Beijing Itinerary: 1–5 Days in China’s Capital

Make the Most of Your Time in Beijing

Planning a trip to Beijing? Whether you have 2, 3 or 4 days, this itinerary helps you cover the city’s must-sees — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs — at a comfortable pace.

Before you go, check my Beijing Travel Guide for visas, transport, and practical info.

My take on planning a memorable itinerary

In the past I always fell into a trap of trying to cram as many „must-sees“ in my itinerary as humanly possible — not any more. After many bigger and smaller trips full of hectic checklists, we have discovered that no matter how amazing, it is not the tourist attractions that you remember.

You don‘t discover a city by running around but by hanging out where locals go and taking in what you see.

This itinerary is a reflection of it — while I include the prime attractions, I encourage you to go slow and skip whatever doesn‘t fit your mood and energy level — there can always be another time!

How Many Days Do You Need in Beijing?

Beijing is the capital of China with long history as well as a quickly developing metropolis. There is plenty to see and do, so no matter how many days you spend there, you will not run out of things to do.

I recommend staying minimum 3 days. If you have less than that, keep it flexible and don‘t include more than one big tourist attraction. If you have more than that, you can explore the city at a more leisury pace or add some day trips.

Since many people fly in and out of Beijing, you can “split“ your visit between the beginning and end of the trip — if so, allow for adapting to the timezone and plan more intense sightseeing at the end of your trip.

Passing through Beijing — how to spend 1 day in China‘s capital

Maybe you’re on a long layover, or just passing through Beijing between flights — one day isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s perfect to feel the city.

Instead of rushing between landmarks, slow down and take a walk that captures Beijing’s atmosphere.

Morning to afternoon: Start at Houhai Lake — rent a bike or stroll along the water, watch locals playing music or cards under willow trees. From there, follow the hutong alleys toward Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), stopping at small cafés and boutique shops along the way.
Evening: Head south to Qianmen Pedestrian Street, a beautifully restored historic shopping street near Tian’anmen Square. Try local snacks like jianbing (savory crepe) or candied hawthorn skewers.

🌟 Tip: Skip the big-ticket sights like the Forbidden City. You’ll see more of real Beijing this way, and you won’t spend half your day in queues.

👉 Check out Things to Do in Beijing for more walking route ideas.

2-Day Beijing Itinerary

If you have two days in Beijing, focus on the city itself. This gives you enough time to see the highlights without rushing — and if you’ve just landed in China, it’s a good way to adjust before venturing to the Great Wall.

Day 1 — Temples & Hutongs

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most peaceful spots. Locals gather here to dance, practice tai chi, and play traditional instruments.
Afternoon: Explore the Houhai–Lama Temple area. Walk through narrow hutong alleys lined with grey-brick courtyards, small eateries, and local shops.
Evening: Return to Qianmen Pedestrian Street for a relaxed dinner — it’s especially beautiful after dark when the lights come on.

Day 2 — Palaces & Art Scene

Morning: Tour the Forbidden City (book tickets online in advance). Exit through the north gate and climb Jingshan Park for a panoramic city view.
Afternoon: Explore the 798 Art District, Beijing’s creative hub filled with galleries and cafés. Visit Ritan Park, a quiet park where locals exercise, dance and socialise.
Evening: Have dinner at Peiping Machine, a brewery-meets-restaurant near Ritan Park.

💡 Alternative: If you prefer more nature, replace 798 with the Summer Palace (you can reach it by metro).

3-Day Beijing Itinerary

With three days, you can finally add one of China’s most iconic experiences — the Great Wall.

Days 1–2: Follow the two-day itinerary above.

Day 3 (choose one):

Great Wall Day Trip: The Mutianyu section is the most convenient — it’s scenic, well-restored, and family-friendly. Go early (leave around 7 a.m.) and return by evening.
Alternative: If you prefer to stay in the city, spend the day at the Summer Palace, take a boat across Kunming Lake, and have lunch in the surrounding old-town area.

🌟 Tip: If you visit the Great Wall, skip the evening activity — it’s a full day trip. Book your transfer or tour ahead of time

4-Day Beijing Itinerary

With four days, you can balance famous sights with local life — and see how traditional Beijing blends into the ultra-modern city.

Days 1–3: Follow the three-day plan.

Day 4:

Spend your afternoon relaxing in Chaoyang Park — both are popular with families.
In the evening, explore the Financial District (Guomao area) to see Beijing’s skyline at night. Have dinner or a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the China Zun Tower, the tallest building in the city.

💡 Local tip: The CBD at sunset gives you some of the best cityscape views in Beijing, and it’s much less crowded than tourist spots.

Check out my article about things to do for more inspiration:

Spending 5+ Days in Beijing

If you have five or more days, you can truly experience the rhythm of the city — and venture beyond it.

Great Wall overnight: Stay at a boutique hotel near the Gubeikou or Jinshanling section for sunrise views over the wall.

Day trips:

Tianjin: 30 minutes by high-speed train, known for European architecture and river walks.
Qingdao: For beaches, seafood, and colonial charm — great weekend escape.

Slow travel idea: Dedicate a day to each district — Dongcheng (historic core), Chaoyang (modern art and business), Xicheng (temples and parks).

🌟 Pro tip: After the first few busy days, spend mornings in local parks or tea houses. Beijing rewards slow exploration.

Map of attractions

Practical Travel Tips

Best time to visit: Spring or autumn for pleasant weather.
Getting around: Metro (use AliPay) & DiDi (accessible from withing WeChat as mini program)
Tickets: Book Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in WeChat in advance.
Where to stay: See Where to Stay in Beijing to understand best areas and hotel recommendations
Useful apps: WeChat Pay, AliPay, Amap, XiaoHongShu (RedNote)

FAQ

Is 2 days enough for Beijing?

Two days cover the essentials — Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven — but expect busy days.

How many days do you need in Beijing?

Three days offer the perfect balance between landmarks and local life, for your first visit consider staying four days if it fits your itinerary to explore the city with more detail and at a more leisury pace.

Can you visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City in one day?

Only with a private driver and with a very early start, and even that would be very rushed. Great Wall is doable on a day trip but do not plan additional sightseeing on that day.

If you have only one day for sightseeing, consider combining Forbidden City with a hutong walk and leave Great Wall for another trip.

Is Beijing good for families?

Absolutely — safe, clean, interesting, with many parks and playgrounds. Check out my Beijing with Kids guide.

Beijing Itinerary: 1–5 Days in China’s Capital

Make the Most of Your Time in Beijing