Ultimate Beijing 2025 Guide: 1, 3, 7-Day Itineraries
planning a trip to Beijing? you think you’ve known Beijing very well this is not an average travel guide showing you results from ChatGPT or Google search. I lived in Beijing for a full year exploring every corner of the city I’m going to give you the know how to experience the city like a local not just a tourist I’m introducing my brand new rating system the Panda Compass to give you a systematic review of what’s actually worth your time we will cover scenery, culture, history, food, modern attractions and convenience in this review make sure you stick around to the end I’m giving away my personal itineraries for 1 day 3 day and 7 day trip ready to unlock the real Beijing let’s go alright let’s start with the Panda Compass rating for Beijing since established as a capital during the Jin Dynasty in 12th century that’s around the Second Crusade Beijing has been the political and cultural heart of China for over 800 years it’s not just one of the most important cities for centuries it has been the most important city for its overall score I’m giving Beijing an S rating that means without hesitation the No. 1 city for the first time visitor to China now let’s break down why first up scenic beauty and landscapes Beijing is not a city famous for pure untouched nature like Guilin or Zhangjiajie the beauty of Beijing is man made born from the immense human effort spent by emperors in the Ming and Qing Dynasty its beauty on the scale that is hard to achieve by any other city in the world I’m giving it a very strict A+ instead of an S- the S rating is reserved for pure nature but Beijing’s combination of landscape and architecture is truly unique in the world you can see the best scenery at the Summer Palace Yiheyuan, this imperial garden with its vast lake and hill is a stunning year round in winter, you can even go ice skating on the lake the palace was designed to mimic the delicate scenery of southern China but built with the limitless resource of an emperor it deserves to be one of the four greatest classical gardens of China the Great Wall might be the most iconic symbol of China as the famous saying goes you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall and when you see this incredible structure snaking over endless Rolling Hills you’ll understand why. for some of years for thousands of years, different dynasties built upon previous foundations you have several options Badaling is the most restored but the most crowded Mutianyu is a bit further but often provides a better experience with equally stunning views Juyongguan is a fortress pass not a typical wall section Simatai is the wildest and the least restored section the Great Wall has recently offered night tours allowing you to see the wall light up against stars a completely different and magic experience always check the latest official information to see if it’s still available and don’t forget Fragrant Hills Park Shangshan which is famous for its red maple leaves in autumn for culture and history Beijing is an undeniable absolute S rating it has dominated China’s political and cultural landscape for the last 700 years and because that history is so recent unlike many other ancient capitals that were lost to time and war architecture in Beijing is preserved incredibly well beyond that Beijing developed its own civilian culture the heart of the city is Tiananmen the political centre of both ancient and modern China a warning: access to this area and all the surrounding sites requires reservations involves very strict security checks tickets are super competitive so book as early as possible from there you can visit the Forbidden City Gugong where 24 emperors lived it’s a place you must visit but getting a ticket is like a winning a war a pro tip: if you fail to get a ticket go to Jingshan Park right behind it from the top of hill you get a single best overview of the entire palace complex if you’re timing it for sunset you can see the golden roofs shining a truly beautiful sight another alternative is the Imperial Ancestral Temple Taimiao right next to the Forbidden City this is where the emperors worshipped their ancestors the architecture is identical to the Forbidden City you can enter the building and it’s far less crowded Yuanmingyuan the old Summer Palace do not confuse with Yiheyuan the Summer Palace while they have very similar names and are located near each other Yuanmingyuan is not a pristine garden it is historical relic it could have been even more beautiful than the summer palaces it was tragically looted and burned in 1860 during the Second Opium War the story is complex but what’s left here are the scars of history a memorial that’s essential to understanding China next a place you cannot miss if you can only visit one museum in your entire life in China it has to be the National Museum of China this is where you can read the entire 5,000 year history of Chinese civilization under one roof the best part is free the worst part is free which means making a reservation is incredibly difficult but here is game changing hack and I think everyone should take this option book a reservation for an explanation this guarantees your entry ticket the service costs around 100 yuan per person per hour or 1,000 yuan per group yes, it’s an extra cost but it’s absolutely worth it get an immersive history class from an expert and ensure you don’t miss out disclaimer I received no money from the National Museum for saying this although I wish I did and one crucial tip: like most museums in China it’s closed on Mondays. keep that in mind GongWangFu Prince Gong’s mansion this was originally the home of HeShen one of the most corrupt officials in Chinese history his personal wealth was said to equal 15 years of the entire emperor’s revenue that’s over $20 billion today you can imagine how fancy the place is there are fun stories about how he hid his treasures all over the mansion and one was just discovered in 2008 during a renovation so as you walk through, keep your eyes open maybe you will be the golden digger who find the next one The Temple of heaven and temple of earth are the temples where the Emperor performed the rituals for the entire nation The Confucius Temple and Imperial College are the second largest Confucius Temple complex in China the philosophy of Confucius and the importance of education are so central to East Asian culture that this place feels as sacred as any religious site by the way can you guess where is the largest Confucius Temple Lama Temple Yonghegong this was once a home of a prince after he became the emperor this place was transformed into the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing there is a fun local legend here making a wish at this temple is said to be super effective but often in an unexpected way for example if you wish for a lot of money next month you might just get a generous layoff package so be careful what you wish for the Ming Tombs there are 13 imperial tombs but only one is excavated and open to the public this is actually because of a mistake when tomb was first opened the technology wasn’t ready to preserve the delicate silk and other relics and many were damaged by exposure to the air a valuable lesson was Learned not to proactively open anymore You might think modern city like Beijing has daily life that is no different from Shanghai or Tokyo and in many ways you’re right but if you know where to look you can peel back the layers of modernity and find the soul of old Beijing that soul lives in the hutong this is how local civilians lived for centuries walking through them is like stepping back in time you will find this surprising mix of old and new a hidden stylish coffee shop next to a home where a family has lived for generations a trendy art boutique next to a corner store selling yogurt in old fashioned ceramic jars you will see lifelong residents sitting there and chatting with their neighbors and don’t be surprised if they strike up a conversation with you even without share language this is my stereotype of Beijing so where should you go for the best Hutong experience there are many Hutong areas but they offer very different experience let me break down the top three ones if you only have time for one my favourite area is Shi Cha Hai you get a beautiful lake the historic drum and bell towers and one of the oldest hutongs Yan Dai Xie Jie in one place it feels like a real neighbourhood and the nightlife is fantastic you can just grab a drink at the bar by the water and enjoy the view next the one you will definitely hear about Nan Luo Gu Xiang should you go? here’s my honest take think of Nan Luo Gu Xiang less as an authentic neighbourhood and more as a bustling pedestrian street it has become extremely commercialised and is packed with snack stores souvenir shops and a huge crowds it’s fun for an hour if you want to try a bunch of different street food and enjoy a very lively tourist atmosphere but it is not a peaceful or local experience a great alternative is the QIan Men area in my experience it’s much less crowded it has some good restaurants nearby and is surrounded by many less famous but equally charming Hutong ultimately my best advice is while these areas are a great starting point the real magic is in self discovery rent a bike explore the hutongs near the Confucius Temple or Beihai Park and just get lost that’s a part of the fun of the trip and it’s how you will find your own unforgettable Beijing story beyond just walking what else can you do you can rent a traditional rickshaw for a guided tour which is a classic experience especially around the Shi Cha Hai area for a truly memorable experience you can rent Hanfu China’s beautiful traditional clothing to take some great photos you will find rental shops clustered around the major historical sites ready to dress you for the perfect picture for more immersive experience look for restaurants that offer a complete package you can dress in elaborate hanfu and enjoy a dinner accompanied by traditional music and dance recreating the experience of an ancient imperial banquet but here is a crucial tip from China Travel Master I categorize this as a cultural experience instead of culinary one don’t have high expectations for the food itself and for a unique cultural night out you can visit a place like the De Yun She it is a tea house for Xiang Sheng this is a traditional form of comedic dialogue like Chinese talk show honestly, I’m not sure if you will get all of jokes even with a translator but it is an authentic local experience if you travel at the right time you might catch the temple fair Miao Hui this is where communities gather to enjoy traditional shows like dragon and lion dances eat all kinds of street food and buy crafts from local artisans for food I’m giving Beijing another S rating you might hear young people in China joke that Beijing is a food desert but they are completely wrong Beijing has a unique fusion that is a combination of imperial court cuisine and the local civilian food first the icons Peking duck it’s more than a duck you take a soft paper thin pancake and wraps a perfect bite a piece of crispy skin, some tender meat, scallions cucumber and a touch of sweet bean sauce combination of textures and flavors is unforgettable then you have mutton hot pot Shuan Yang Rou where you gather around a simmering copper pot and swish paper thin slices of fresh lamb from Inner Mongolia and then dip them in a rich sesame sauce barbecue on plate, Zhi Zi Kao Rou this is a Beijing-Mongolian style feast where you grill mutton and beef on a large sizzling iron plate with a mix of aromatic spices and you can’t live without trying Bing Tang Hulu this is a skew of frozen fruits coated in crackling hard candy shell modern versions now use everything from strawberries to kiwis Imperial desserts have become street food such as Rolling Donkey Lu Da Gun don’t worry there is no donkey involved the soft sticky rice cake rolled with sweet red bean and coated in soy bean flour giving it a dusty look hence the funny name but to truly understand Beijing’s soul you have to eat the local civilian cuisine Zha Jiang Mian noodle topped with fried bean sauce Chao Gan a thick stew of pork liver Lu Zhu Huo Shao a pork intestine stew with flatbread Bao Du quick boiled beef or lamb tripe where different parts are served separately offering an incredible journey of textures from tender to crisp just thinking about it makes me mouth water I know offal isn’t for everyone but these dishes tell a story this is the food that Beijing civilians could afford hundreds of years ago unfortunately, because they are so beloved today they are getting more and more expensive and finally for the true food explorer there is a final boss of Beijing snacks Dou Zhi it’s a fermented stinky sour mung bean milk this is Beijing’s most divisive flavor I haven’t even been brave enough to try it yet if you have please comment below and tell me what it was like I will respect you as a true master and here is a crucial tip for my Muslim viewers unlike southern China where pork and lard are used heavily in many dishes Beijing has a large number of excellent halal restaurants you will find far more choices and a variety here than in most other major Chinese cities but even with its iconic dishes and diverse options that’s not the full reason I give Beijing an S rating for food here is the real secret that make Beijing to a world class culinary capital almost every province in China maintains a representative office in Beijing and most of them run their own restaurants guess what they have? they bring their own local chefs and source their own local ingredients to serve the most authentic high quality food from their home region that means you can literally take a culinary tour of the whole China from fiery Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese seafood without ever leaving Beijing and what if you don’t like Chinese food are you tired of KFC and McDonald’s you can bet that if a country has an embassy in Beijing you can almost certainly find an authentic restaurant serving its cuisine so let’s summarize why Beijing gets a S rating for food it has its own iconic and historic cuisine it acts as a culinary embassy for every region in China it offers a world of international options and it caters wonderfully to travelers with different dietary and religious needs for infrastructure and convenience Beijing has two massive international airports and 29 metro lines that covers almost every corner of the city you can easily find well educated people speaking English thanks to the 2008 Olympics many taxi drivers can speak simple English it’s a railway and airline hub of the entire country so you think it’s an S rating right no I’m giving Beijing an S- why? two reasons first Beijing is famous for its massive traffic jams always check your map app before deciding how to travel during rush hour and the second as I mentioned the intense reservation systems and the security checks add a layer of inconvenience finally modern attractions Beijing has beautiful Olympic venues like the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube Universal Studios also recently opened here one of the only three outside the United States the city has great shows bars and art districts however it’s not famous for futuristic Blade Runner style skyline like Shanghai for that reason I’m giving it a solid S- okay so how do you fit all of this into a trip I’ve got some sample itineraries for you a word of warning: Beijing’s attractions are huge and they require a lot of walking plan according to your physical ability for your base of operations I recommend a hotel anywhere along Metro Line 2 it’s a central loop line that connects to everything the most requested is a one day itinerary many friends came to Beijing for conferences with only one day vacation before the flight back home for this I have two versions Commando and leisure one day Commando before you go charter a car to save your time and energy 5:30am drive to Mutianyu Great Wall 6:30am buy some breakfast grab two Baozi to your car 7:30am arrive at Mutianyu this is early hopefully beating the tour buses in the summer, this early start also helps you to avoid the worst of the heat as you can imagine there is no air conditioning on the Great Wall your tactical approach is take a cable car up walk from Watch Tower 14 down to 6 then take the fun slide way back down 9:30am drive back to the city and finger crossed for no traffic jam 11:00am arrive The Summer Palace here is a pro move you’re arriving just as the morning tour groups are leaving for lunch it’s a hotter time of day but the garden’s trees offer more shade than the Forbidden City I recommend hiking through the hill path first then take the relaxing boat ride to rest your feet before the next challenge this will take 3 to 4 hours 1:30 PM now we move to Shi Cha Hai area you can take a quick rickshaw ride or a fast walk through Yandai Xiejie if you are hungry let’s grab some snacks here Nan Luo Gu Xiang may have some options for food 2:30 PM Arrive Donghuamen Gate for the Forbidden City entering from the gate can help you avoid the massive queues at the main southern entrance near Tiananmen please note last entry for the Imperial Treasure exhibition is typically at 4 PM now you can slow down and enjoy the Forbidden City a quick walk through takes two to three hours you are exit from North Gate and head directly across the street to Jing Shan Park check the sunset time in advance and make sure you are at the top of the hill you can capture that iconic photo of the Forbidden city’s golden rules glowing in the sunset 7 PM mission complete after epic journey drive to the Qian Men area for a well deserved dinner there are some restaurants where you can try Peking duck and other classic Beijing dishes all in one place if you somehow still have energy the Qian Men and Shi Cha Hai areas are beautiful for the evening walk now I have to be honest this itinerary is insane it’s very packed just theoretically possible and it covers all the major must do’s of Beijing in a single day I haven’t even tried this myself this is a true test of endurance you could easily burn over 1,000 calories if you manage to follow this plan please shoot a vlog and tell me how it feels you will have earned the title of Travel Commando the itinerary is more manageable if you remove one major tourist spot one day leisure okay my friend maybe you are tired of long business trip maybe you failed to get any reservations maybe this is one day transit trip but you still want to experience essence of Beijing on your last day, don’t worry I’ve got a perfect stress free plan for you here it is in the morning take a taxi or the metro to the Imperial Ancestral Temple Tai Miao it’s right next to the Forbidden City and share its magnificent architecture but it’s far more peaceful and you can walk inside the building you can spend one to two hours here lunchtime head towards the famous Wang Fu Jing shopping street Underground level of the Beijing Department Store has a place called He Ping Guo Ju they recreate an entire old Beijing street from the last century with fantastic photo opportunities and all kinds of traditional snacks and everything is under air conditioning afternoon let’s escape the hustle and go to Beihai Park in my opinion it’s just as beautiful as Summer Palace but much more manageable you can rent a paddle boat on the lake or simply enjoy a peaceful walk around its historic temples and the White Pagoda Golden Hour now for the iconic view we will head up the hills in Jingshan Park for that perfect postcard worthy overview of the Forbidden City as the sun begins to set. evening after Jingshan grab a shared bike for a short scenic ride to Yan Dai Xie Jie one of Beijing’s oldest hutong find a bar with a view of Shi Cha Hai lakes and watch the lights come on for dinner you can explore your favourite restaurant the night is yours and that’s it the best part of this itinerary it requires a minimal walking compared to a typical tourist day you don’t need to book a single thing in advance and you can change your mind at any point it’s all about enjoying the beautiful relaxed vibe of the city 3 day Imperial Immersion this is a perfect plan if you are on a business trip and can take an extra day vacation to truly explore this capital Day 1: foundations of the Empire this is where we understand China’s grand story we will start at temple of heaven where emperors prayed for a good harvest afternoon immerse yourself in 5,000 years of history at the National Museum of China night: finish with a lively evening walk through the historic Qian Men Street seeing old Beijing come to life with modern energy Day 2: a day in the life of an emperor in the morning explore the beautiful buildings and vast Kun Ming lake of the Summer Palace afternoon enter the heart of imperial power at the Forbidden City and cap it off with the iconic sunset view from JingShan Park Night: Drum and Bell Tower, relax by the water and explore the vibrant hutongs of the Shi Cha Hai and Yandai Xiejie area perhaps stopping for a drink at the lakeside bar day 3 military and education in the morning let’s take a trip to the legendary Mutianyu Great Wall and witness its awesome military structure and breathtaking scale in the afternoon we will return to the city to explore the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College the centre of the learning for centuries at night for your final evening dive into the bustling energy and endless food stores of Nan Luo Gu Xiang for a fun dinner but what if you have more time if you have seven days you can go beyond just seeing the sights you can truly immerse yourself in the history and culture of this incredible city this is my 7 day Beijing Master itinerary designed for the ultimate exploration day 1 the grand narrative of China we begin our journey at the heart understanding China’s Grand Story we will start at the Tiananmen Square walk directly to the National Museum of China dedicate the rest of your day here it’s one of the world’s largest museums and you will need several hours to even scratch the surface of its 5,000 years of history at night let’s take a walk through the historic Qian Men area beautifully restored and a bustling with shops and restaurants day 2 the Imperial core today is dedicated to the power and majesty of the Forbidden City spend a day exploring the entire imperial complex beginning with two grand temples the Imperial Ancestral Temple Tai Miao and the Altar of land and Grain She Ji Tan afterwards dedicate your day to the magnificent Forbidden City Golden Hour exit from the North Gate and climb here in Jingshan Park for that iconic postcard perfect sunset view over the Palace golden roofs at night for a truly memorable evening book a dinner show with Hanfu and get to dress in beautiful traditional clothing and enjoy a banquet recreating the appearance of ancient nobility day 3 Gardens of splendor and scars this day offers a powerful and moving contrast between two of the world’s famous imperial gardens in the morning witness the breathtaking beauty and perfectly preserved landscapes of the Summer Palace Yi He Yuan take a boat ride on Kun Ming Lake and explore the buildings on the hills in the afternoon travel to the nearby Old Summer Palace Yuan Ming Yuan you will walk through the beautiful ruins of what was once considered the gardens of gardens before its destruction seeing both on the same day tells a profound story of China’s history at night jump forward to the 21st century and see the modern architectural marvels Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube illuminated against the night sky Day 4 Philosophy and Imperial Ritual today we explore the spiritual and philosophical pillars that shaped the Chinese civilization in the morning start your day at temple of heaven the imperial altar where emperors perform sacred rites for the entire nation in the afternoon visit Lama Temple Yonghegong the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing followed by a trip to Confucius Temple and Imperial College the historic centre of Chinese scholarship for centuries Day 5 the Dragon’s legacy we witness beginning and end of Ming Dynasty’s incredible power in the morning take a trip out to the legendary Mutianyu Great Wall the ultimate symbol of imperial defense in the afternoon on your way back to the city visit the Ming Tombs the grand and final resting place of certain Ming Dynasty emperors it’s a powerful and fitting historical pairing in the night after a day of history unwind with some modern fun try early escape or enjoy a show Day 6 the soul of old Beijing today is all about getting lost in the charm of local life and the city’s historic heart in the morning start the Prince Gong’s mansion Gong Wang Fu and see how Qing Dynasty royalty lived in the afternoon enjoy a peaceful walk or a paddle boat ride in the beautiful Beihai Park at night dedicate your entire evening to the Shi Cha Hai area wander through the ancient Hutong Alley of the ancient city find a bar with a view of lake and just soak in the magical atmosphere of old Beijing Day 7 modern thrills for your final day let’s end with a blast of pure world class entertainment we were dedicated the entire day to the Universal Studios it’s a fantastic theme park with unique attractions including Kung Fu Panda Land of awesomeness I can’t share every single details in this one video which restaurant is best the story behind the Red X the best hutong to explore we will cover this in future videos I’m China Travel Master help you travel smarter in China if you find this video helpful please subscribe to my channel and save this video for your trip planning and of course if you have any questions ask me in the comment below thanks for watching
Planning a trip to Beijing? This isn’t your average travel guide. After living in Beijing for a full year and exploring over 200 cities across China, I’m sharing the deep-dive secrets and know-how that will transform your trip from a typical vacation into a real adventure.
In this ultimate guide, I introduce my brand new “Panda Compass” rating system to give you a systematic review of Beijing’s sights, culture, and food. The video covers 27 tourist spots and 10 local food, so you know what’s actually worth your time and space of stomach.
Plus, I’m sharing my personal, detailed itineraries for the perfect 1, 3, or 7-day trip to make your planning effortless.
Chapter:
00:00 – Intro
00:26 – Panda Compass rating system
01:25 – Nature & Scenery (Summer Palace, Great Wall, Fragrant Hills)
03:13 – History (Forbidden City, National Museum, Temple of Heaven)
07:47 – Civilian culture and experience (Hutong)
11:15 – Food (Peking Duck, Rolling Donkey)
15:09 – Infrastructure & convenience
15:53 – Modern attraction
16:20 – 1-Day Commando
19:41 – 1-Day Leisure
21:35 – 3-Day Imperial Immersion
23:04 – 7-Day Master
This is the most comprehensive guide you’ll need to see the real Beijing in 2025. If you found it helpful, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for more unofficial tips to help you travel smarter in China.
What’s the one place in Beijing you’re most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below!
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