headquarters building, which has a unique and futuristic design.
In the evening, head to the Houhai area for drinks and live music. This area is known for its bars and nightlife, and it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day.
Day 3: Get a Taste of Beijing Cuisine
No trip to Beijing is complete without trying some of its famous cuisine. On day three, focus on exploring the city’s food scene.
Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast of jianbing (a crepe-like pancake) or douzhi (a fermented bean drink). Then, head to the Donghuamen Night Market for some adventurous eating – here, you can try everything from scorpions to sea urchins.
For lunch, head to a local restaurant for some Peking duck, a famous Beijing dish that involves roasting a duck until the skin is crispy and serving it with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
In the evening, take a food tour of the city to try a variety of local specialties, such as zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and baozi (steamed buns).
Day 4: Escape the City
After three days of exploring the city, it’s time to get out of town and experience some of the natural beauty that surrounds Beijing.
Start your day with a hike on the Great Wall of China. There are several sections of the wall that are easily accessible from Beijing, such as Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
After lunch, head to the Summer Palace, a beautiful park and palace complex that was once a summer retreat for the imperial family. Take a boat ride on the lake or climb to the top of Longevity Hill for great views of the city.
In the evening, head back to the city and relax with a massage or spa treatment.
Day 5: Explore the Hutongs
On your final day in Beijing, explore the city’s hutongs – traditional alleyways that are home to local residents and small businesses.
Start your day with a bike ride through the hutongs, taking in the sights and sounds of daily life in Beijing. Stop at a local teahouse for a cup of tea and some people-watching.
After lunch, take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs to see some of the area’s historic architecture and learn about its history. You can also visit a local family’s home to see how they live and hear their stories.
In the evening, head to the Drum Tower area for some shopping and dining. This area is known for its trendy boutiques and restaurants, and it’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs before heading home.
That concludes our 5-day Beijing travel guide for a free and easy trip. We hope you have a great time exploring this fascinating city!