China Tripos
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5 Day Itinerary$$$ - About 2,500–4,000 yuan per person (excluding hotels)

5-Day In-Depth Tour of Beijing

A comprehensive Beijing experience covering all major attractions and hidden gems.

Suitable for: Travelers who want to truly understand Beijing, not just check off tourist attractions.

1

Day 1: The Heart of the Empire

Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Beihai Park.

7:30-8:00

Tiananmen Square

Sunrise flag-raising ceremony. Bring your passport.

8:30-13:00

The Forbidden City

Spend the entire morning exploring. This includes the Treasure Hall and the Clock and Watch Hall.

Book tickets online 7 days in advance. 60 yuan + 10 yuan per special exhibition hall.
18:30-20:30

Welcome Dinner · Peking Duck

Da Dong or Siji Minfu.

2

Day 2: The Great Wall and the Countryside

Full-day tour of Mutianyu.

7:00-9:00

Drive to Mutianyu

Take a private car to the best section of the Great Wall.

9:00-13:00

Hiking the Great Wall

Take the cable car up, hike the eastern section, and slide down the toboggan run.

13:00-15:00

Return to Downtown

Return to downtown after hiking — the drive from Mutianyu takes about 1.5–2 hours.

Private car or pre-booked transport from Mutianyu, about 1.5–2 hours
3

Day 3: Temples and Religious Culture

Temple of Heaven, Yonghe Temple, Drum Tower.

7:00-9:30

Tiantan

Morning Tai Chi and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

10:30-12:00

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) — a living Tibetan Buddhist temple. Take Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong station.

Metro Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong station
14:00-16:00

Drum & Bell Towers

Drum & Bell Towers — climb for views over the hutongs. Take Line 8 to Shichahai station.

Metro Line 8 to Shichahai station
4

Day 4: Gardens and Art

The Summer Palace, 798 Art District.

8:00-12:00

Summer Palace

Imperial Gardens, Kunming Lake.

14:00-17:00

798 Art District

798 Art District — contemporary galleries in repurposed factories. Take Line 14 to Jiangtai station, then a short taxi.

Metro Line 14 to Jiangtai station, then a short taxi
5

Day 5: Leisure and Return Trip

Panjiayuan Market, tea tasting, and the airport.

8:00-11:00

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Beijing’s largest flea market.

After lunch

Head to the Airport

Allow about 1.5–2 hours to reach the airport from downtown. Head there 3 hours before an international flight.