Any traveller who is considering visiting China should spend some time in the capital, Beijing. The sweeping metropolis is filled with modern and historical delights that create the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
In this article, we present an itinerary that will ensure you have a spectacular 3 days in Beijing. From exploring the diverse historical buildings to visiting top landmarks and temples, this itinerary will show you the best of China’s capital city. So whether you’re interested in Beijing for a city break or want to spend a few days on a stopover, this itinerary will be your handy guide.
Contents
For your first day in Beijing, you should get acquainted with the sprawling city by visiting the most famous historical sites. This will give you a taste of the city’s complex heritage and give you a greater understanding of its history.
From the mysterious Forbidden City to the lush greenery of Jingshan Park, your first day in Beijing will be a journey of discovery.
The Forbidden City is one of the best things to do in Beijing, as it provides a unique look into China’s imperial past and is one of the most well-preserved historical sites in the city.
As one of the most important places in China, it’s no surprise that the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also called the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City served as the residence of the imperial family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its construction was completed in 1420, making it over 600 years old.
It is located just north of Tiananmen Square, so it is very easily accessible. Its name comes from the fact that the complex was very restricted and common people could only enter with special permission. These days, you only need a ticket to enter and it is advisable to purchase them in advance to avoid waiting in long queues at the entrance.
The complex is massive, taking up nearly 180 acres and housing nearly 1000 different buildings. You likely won’t have enough time to see every nook and corner of the ornate palatial complex, but make sure to visit the top attractions like the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the Imperial Garden and the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
After exploring the dazzling wonders of the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Tiananmen Square, where you can learn about Beijing’s more recent history. From the Forbidden City, you will enter the square through the Gate of Heavenly Purity which is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture.
Tiananmen Square is one of the most famous sites in Beijing. It was the setting of various political events such as rallies and protests. Most famously, it was the site of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests that resulted in a tragic police crackdown and the iconic ‘Tank Man’ photograph.
The square contains multiple monuments including the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. On the eastern side, visitors can explore the exhibits of the National Museum of China, which is one of the largest in the world. A guided tour of the museum reveals a vast collection of artefacts which shed more light on the fascinating cultural heritage of China.
It is worth mentioning that Tiananmen Square is heavily guarded. Be prepared to present identification and undergo a bag check before entering the square proper.
Our last stop of the day is the lush gardens of Jingshan Park located just above the Forbidden City. It’s one of the best places to go in Beijing for panoramic views of the city and its famous landmarks. It’s also a great place to go for an afternoon stroll in nature and provides a serene setting to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Beijing.
Jingshan Park originally served as the private imperial garden for the Forbidden City. Its name roughly translates into ‘Prospect Hill’ as it provides the best views of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It’s a great place to catch the sunset in Beijing as it drops below the distant mountains.
There is a small fee of 5 RMB to enter the park, but this gives you access to a variety of attractions. The park has several historic pavilions and gates which reflect the ancient architectural traditions of China. In spring, the peony garden erupts into colour as the stunning flowers burst into bloom and many visitors come to marvel at the natural spectacle.
After a full day of exploring the top historical attractions in Beijing, it’s time to visit some of the other iconic landmarks that are an absolute must-do when visiting Beijing. We start the day with a trip to the magnificent Great Wall of China, then move on to explore the gilded halls of the summer palace and settle into the evening with a trip to the night markets.
If you’re going to Beijing, then you have to visit the Great Wall of China. This impressive ancient wonder draws in countless tourists and is one of the best things to do in Beijing. The Great Wall is easily reachable and there are a variety of sections you can visit, either by yourself or on a guided visit.
The best places to visit on the Great Wall are Mutianyu and Badaling. These sections feature restored sections of the wall, giving an indication of what it may have looked like in the ancient past. They can get quite crowded though, which is why we suggest visiting in the morning to avoid the rush of tourists.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Beijing, be sure to try the cable car and toboggan ride at the Great Wall. As you ascend to the top of the wall in the cable car you will be treated to stunning vistas of the green mountains. When you’re ready to return home, you can take a ride on the toboggan which offers a unique experience as you zip down the verdant hills in a thrilling descent.
The Great Wall of China is one of the best things to do in Beijing simply because of its grandeur. As you stand on the historic watchtowers and look out at the rolling hills, you will feel utterly transported and immersed in the rich history of China.
After a morning walk along the Great Wall, take a trip to the Haidian district in Beijing where you will find the stunning Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most brilliant imperial gardens in the world and a top tourist attraction in Beijing due to its meticulous design.
The Summer Palace functioned as the royal residence for the imperial family as the scorching heat made it nearly impossible to stay in the Forbidden City. It is one of the oldest buildings in Beijing, having been constructed in 1153 and then expanded during the Qing Dynasty, from 1644-1912.
There are several notable features of the summer palace which make it perfect for any Beijing itinerary. At the very heart of the complex, you will find Kunming Lake, an artificial water source surrounded by hills, temples and pavilions. On the northern shore of the lake, Longevity Hill rises before you, dotted with palace buildings and halls, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense which offers spectacular views of the whole palace.
You will require a ticket to enter the palace and this is typically included in guided tours. Some halls on the grounds require an additional fee as well so be sure to have cash when you arrive. The Palace is usually open to visitors every day but the seasons can sometimes impact opening times, so for best results visit in spring when the gardens are delightfully in bloom.
For the evening, head to the bustling Wangfujing Night Market which is one of the best places to visit in Beijing at night. It is one of the most popular night markets in Beijing and offers visitors a varied experience, with stalls selling street food, snacks, souvenirs and unique culinary offerings. Try to bring cash with you though, as not many vendors accept cards.
The market is located on Wangfujing Business Street, right in the centre of Beijing. It is easily accessible via the metro or buses and is a popular evening haunt for locals. It is one of the best things to do in Beijing for travellers who enjoy interacting with locals and experiencing day-to-day life in other countries.
You will find a variety of exotic foods at the market and we highly recommend putting aside your preferences and diving right into the unique delicacies. Many stalls offer skewered and fried snacks and adventurous eaters will find the crispy fried scorpion to be unexpectedly delicious.
Aside from the exotic offerings, be sure to try Beijing staples like Peking duck, dumplings and steamed buns. You can also shop for a range of goods at Wangfujing, like traditional Chinese crafts, art and trinkets. It’s the best place to go to soak up the local atmosphere and get an authentic experience of Beijing.
For your final day in Beijing, we suggest having a slower-paced day. The first part of this itinerary has shown you all the major attractions of Beijing and you’ll likely be feeling a little worn out. To remedy this, we’ve designated the last leg of this Beijing itinerary to explore the serene temples where you can relax in the tranquil ambience and learn more about local religious practices.
Starting off with one of the most beautiful buildings in Beijing, we kick off your final day in Beijing with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. This large complex of religious buildings holds immense spiritual and cultural significance which makes it a great place to visit on a Beijing trip. You can purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in queues at the entrance.
One of the main attractions of the temple is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. This triple-gabled circular building is a wonder of Chinese architecture. It is made entirely of wood, without a single nail, and topped with a distinctive blue roof which immediately draws the eye.
Other points of interest at the temple include the Circular Mound Altar and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. You can also wander through expertly manicured gardens filled with ancient cypress trees which offer a serene setting for relaxation.
Before you leave, make sure to visit the Echo Wall, a circular wall within the Imperial Vault of Heaven. It is designed in such a way that if you whisper at one end your voice will be perfectly carried to the other. This unique feature of the Temple of Heaven is a really fun thing to do in Beijing and makes visiting the temple all the more special.
We finish our Beijing itinerary with a trip to Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in China. You can find it in the northeast of the city and it’s a great place to visit in Beijing if you want to experience the mystical religious practices.
The Lama Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing and was originally constructed as a palace for Prince Yong of the Qing Dynasty. When you arrive, you’ll pass through the Gate of Harmony and continue along various halls before reaching the Hall of Eternal Blessings. In the hall, you can bear witness to the impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha, which stands at 26 metres and was carved from a single piece of sandalwood.
What is notable about the Lama Temple is that it is still an active place of worship where visitors can observe religious ceremonies and experience an authentic glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices. On your visit, you can purchase incense offerings and taking part in this ritual is considered to be a sign of respect.
While on the topic of respect, it’s customary to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour, especially in areas where religious ceremonies might be taking place. Likewise, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a very spiritual setting.
In addition to our packed Beijing itinerary, we’ve also included some top tips that will make your 3 days in Beijing go smoothly. From the best times to visit Beijing to using public transport, we cover all the questions you’ll likely have when planning a trip to China’s capital city.
The best time to visit Beijing is between March and May and between September and October. In spring, the weather in Beijing is much more pleasant with blossoming flowers and clear skies. In March, the average temperature in Beijing hovers around 12°C, but this shoots up to an inviting 27°C come May.
The climate in Beijing in autumn is very similar to spring. The air is cool and crisp which is perfect for sightseeing and day trips to the Great Wall of China. Temperatures in Beijing in September reach highs of 27°C and cool down to 19°C by October.
What you pack for your Beijing trip will largely depend on what time of year you visit. For winter, you will want lots of layers and warm clothes. Whereas in summer, you will want plenty of shorts and light T-shirts as it can get very humid.
We suggest you bring your phone as you will want to take lots of pictures of this gorgeous city. However, you can also use it for its translation features, which will be a lifeline as English is not widely spoken in Beijing.
You may also want to pack a face mask, as the air quality in Beijing can be quite poor. This is more of an issue during the winter months, but it is advisable to check the air quality index for the days you will be staying.
There are 2 international airports serving Beijing, Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. These airports are well connected to the city and you can easily jump on a shuttle into the centre or get a taxi to your hotel.
Be mindful that there can be fake taxis in Beijing. These are essentially scams where someone will claim to be a taxi driver and overcharge you for your trip. Be sure to always use licensed taxis and having your destination written in Chinese characters will be very helpful for your driver.
Public transport in Beijing is cheap and very efficient. There is a vast bus network that can easily get you around the city but it can be very confusing. Likewise, the subway system is a great way to get around and is very affordable.
If you will be using a lot of public transport on your Beijing visit, consider purchasing a Yikatong Card. This handy card can be topped up whenever you want and will cover your fares for buses and the metro line, so you won’t have the hassle of managing multiple tickets.
Overall, you can see all the top attractions in Beijing in just 3 days. This is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the ancient city and immerse yourself in a different way of life. Whether you’re visiting the Great Wall or want to explore the raucous street markets, there is something for everyone in Beijing.
Whether you’re only staying for a city break or have plans to jet off on another Asian adventure, Beijing is a city that everyone should see. It has burst into life in recent history after years of being closed off to the world, making it a top destination for anyone curious about Chinese culture and history.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other China posts like The Top 10 Attractions in Xian and Beijing or Shanghai – Which is right for you?
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
© 2009-2024 – BACKPACKERBOY
WEBSITE DESIGN BY SEO TRAVEL
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
What to Do in Shanghai, China for 3 Days 