China-Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is from March to May in spring and from September to October in autumn.

During this period, the temperature in Beijing is pleasant and there is less rainfall, making it a perfect time for travel.
In spring, Beijing comes alive with the romantic charm of flowers blooming along the roadside. While in autumn, Beijing exudes a sense of historical depth, with the Xiangshan Park in the northwest painted in red and gold leaves, a breathtaking sight that attracts countless tourists.

Day 1: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Shichahai → Nanluoguxiang

🔺First Destination: Tiananmen Square ⏱ 2 hours
🏛️ As the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square carries rich history and culture. The Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall on the square are solemn and respectful. The morning flag-raising ceremony is a must-see solemn moment. Remember to check the sunrise time in advance and arrive early to secure a spot! 🌅

🔺Next Up: Forbidden City ⏱ 4 hours
🏮 Walk 5 minutes from Tiananmen Square to the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a treasure of ancient Chinese palace architecture. Explore the three main halls and the Imperial Garden on the central axis to feel the royal grandeur. Remember to purchase tickets online in advance and rent an audio guide to make history come alive! 🎫

🔺Afternoon Leisure: Shichahai ⏱ 2 hours
🚣‍♂️ After visiting the Forbidden City, take a bus to Shichahai to experience the charm of old Beijing. Surrounded by Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai lakes, with mansion residences scattered around, it’s fun to row a boat and admire lotus flowers in summer or skate in winter. ❄️

🔺Nighttime Choice: Nanluoguxiang ⏱ 2 hours
🏮 Walk or take a bus from Shichahai to Nanluoguxiang. This hutong blends bourgeois sentiment with old Beijing flavor, with artistic boutiques and special snacks available. It’s a great place to search for food and stroll around at night. 🍜

Day 2: Temple of Heaven → Qianmen Street → Xidan

🔺Morning Prayer: Temple of Heaven ⏱ 2 hours
🌳 The Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven, attracts visitors from all over with its exquisite architectural layout and profound cultural heritage. Attractions like the Echo Wall and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are not to be missed. It’s recommended to purchase a combined ticket for a full experience. 🎟️

🔺Busy Ancient Street: Qianmen Street ⏱ 3 hours
🛍️ Take the subway to Qianmen Street, a famous commercial street in Beijing with time-honored brands and food snacks everywhere. Scenic spots like Dashilan and Beijing Fang are also worth visiting to feel the street life of old Beijing. 🚶‍♀️

🔺Youth and Fashion: Xidan ⏱ 3 hours
🛍️ Head to Xidan in the evening, a fashionable gathering place for young people. Shopping centers like Joy City and Hanguang Mall are full of variety, with numerous food restaurants to satisfy your shopping and dining needs. 🍔

Day 3: Badaling Great Wall → Ming Tombs

🔺Majestic Great Wall: Badaling Great Wall ⏱ 4 hours
🧗‍♂️ Take the S2 train to Badaling Great Wall to feel the pride of “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man.” The Great Wall Museum helps you understand the history of the Great Wall, while the hike from the First Tower North to the Eighth Tower North offers both challenges and beautiful scenery. 🚂

🔺Royal Tombs: Ming Tombs ⏱ 3 hours
🏰 Depart from the Great Wall and take a bus or chartered car to Ming Tombs to explore the tombs of Ming dynasty emperors. Scenic spots like Changling and Dingling showcase the funeral specifications and architectural art of ancient emperors, leaving visitors in awe. 🏰