Beijing has so much to offer travelers, whether you're a first-timer or returning, traveling solo or with family, and regardless of whether you have just a few days or a whole week. If you have 5 days in Beijing, you can immerse yourself in all the must-see cultural landmarks, from the iconic Great Wall and the majestic Forbidden City and the serene Temple of Heaven. Additionally, you can discover some lesser-known attractions that pique your interest, such as hidden temples, local markets, and vibrant neighborhoods that showcase the city's rich history and contemporary culture.
Our expert itinerary suggestions will help you balance your time between popular sights and unique experiences, ensuring you truly capture the essence of this remarkable city. Whether you want to indulge in delicious local cuisine, explore fascinating museums, or enjoy leisurely strolls through picturesque parks, we’ll help you make the most of your visit to Beijing in 5 days. Additionally, you can customize your itinerary to include one or one-and-a-half days in nearby cities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Situated in the heart of Beijing, this UNESCO World Heritage site captivates with its stunning architecture and rich, centuries-old history.
Great Wall: Various sections are accessible from Beijing, each with its unique charm. We recommend the Mutianyu section for its easy access, fewer crowds, and convenient cable car option.
Temple of Heaven: Once an imperial altar for sacrifices, this beautiful park invites you to explore ancient traditions while enjoying its remarkable architecture.
Beijing Hutongs: Wander through these narrow alleys lined with historic Siheyuan courtyards. A rickshaw ride through the hutongs offers a memorable glimpse into traditional life.
Summer Palace: Once a retreat for emperors during the summer months, this site features breathtaking lakes and exquisite architecture, making it a serene escape.
Universal Beijing Resort: A theme park inspired by popular Hollywood films, it has quickly become a top destination for both local and international visitors.
National Museum of China: This museum showcases 1.7 million years of artifacts, featuring over a million rare pieces waiting to be explored. Top reccomended to for history buffs.
Lama Temple: This Tibetan Buddhist temple showcases a stunning blend of Han and Tibetan architectural styles, making it a standout attraction in the city.
798 Art Zone: It is s vibrant cultural district filled with high-end galleries, trendy boutiques, and innovative sculptures. Don't miss it if you love art.
Gubei Water Town: At the foot of Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town is a theme resort of ancient northern architecture, built by a canal. Its beautiful nightscape and charming atmosphere attracts many visitors...
Beihai Park: A beautifully preserved ancient imperial garden, where you can enjoy its serene landscapes filled with trees, lakes, and rockeries, resembling a picturesque painting.
Here is the Beijing Attractions Map for your better understanding of the top highlights! For all highlights in Beijing, please check the Top 15 Beijing Attractions to plan your detailed Beijing 4 Days Itinerary. You can also simply find a recommended tour from our Top 6 Beijing Tour Packages»
Beijing Tourist Attractions Map (click to enlarge)
Generally, we recommend spending 4 days exploring Beijing’s iconic landmarks, allowing time for your train or flight arrival and departure, plus an additional day for unique experiences that interest you.
5-Day Classic Itinerary for First-Timers:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2: Forbidden City + Summer Palace
Day 3: Great Wall Exploration
Day 4: For history exploration, family-friendly activities, or in-depth Great Wall hiking
Day 5: Temple of Heaven + Beijing Hutongs + Departure
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
It's a free day for your arrival, with convenient international and frequent domestic flights available. You can also take a high-speed train to Beijing from several cities: Shanghai (4.5–6 hrs), Xian (4–6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5–8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5–10 hrs), Chongqing (7–9 hrs), and Hong Kong (8 hrs).
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer Palace
Today, we recommend an early start to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the top attraction in downtown Beijing. Begin your journey at Tiananmen Square, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China from Tiananmen Tower. As you pass through the gate, you’ll be greeted by the impressive /strong>Forbidden City, once reserved for the royal family and home to 24 emperors. Now, it welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and stunning architecture. After taking in the architectural wonders up close, head to Jingshan Park and climb to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of the palace complex.
After taking in the intricate designs of the Forbidden City, head to Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the palace. This park is part of the newly recognized World Heritage site, the Beijing Central Axis, located just north of the Forbidden City.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional hutong, characterized by narrow alleys and quadrangle courtyards. With China Discovery, we can arrange a visit to a local family in the Bell and Drum Towers hutongs. As night falls, immerse yourself in local flavors and enjoy the enchanting night views of the area.
You can enjoy a delightful acrobatic performance at the Red Theater, which is one of the kids' favorite activities in Beijing. From this show, you can admire the actors' skilled performance.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven – Mutianyu Great Wall – Olympic Park
Today promises an unforgettable experience at the world-famous Great Wall of China. Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, home to ancient imperial sacrificial altars that provide insight into traditional practices. This historic site is also a large park, where locals enjoy morning exercises amidst lush pine trees.
Next, visit the Sacred Way, which leads to the Ming Tombs, and learn about the history of the Ming Dynasty emperors. On your return to the city, stop by Olympic Park to admire the modern architecture of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Next, prepare for an exciting adventure at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded section known for its family-friendly cable cars. It’s about a two-hour drive from downtown Beijing. The wall can be explored in three main areas: the eastern route between Towers 1 and 6, the middle route between Towers 6 and 14, and the western route between Towers 14 and 20, with entrances near Towers 6 and 14. We recommend taking the chair lift to ascend Tower 6, hiking along the wall, and then descending via toboggan for a thrilling experience. On your way back to the city, make a stop at Olympic Park to admire the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
As for dinner, we recommend the flavorful dish of Peking Roast Duck which was established in 1864 during the Qing Dynasty.
Day 4: Universal Studios Beijing
On Day 4, get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Universal Studios Beijing, which opened on September 20, 2021. This vibrant theme park immerses you in a world of Hollywood blockbusters filled with fantasy and excitement.
You can explore seven themed lands, including the enchanting Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can visit Hogwarts, enjoy Butterbeer, and experience thrilling rides. Don't miss Transformers Metrobase, where you can join the Autobots in an epic battle, or the exhilarating Jurassic World Nublar, featuring lifelike dinosaurs. Kids will love Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, offering interactive attractions and fun experiences. With a variety of dining options and live entertainment throughout the park, you’ll have everything you need for a full day of fun and adventure!
Day 5: Beijing Zoo – Summer Palace – Your Departure Train Station or Airport
Start your day with a visit to the Beijing Zoo, a favorite among children and famous for its rare animals, including the beloved Giant Pandas. Arriving early is best to see the pandas actively eating and playing. Other highlights include red pandas, South China tigers, white-lipped deer, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and crested ibises.
Next, head to the nearby Summer Palace, a stunning example of classical Chinese royal garden design. Marvel at its exquisite traditional architecture, including halls, pavilions, rockeries, corridors, and bridges. Weather permitting, consider taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery and architecture surrounding you.
The remainder of your day is reserved for departure. If you’d like to pick up souvenirs for family and friends, popular shopping areas such as Wangfujing Street, Qianmen Street, Dongdan, and the Xidan shopping district are great options.
Book 【 5 Days Beijing Tour with Fantastic Universal Studios】 now!
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
Day 1 is for your arrival. You can take an international or domestic flight, or a high-speed train to Beijing. Popular train routes include Shanghai (4.5–6 hrs), Xian (4–6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5–8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5–10 hrs), Chongqing (7–9 hrs), and Hong Kong (8 hrs). If you arrive in the morning, spend your afternoon exploring the Summer Palace, the premier imperial garden and summer retreat for the royal family.
Day 2 Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer PalaceToday, immerse yourself in the history of imperial families as you explore their palace and gardens. Begin your day at Tiananmen Square before walking to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to admire its magnificent architecture up close. Afterward, head to Jingshan Park for a stunning panoramic view of the entire palace complex. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a royal garden that showcases beautifully arranged architecture within a picturesque landscape of lake and hills.
To cap off your day, consider attending a night performance, such as a Kung Fu show, acrobatic performance, or Peking opera, for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall – Sacred Way – Olympic Park
After breakfast, take a 1.5-2 hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. We recommend using the cable car for both ascent and descent to maximize your time exploring the wall. A classic route is to hike from Tower 14 to Tower 19 and back, or challenge yourself with the steep Great Man Slope between Towers 19 and 20. For a longer hike, consider the eastern route from Tower 14 to Tower 6 (about 2 hours) and then Tower 6 to Tower 1 and back (another 2 hours). The entrances and exits are conveniently located near Towers 14 and 6.
Next, visit the Sacred Way, which leads to the Ming Tombs, where you can learn about the history of the Ming Dynasty emperors. On your return to the city, stop by Olympic Park to admire the modern architecture of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. For travelers interested in art and fashion, the 798 Art Zone is a great alternative to the Sacred Way.
After your Great Wall adventure, head back to Beijing. Food enthusiasts should definitely try Peking Roast Duck or explore one of the city’s night markets for delicious snacks.
Day 4: National Museum of China – Lama Temple – Confucius Temple – Guozijian
Today is a deep dive into the rich culture of Beijing—and all of China. For museum enthusiasts, the National Museum is an absolute must-visit. With over 1.7 million artifacts spanning 1.7 million years, it serves as a mirror reflecting China’s long and fascinating history, showcasing everything from ancient relics to contemporary art.
After exploring the museum, head to the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Palace. This stunning Buddhist temple beautifully blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles and offers a serene atmosphere where you can gain insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Be sure to admire the impressive halls adorned with intricate carvings and the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha, which stands at 18 meters tall.
Next, take a short walk to the Confucius Temple, where emperors once worshipped Confucius. This tranquil space is surrounded by beautiful cypress trees and features elegant architecture that reflects the reverence for Confucian ideals. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Guozijian, the imperial college, where scholars studied classical texts and prepared for government service. The combination of these sites provides a profound understanding of Chinese philosophy and education.
Throughout the day, you'll be immersed in the cultural heritage that has shaped China’s identity over millennia, making it an enriching experience for anyone looking to grasp the essence of this remarkable civilization.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven – Beijing Hutongs – Your Departure Train Station or Airport
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely half-day itinerary before preparing for your departure. Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, where you can admire the unique architecture designed for sacrificial rituals and watch locals engaging in morning exercises amidst the beautiful pine forest. Next, explore the charming Hutongs on a rickshaw, immersing yourself in the traditional alleyways that showcase Beijing's rich cultural heritage. As you navigate these narrow streets, you’ll get a glimpse of local life and history.
Book 【 5 Days Beijing In-depth Exploration Tour】 now!
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
Arrive in Beijing via flight or train. There are convenient options for both international and domestic flights, as well as high-speed trains from major cities such as Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Xi’an (4-6 hours), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hours), Chengdu (7.5-10 hours), Chongqing (7-9 hours), and Hong Kong (8 hours).
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer PalaceThis day focuses on the Forbidden City. Start at Tiananmen Square, then explore the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to admire its architectural splendor and rich cultural history. Visit Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the palace. In the afternoon, discover the Summer Palace, where the stunning garden architecture, hills, rockeries, and lakes create a visual feast. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Optional Night Activities: 1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater. 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.
Day 3: Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall
While Mutianyu is popular, we also recommend Jinshanling for breathtaking views and a more adventurous hiking experience. After a 2-3 hour drive from Beijing, start your hike from Zhuanduokou Pass. For experienced hikers, the 4-hour trek to Eastern Five Tower offers both developed and unrestored sections of the Wall. If you prefer a shorter hike, you can descend from Small Jinshan Tower by cable car or on foot.
In the evening, drive to your hotel near Gubei Water Town, where you can enjoy a night visit to the Simatai Great Wall, featuring stunning illuminated views of the Wall and Gubei Water Town below.
Day 4: Simatai Great Wall – Beijing
Today, hike the Simatai Great Wall, which presents both challenges and stunning vistas. Starting from Tower 2, if you’re up for it, hike to Tower 10, the highest point, for panoramic views of Jinshanling and Gubei Water Town. After your hike, return to Tower 8 and take the cable car down.
In the afternoon, drive back to Beijing. If time permits, take a stroll in Gubei Water Town to appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture, including its charming bridges, canals, and rivers.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven – Beijing Hutongs – Your Departure Train Station or Airport
Begin your morning at the UNESCO-recognized Temple of Heaven, an ancient imperial sacrificial site. The distinctive structures provide insights into China’s history, while the surrounding pine woods are a gathering place for local elders engaging in morning exercises.
Before departing Beijing, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the charming Hutongs, highlighting Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang, and Yandaixie Street. A special visit to a local family’s traditional courtyard home offers a unique glimpse into daily life.
Your tour concludes as you catch your flight or train to your next destination.
Book 【 5-Day Beijing Tour with In-Depth Great Wall Experience】 now!
If you want to experience the essence of Beijing and venture a bit further to other destinations, consider taking a side trip around this vibrant city. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries immerse you in the highlights of Beijing and its nearby attractions, ensuring you capture the must-see sights while gaining a deeper understanding of local culture. Whether you explore the historical wonders of Chengde, the ancient treasures of Xian, or the coastal charm of Tianjin, each tour offers a unique blend of experiences that showcase the diverse facets of China.
| Destinations | Itinerary | Recommended Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing + Chengde |
Day 1: Beijing Arrival (Train Station or Airport) - Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer Palace Day 3: Temple of Heaven – Beijing Hutongs – Two-Pagoda Peaks in Chengde Day 4: Chengde Mountain Resort – Putuo Zongcheng Temple – Puning Temple – Pule Temple Day 5: Chengde – Jinshanling Great Wall – Return to Beijing |
5 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Sidetrip to Chengde |
| Beijing + Xian |
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Temple of Heaven – Mutianyu Great Wall Day 3: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Beijing Hutongs & High-Speed Train to Xian Day 4: Terracotta Warriors – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City Day 5: Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Xian Museum – Ancient City Wall – Muslim Quarter – Departure from Beijing |
5 Days Beijing Xian Highlights Tour by High Speed Train |
| Beijing + Tianjin |
Day 1: Tianjin Arrival
Day 2: North Jiefang Road Financial Street – Five Great Avenue – Jinyuan Garden – Shi Family Mansion – Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street & High-Speed Train to Beijing Day 3: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer Palace Day 4: Mutianyu Great Wall – Sacred Way – Olympic Park Day 5: Temple of Heaven – Beijing Hutongs – Departure from Beijing |
5 Days Essence of Tianjin Beijing Tour |
Haven't found an itinerary that fits your interests? We're here to help! Contact us to customize your own unique itinerary in Beijing. Our team can create a tour package tailored to your specific preferences, travel duration, and budget, ensuring you get the most out of your experience. Whether you're interested in exploring historical sites, sampling local cuisine, or venturing into nature, we can craft the perfect plan for you. You can also explore our top Beijing tour packages or Great Wall tour packages for inspiration and ideas to kickstart your adventure.
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The itinerary in this tour can be customized according to your own interests and needs. Usually, Mutianyu Great Wall is the top recommended among several sections of Great Wall in and around Beijing, because it's less crowded, fully-restored and quite family-friendly. If you want to explore the primitive appearance of Great Wall and want a memorable hiking experience in lesser known sections, consider hiking less-traveled sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc. It is also available to choose some other attractions based on your interest. Besides, you can visit a local family in Beijing Hutongs, or take part in some other interested activities. If you have any personal travel ideas, feel free to tell us.
As China's capital and a top tourist destination, Beijing is equipped with numerous hotels and restaurants for your choice. Undoubtedly, every traveler can stay in Beijing with great comfort. There are enough luxury hotels with good location and best value. It is also easy to find many comfortable 4-star hotels and economical hotels. You can choose one hotel according to your tour itinerary and budget. Beijing also offers a large number of choices of food – from multi-course cuisine to various street food to satisfy your taste bud.
Beijing boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it accessible from both international and domestic cities. There are many daily flights from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, etc.), America (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Macao, etc.) and Oceania to Beijing. Additionally, domestic flights from over 120 cities in mainland China, including major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, make reaching Beijing convenient.
With a temperature monsoon climate, Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons. It has warm spring (March ~ May), hot summer (June ~ August), cool autumn (September ~ November) and cold winter (December ~ February). Visiting Beijing in different seasons allows you to see different featured scenery, but the best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn because you can enjoy the most comfortable weather. It is also important to avoid visiting Beijing in China's big festivals, including May Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon's Boat Day and National Day when most of the scenic areas will be crowded and it will be common to meet traffic jam.
If you have more days in China, you are strongly suggested to extend your tour to another two top tourist destinations - ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. This combination provides a comprehensive view of China's historical and contemporary highlights. A tour combining these three cities will help you get a first panoramic view of China. For a more enriching experience, you can visit Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes or take a Yangtze River cruise for a relaxing holiday. Check China Tours from Beijing 2024/2025 >>
Beijing, the massive capital city of China for centuries, offers you much to discover and explore. All of your dreams about the charming Beijing can be true in our Beijing tours. No matter it is your first, or the second or the third trip to Beijing, China Discovery will always find a suitable tour package for you to see and experience Beijing by the best way. If you have no idea where to start, please don't hesitate to contact our travel experts for help.
This is the most popular China tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai to visit the most iconic China attractions - Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, etc., and explore great of both China’s past and present.
Visit the best and featured highlights of Beijing in a single trip and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go. Apart from Beijing's time-honored landmarks - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall, you will admire the most outstanding architectures in Olympic Park.
Visiting two ancient hearts plus a cozy high speed train experience, you will not only explore the long history of China, but also find out how the time-honored country is like in recent days.
This thoughtfully designed itinerary is perfect for travelers with limited time in Beijing. Whether you're taking advantage of a layover or simply want to make the most of a short trip, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city's iconic attractions.
This 4-day tour offers the chance to explore Jinshanling by day, known for its breathtaking vistas, and Simatai by night, celebrated for its enchanting evening views. The itinerary also includes a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town. Of course, essential Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and traditional Hutongs are covered.
Visit the top travel destinations in vast China, Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, with the fabulous trip to Zhangjiajie and Guilin with stunning natural miracles.
This is a comprehensive trip to the 8 most popular travel destinations in China - Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, and Shanghai.
Coverinng top highlights in China to please your eyes, ease your spirit, witness grand and beautiful landscape in special ways.
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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