5 day itinerary for Beijing

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Beijing:

Day 1:

• Start your day by visiting the iconic Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world.
• From there, head to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former imperial palace of China.
• After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would come to pray for good harvests.
• End your day by exploring the hutongs, the traditional alleyways of Beijing, and trying some local street food.

Day 2:

• Begin your day by visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. There are several sections of the wall to choose from, but the Mutianyu section is less crowded and offers stunning views.
• After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden and palace complex that served as a retreat for emperors during the hot summer months.
• End your day by watching a traditional Chinese acrobatics show.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the Lama Temple, a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple that is one of the most important in China.
• From there, head to the Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy, a complex of buildings dedicated to the famous philosopher and educator.
• After lunch, visit the National Museum of China, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
• End your day by exploring the 798 Art District, a trendy area filled with galleries, cafes, and shops.

Day 4:

• Begin your day by visiting the Beijing Zoo, where you can see giant pandas and other rare animals.
• From there, head to the Olympic Park, which was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and features several iconic buildings, including the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube.
• After lunch, visit the Yonghe Temple, a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple that is also known as the "Lama Temple."
• End your day by exploring the Wangfujing shopping district, where you can find everything from high-end luxury brands to local souvenirs.

Day 5:

• Start your day by visiting the Beijing Capital Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Beijing and the surrounding region.
• From there, head to the Beihai Park, a beautiful imperial garden and lake that is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• After lunch, visit the Beijing Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater that combines music, dance, and acrobatics.
• End your day by enjoying a delicious Peking duck dinner, a famous dish that originated in Beijing.