Beijing is a magical place brimming with both culture and history. I had the opportunity to explore this corner of China this June and although my visit was short (and sweet), it was packed with opportunities for learning about ancient Chinese history and immersing myself in modern Chinese culture. The city is way too massive to explore in just a week, but following this six day itinerary will allow you to experience some of Beijing’s highlights.
Day 1: Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs
Kick start your adventure with a visit to one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Wall of China. It is said that, “you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall,” so be a hero, and check this experience off of your bucket list.
We visited the Mutianyu Section, which was only just over a two hour drive from downtown Beijing and not very crowded at all. This section of the wall is almost 3.5 miles in length, 4-5 yards in width, and is interrupted by lots of watchtowers, which serve as a perfect respite from the hot summer sun. This section of the Wall is surrounded by lush greenery, so your views and photos will be amazing, no matter the season. Check out more shots of the Great Wall on my Instagram here.
We accessed the Wall via a cable car, and seeing its granite stones peak out over the mountains and trees as we gained elevation was one of the most exciting parts of the ride.
Pro Tip: Hiking this world wonder is no joke – so I recommend that you plan to arrive early (the Mutianyu Section opens at 7:30am), wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Note: I use the term “hike” intentionally when referring to the Great Wall. Full disclosure: before doing research for this trip, I thought visiting the Great Wall would entail a leisurely stroll atop a stone fort. I had no idea that my visit would actually require trekking over significant inclines and climbing steep stairs over the course of several miles. That said, I was fine in my worn-in flats and a lightweight dress.
On your way back to Beijing, make a stop at the Ming Tombs.
When you get back to the city, round out your first night in town with a taste of one of Beijing’s most well-known (and delicious) dishes – Peking Duck. I recommend the time-tested Bianyifang, one of the oldest, continuously operating Peking Duck joints in Beijing.
Day 2: Exploring Old Beijing‘s Hutongs
You haven’t experienced this city without exploring the hutongs of Old Beijing. These narrow alleyways transport you back in time and give you a glimpse into what life in China was like years ago. We took a rickshaw ride around the maze-like hutongs and siheyuans (homes surrounding a central courtyard) Old Beijing, and I found it to be the perfect way to experience this part of town.
While you’re in Old Beijing, book a cooking class. We were welcomed into the home of a local family and taught how to make dumplings. Afterwards, we headed to the closest courtyard and tried our hands at Chinese yo-yo, which I must admit is way harder than it looks! And if dumplings aren’t your thing, there are tons of other options for learning to make traditional Chinese dishes with locals in this area.
You can also add experiences like Chinese opera mask making and calligraphy classes to many of these tours. We did – and both were fun and allowed us to learn a lot.
While you’re in the area, take advantage of the peaceful serenity that can be found on Houhai Lake. Rent a paddleboat, picnic boat, or even a kayak and row around for a bit. After, grab dinner at drinks at one of the trendy bars that like the streets of the neighborhood.
Day 3: Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
Tiananmen Square is a must-see while in Beijing. Traipse around this immense public square with 100,000 of your closest friends before checking out the Forbidden City.
As are many of my recommendations, the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but unlike any of the other sites I’ve mentioned, it is the largest collection of preserved, ancient wooden structures in existence today.
Also known as the Palace Museum, this former royal dwelling covers about 180 acres, so you could spend your entire trip here without seeing all of the artifacts. That said, the Imperial Garden is not to be missed.
Day 4: Beijing’s Summer Palace
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that I am in love with visiting green spaces when I travel, and Beijing’s Summer Palace did not disappoint. This once royal “resort” is now a public park that houses a breathtaking collection of ancient structures, idyllic lakes, and sprawling gardens.
You should plan to budget an entire afternoon for this experience. The park offers a cool and shady oasis away from Beijing’s summer heat, and you’ll find yourself wanting to explore all of its character-filled paths.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and turn your visit into the perfect date! Pack some snacks and have a picnic in the park.
Day 5: Temples of Heaven & Confucius
The Temple of Heaven served as Beijing’s ancient sacrificial ritual grounds since 1420. Emperors came here each year to conduct the “Heaven Worship Ceremony” in hopes of procuring good harvests.
Plan to arrive early to the Temple of Heaven, and explore the surrounding grounds. Named Tiantan Park, this green space serves as a playground for older Beijingers each morning to mid-afternoon. If you’d like, you can schedule a Tai Chi class or even have the chance to try your hand at nunchucks (we did – check it out on my China highlight on Instagram here!!!
Afterwards, head over to the Temple of Confucius. Read all of the informational plaques as you explore the courtyards. The history that they teach of is fascinating.
Everyday Honeymoon Tip: Make your last night in Beijing count, and head to a show after dinner. I highly recommend the Red Theatre’s Kung Fu show and the acrobatic show at the Circus World of Beijing.
Day 6: Exploring Beijing’s Markets
Before heading to the airport, head to Silk Street Market, or Pearl Market, or both (like we did)! These multi-story shopping centers offer much more than just silk and pearls, and you can spend a significant amount of time in each. To have a good experience, you have to be ready to haggle – hard – and know that none of the designer items are real. I preferred Pearl Market to Silk Street, but was able to pick up some fun souvenirs and hone my haggling skills at both venues.
