Beijing

Airport transfer and Yikatong card setup(1.5 hours)

Pick up a Yikatong transit card at any metro station kiosk (20 CNY deposit + top up 100 CNY). Set up Alipay on your phone — you will need it everywhere

Evening walk through Nanluoguxiang hutong(1.5 hours)

A 787m-long alley packed with craft shops, bars, and street snacks. Less authentic than the deeper hutongs but a good warm-up. Try the yogurt in clay pots (8 CNY) from any of the stalls

Dinner at Zhang Mama on Jiaodaokou Nandajie(1 hour)

A no-frills local favorite for Sichuan-style mapo tofu and dry-fried green beans — dishes 25-45 CNY each. Busy with locals, which is always a good sign

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)(3.5 hours)

Enter from Tiananmen Gate (south) at 8:30AM opening. Follow the central axis through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Then explore the western side chambers and the Imperial Garden. Exit north. Entry: 60 CNY (April-Oct). Closed Mondays

Jingshan Park panoramic view(45 minutes)

Cross the road from the Forbidden City's north gate and climb the hill for the definitive panoramic photograph of the golden rooftops stretching south. Entry: 2 CNY. The view is worth every step

Lunch at Siji Minfu near Jingshan(1 hour)

Their roast duck (198 CNY for a whole duck, serves 2-3) rivals the famous chains at half the wait time. The crispy skin dipped in sugar is the Beijinger's secret move

Walk to Beihai Park(1.5 hours)

A former imperial garden with a beautiful white dagoba on Jade Flower Island. Entry: 10 CNY (park), 10 CNY (island). Rent a paddle boat on the lake (60 CNY/hour) or just stroll the willow-lined shores

Private car or bus to Mutianyu(1.5 hours)

Private car through your hotel costs ~400 CNY round trip with 3-4 hours of wait time. Alternatively, take the 916 Express bus from Dongzhimen to Huairou (12 CNY), then a local minibus to Mutianyu. Depart by 7AM

Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu(3-4 hours)

Entry: 40 CNY. Take the cable car up (120 CNY round trip including toboggan down). Walk the wall between towers 14 and 23 for the most dramatic section — the further you go, the fewer people. The toboggan ride down through the forest is a highlight. Bring water and sunscreen

Lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the wall(1 hour)

The cluster of restaurants at the Mutianyu village serve hearty northern Chinese food — try the hongshao rou (red-braised pork, 48 CNY) and stir-fried mountain vegetables (28 CNY)

Return to Beijing and evening at Houhai Lake(2.5 hours)

After returning to the city, walk along Houhai Lake's bar street for a more relaxed evening. The lakeside bars are touristy but atmospheric — grab a beer (20-30 CNY) and watch the lights reflect on the water

Temple of Heaven morning visit(2.5 hours)

Arrive at 6AM to see locals practicing tai chi, fan dancing, and singing opera under the ancient cypress trees — this is the real show. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is Beijing's most photogenic building. Entry: 15 CNY (park) + 20 CNY (halls)

Breakfast at a jianbing cart near Temple of Heaven(20 minutes)

Beijing's signature breakfast crepe — egg, crispy wonton skin, scallions, cilantro, and sweet bean sauce folded in a mung bean pancake. 8-12 CNY from any street cart. Eaten while walking, as locals do

Rickshaw tour of Yandai Xiejie and Drum Tower hutongs(2 hours)

Hire a rickshaw driver at Drum Tower (150 CNY/hour) or walk the narrow lanes yourself. Yandai Xiejie (Tobacco Pipe Street) is one of the most atmospheric hutongs, leading to the Silver Ingot Bridge with views of the Drum Tower

Peking Duck dinner at Da Dong(1.5 hours)

Book 2 days ahead for their flagship on Dongsi Shitiao. A whole duck (350-400 CNY, serves 3-4) is carved tableside with surgical precision. Their version has ultra-crispy thin skin with less fat. Wrap in pancakes with scallion, cucumber, and hoisin

Summer Palace(3 hours)

Take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen station. Enter from the north gate. Walk the 728m Long Corridor (every panel painted with a different scene), then down to Kunming Lake. Rent a paddle boat (60 CNY/hour) or take the dragon boat to South Lake Island. The Marble Boat is the Instagram shot. Entry: 30-60 CNY depending on season

Lunch at Suzhou Street inside Summer Palace(45 minutes)

A reconstructed canal-side market street within the palace grounds. Simple noodle and dumpling shops — the zhajiang mian (Beijing bean paste noodles, 28 CNY) is a reliable choice

798 Art District (Dashanzi)(2.5 hours)

A Bauhaus-style former military factory complex now filled with galleries, cafes, and street art. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (60 CNY) is the anchor gallery. Free to wander the outdoor installations. Most galleries open 10AM-6PM, closed Mondays. The cafe scene here is excellent — try Timezone 8 for coffee and art books

Tiananmen Square morning walk(1 hour)

The world's largest public square (440,000 sq m). Walk from the Monument to the People's Heroes to the gate with Mao's portrait. Security check required to enter. Free. The flag-raising ceremony at sunrise draws crowds — worth it if you are an early riser

National Museum of China(2.5 hours)

One of the world's largest museums, free entry (bring passport, book online). Highlights: Ancient China exhibition (jade burial suits, bronze vessels), Road to Rejuvenation exhibition. Open 9AM-5PM, closed Mondays. The jade and bronze collections alone justify the visit

Lunch at Donghuamen or Wangfujing food street(1 hour)

The night market stalls open from noon — scorpions on sticks are for tourists, but the lamb skewers (5 CNY each), stinky tofu (10 CNY), and tanghulu candied hawthorn sticks (10 CNY) are legitimately good

Free afternoon for shopping or rest(2 hours)

Wangfujing is Beijing's main shopping street with department stores and malls. Or return to your hotel for a rest before the evening — Beijing's pace is relentless

Evening Kung Fu Show at Red Theatre(1.5 hours)

A spectacular acrobatic martial arts performance combining kung fu with a coming-of-age story. Tickets 180-680 CNY depending on seat. Shows nightly at 7:30PM. No dialogue needed — pure physical performance

Morning walk through Wudaoying Hutong(1.5 hours)

A quieter, more curated hutong near the Lama Temple with independent cafes, boutique shops, and vintage stores. Less crowded than Nanluoguxiang and more authentic. The coffee at Metal Hands is some of Beijing's best (25-35 CNY)

Quick visit to the Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)(1 hour)

Beijing's most spectacular Buddhist temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a 26m sandalwood Maitreya Buddha. Entry: 25 CNY. Open 9AM-4PM. The incense smoke and chanting monks create a serene atmosphere

Airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Take the Airport Express from Dongzhimen (PEK, 25 CNY, 25 minutes) or the Daxing Express (PKX, 35 CNY, 19 minutes). Allow 3 hours before international flights for Beijing's thorough security checks

Airport transfer and Yikatong card setup(1.5 hours)

Pick up a Yikatong transit card at any metro station kiosk (20 CNY deposit + top up 100 CNY). Set up Alipay on your phone before clearing customs — you will need it for nearly every transaction

Evening walk through Nanluoguxiang hutong(1.5 hours)

A 787m-long alley packed with craft shops, bars, and street snacks. Try the yogurt in clay pots (8 CNY) and the rose-flavored rice cakes

Dinner at Zhang Mama on Jiaodaokou Nandajie(1 hour)

A no-frills local favorite for Sichuan-style mapo tofu and dry-fried green beans — dishes 25-45 CNY each

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)(4 hours)

Enter from Tiananmen Gate (south) at 8:30AM opening. Follow the central axis, then detour into the western side palaces and Clock Exhibition Hall (10 CNY extra — the automata collection is mesmerizing). Exit north. Entry: 60 CNY (April-Oct). Closed Mondays

Jingshan Park panoramic view(45 minutes)

Climb the hill directly north of the Forbidden City for the definitive panoramic photograph of the golden rooftops. Entry: 2 CNY

Lunch at Siji Minfu near Jingshan(1 hour)

Their roast duck (198 CNY whole, serves 2-3) rivals the famous chains. The crispy skin dipped in sugar is the Beijinger's secret move

Beihai Park afternoon(1.5 hours)

A former imperial garden with a white dagoba on Jade Flower Island. Entry: 10 CNY (park) + 10 CNY (island). Rent a paddle boat (60 CNY/hour) on the lake

Private car to Mutianyu(1.5 hours)

Private car through your hotel: ~400 CNY round trip with 3-4 hours wait. Depart by 7AM to arrive at opening

Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu(4 hours)

Entry: 40 CNY. Cable car up + toboggan down: 120 CNY. Walk between towers 14 and 23 — the further you go, the fewer people. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks

Lunch at Mutianyu village farmhouse(1 hour)

Try the hongshao rou (red-braised pork, 48 CNY) and stir-fried mountain vegetables (28 CNY). These family restaurants are simple but hearty

Return to Beijing and Houhai Lake evening(2.5 hours)

Walk along Houhai Lake's bar street. The lakeside bars are touristy but atmospheric — grab a Yanjing beer (10-20 CNY) and watch the lights

Temple of Heaven morning visit(2.5 hours)

Arrive at 6AM to see locals practicing tai chi, fan dancing, and singing opera under ancient cypress trees. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is Beijing's most photogenic building. Entry: 15 CNY (park) + 20 CNY (halls)

Jianbing breakfast from a street cart(20 minutes)

Beijing's signature breakfast crepe with egg, crispy wonton skin, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. 8-12 CNY. Eaten walking, like a true Beijinger

Rickshaw tour of Drum Tower hutongs(2 hours)

Hire a rickshaw at Drum Tower (150 CNY/hour) through Yandai Xiejie and the narrow lanes. Visit a courtyard home (siheyuan) to understand how Beijingers lived for centuries

Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude(1.5 hours)

The original since 1864. A whole duck costs 250-350 CNY, serves 3-4. Carved tableside, wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. The Qianmen branch is the flagship

Summer Palace(3.5 hours)

Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen. Walk the 728m Long Corridor, then down to Kunming Lake. Rent a paddle boat (60 CNY/hour). The Marble Boat, Tower of Buddhist Incense, and Seventeen-Arch Bridge are highlights. Entry: 30-60 CNY

798 Art District (Dashanzi)(2.5 hours)

Former military factory now Beijing's art hub. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (60 CNY) is the anchor. Free to wander outdoor installations. Most galleries open 10AM-6PM, closed Mondays. Try Timezone 8 cafe for coffee and art books

Tiananmen Square morning walk(1 hour)

The world's largest public square. Security check required to enter. Free. The flag-raising ceremony at sunrise is a striking ritual if you can manage the early wake-up

National Museum of China(2.5 hours)

Free entry (passport required, book online). Highlights: Ancient China exhibition with jade burial suits and bronze vessels. Open 9AM-5PM, closed Mondays

Wangfujing food street lunch(1 hour)

Skip the scorpion sticks (tourist gimmick) but try the lamb skewers (5 CNY), stinky tofu (10 CNY), and tanghulu candied hawthorn sticks (10 CNY)

Free afternoon — rest or shopping(3 hours)

Take the afternoon off at your hotel or browse the shops on Wangfujing. You are halfway through two weeks — recharge

Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)(1.5 hours)

Beijing's most spectacular Buddhist temple — a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a 26m sandalwood Maitreya Buddha. Entry: 25 CNY. Open 9AM-4PM. The incense-filled courtyards are deeply atmospheric

Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy(1 hour)

Just 200m from the Lama Temple. Entry: 30 CNY. The 198 stone tablets recording names of 51,624 jinshi scholars across 600 years are the highlight. Peaceful cypress-shaded courtyards

Lunch on Wudaoying Hutong(1 hour)

This curated hutong has Beijing's best independent cafes and restaurants. Try Baozi Bar for creative pork buns or Saffron for Xinjiang-style lamb. Coffee at Metal Hands (25-35 CNY)

Evening at Poly Art Museum or Kung Fu Show(1.5 hours)

Poly Art Museum (free, in Poly Plaza) has remarkable ancient bronze vessels. Alternatively, the Red Theatre Kung Fu Show (180-680 CNY, 7:30PM) is a spectacular acrobatic performance

Early morning transfer to Jinshanling(2.5 hours)

Hire a private car (500-600 CNY round trip) or take the tourist bus from Dongzhimen (seasonal, 100 CNY round trip). Depart by 6AM for sunrise on the wall

Hike Jinshanling section of the Great Wall(4-5 hours)

Entry: 65 CNY. This 10km stretch has partially restored and fully wild sections. The hike from the east gate to Simatai West takes 3-4 hours through watchtowers in various states of romantic ruin. Far fewer visitors than Mutianyu. Bring lunch, water, and proper hiking shoes

Relaxed dinner at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu(1 hour)

Rainbow-colored dumplings near the Workers' Stadium. Each color is a different filling — the purple (purple yam with pork) and green (spinach with shrimp) are favorites. A basket of 20 dumplings: 38-48 CNY

Transfer to Ming Tombs(1.5 hours)

Take bus 872 from Deshengmen (12 CNY) or a taxi (~200 CNY one way). The tombs complex is vast — focus on Changling and Dingling

Sacred Way (Spirit Way)(1 hour)

A 7km stone-lined avenue with 36 larger-than-life animal and human statues guarding the approach to the tombs. Entry: 30 CNY. Walk the full avenue slowly — the elephant and camel statues are magnificent

Changling Tomb(1 hour)

The largest and best-preserved tomb with a stunning wooden hall (Ling'en Dian) with nanmu wood pillars 14m tall. Entry: 45 CNY

Dingling Tomb underground palace(1 hour)

The only excavated tomb — descend into the underground vault 27m below. Entry: 60 CNY. The stone chambers are vast and eerie

Return to Beijing for free evening(1.5 hours)

Head back to the city for a quiet dinner at your leisure. The Ghost Street (Gui Jie) night food strip near Beixinqiao has hundreds of restaurants open late — the spicy crayfish at Huajia Yiyuan (80 CNY/kg) is the neighborhood specialty

Morning cooking class at The Hutong(3 hours)

This cooking school in a courtyard house near Drum Tower runs excellent hands-on classes making dumplings, Peking-style noodles, and kung pao chicken. Classes run 350-500 CNY per person including the meal you cook. Book ahead at www.thehutong.com

Sanyuanli Wet Market visit(1.5 hours)

A real working market near the Liang Ma Qiao diplomatic quarter — not a tourist market. Live fish tanks, stacked tofu sheets, every mushroom variety imaginable, and a butcher section not for the squeamish. This is where Beijing restaurant chefs shop

Afternoon at leisure — spa or tea ceremony(2 hours)

Beijing's traditional blind massage parlors (mang ren anmo) offer excellent deep-tissue massage for 80-120 CNY/hour. Alternatively, book a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Maliandao Tea Street (free tastings at most shops)

Hot pot dinner at Hai Di Lao(2 hours)

The legendary Sichuan hot pot chain with entertainment while you wait (manicures, snacks, phone cleaning). Their tomato broth and mushroom broth bases are excellent alongside the fiery Sichuan pot. Budget 100-150 CNY per person

Bird's Nest & Water Cube (Olympic Park)(2 hours)

The 2008 Olympic venues are still impressive up close. Bird's Nest exterior: free (interior tour: 50 CNY). Water Cube has been converted into a water park (200 CNY for 2 hours of slides and wave pools). The park itself is pleasant for a morning walk

China Science and Technology Museum(2 hours)

A massive interactive science museum in Olympic Park. Entry: 30 CNY. Great for a break from historical sites. The space exploration and ancient Chinese inventions exhibits are standouts

Lunch at Panjiayuan Antique Market area(1.5 hours)

If it is a weekend, the Panjiayuan flea market (south Beijing) is massive — jade, Mao memorabilia, calligraphy, furniture. Bargain to 20-30% of asking price. Weekdays have only the permanent shops

Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar(1.5 hours)

Capital M on the top floor near Tiananmen has a terrace overlooking the square (cocktails 80-120 CNY). Alternatively, The Georg at Waldorf Astoria in the former French Legation Quarter is classy with Beijing skyline views

High-speed train to Chengde(1.5 hours)

D-series train from Beijing East or North station to Chengde South (60-90 CNY, departures from 6:30AM). Book on 12306 app. The journey passes through mountain scenery

Chengde Imperial Mountain Resort(3 hours)

Entry: 130 CNY (April-Oct). The palace grounds cover 564 hectares — four times the Forbidden City. Key areas: the Front Palace (imperial halls), the lake district with islands, and the grasslands zone where emperors practiced horsemanship. Rent an electric cart (50 CNY) to cover ground

Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace)(1.5 hours)

A massive temple built to resemble Lhasa's Potala Palace, commissioned by Emperor Qianlong in 1767. Entry: 80 CNY. The red and white Tibetan-style architecture against green mountains is unforgettable

Return train to Beijing(1.5 hours)

Last trains depart around 8PM. Grab dinner at a local Chengde restaurant before leaving — their donkey-meat burgers (lv rou huoshao, 8 CNY) are a regional specialty

Option A: Fragrant Hills Park(4 hours)

A mountainous park 28km northwest of the city, famous for autumn foliage (October-November). Hike to Incense Burner Peak (575m) for city views. Entry: 10 CNY. Cable car: 50 CNY one way. Beautiful year-round for escaping the city

Option B: Dashilar & Liulichang Cultural Street(3 hours)

South of Tiananmen, Dashilar is old commercial Beijing — silk shops, traditional pharmacies, and the Zhangyi Yuan hat shop (since 1651). Liulichang next door specializes in calligraphy brushes, ink stones, and antique books

Option C: Beijing Botanical Garden & Sleeping Buddha Temple(3 hours)

In the western hills near the Summer Palace area. The conservatory houses tropical plants; the Sleeping Buddha Temple has a magnificent reclining copper Buddha (5.3m). Entry: 10 CNY (garden) + 5 CNY (temple)

Farewell dinner at TRB Hutong(2 hours)

Fine dining in a restored 600-year-old temple complex in the hutongs near the Forbidden City. French-Chinese fusion with tasting menus from 588 CNY. The courtyard setting under ancient trees is magical. Book well ahead

Morning tai chi in Ritan Park(1 hour)

Join the locals for early morning tai chi in this embassy-district park. Groups welcome newcomers — just follow along. The park's altar to the sun (1530) is worth a look. Free entry from 6AM

Last souvenir shopping at Maliandao Tea Street(1.5 hours)

Beijing's tea wholesale district has hundreds of shops selling every Chinese tea variety. Free tastings are standard — the pu'er and jasmine teas make excellent gifts. Prices start at 50 CNY for a decorative tin

Airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Airport Express from Dongzhimen (PEK, 25 CNY, 25 min) or Daxing Express (PKX, 35 CNY, 19 min). Allow 3 hours before international flights

Airport transfer and Yikatong card setup(1.5 hours)

Pick up a Yikatong transit card (20 CNY deposit + 100 CNY top-up). Set up Alipay before clearing customs

Evening walk through Nanluoguxiang hutong(1.5 hours)

787m alley with craft shops, bars, and snacks. Try yogurt in clay pots (8 CNY)

Dinner at Zhang Mama(1 hour)

Sichuan-style local favorite on Jiaodaokou Nandajie — mapo tofu and dry-fried green beans, dishes 25-45 CNY

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)(4 hours)

Enter from Tiananmen Gate at 8:30AM. Walk the central axis, then explore western palaces and the Clock Exhibition Hall (10 CNY extra). Exit north. Entry: 60 CNY (April-Oct). Closed Mondays

Jingshan Park panoramic view(45 minutes)

Climb the hill north of the Forbidden City for the definitive rooftop panorama. Entry: 2 CNY

Lunch at Siji Minfu(1 hour)

Roast duck (198 CNY whole, serves 2-3) near Jingshan. Skin dipped in sugar is the local secret

Beihai Park(1.5 hours)

Imperial garden with white dagoba on Jade Flower Island. Entry: 10 CNY + 10 CNY island. Paddle boats: 60 CNY/hour

Transfer to Mutianyu(1.5 hours)

Private car: ~400 CNY round trip. Or 916 Express bus from Dongzhimen (12 CNY) + local minibus. Depart by 7AM

Hike the Great Wall(4 hours)

Entry: 40 CNY. Cable car up + toboggan down: 120 CNY. Walk towers 14-23 for dramatic scenery and fewer people

Farmhouse lunch at Mutianyu village(1 hour)

Hongshao rou (red-braised pork, 48 CNY) and stir-fried mountain vegetables (28 CNY)

Return to Beijing, evening at Houhai Lake(2.5 hours)

Walk the lakeside bars — touristy but atmospheric. Beer 20-30 CNY with water reflections

Temple of Heaven(2.5 hours)

Arrive 6AM for tai chi and opera practice under cypress trees. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the icon. Entry: 15 CNY (park) + 20 CNY (halls)

Jianbing breakfast from street cart(20 minutes)

Beijing's breakfast crepe — egg, crispy wonton skin, scallions, sweet bean sauce. 8-12 CNY

Drum and Bell Tower visit(1 hour)

Drum Tower: 20 CNY (drumming performance every hour). Bell Tower: 15 CNY. Climb both for hutong rooftop views and the massive bronze bell (63 tons)

Rickshaw tour through Yandai Xiejie hutongs(2 hours)

150 CNY/hour. Wind through narrow lanes, cross Silver Ingot Bridge, visit a traditional courtyard home

Peking Duck at Da Dong(1.5 hours)

Book ahead for Dongsi Shitiao flagship. Whole duck 350-400 CNY (serves 3-4), carved tableside

Summer Palace(3.5 hours)

Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen. Long Corridor (728m of painted scenes), Kunming Lake boats (60 CNY/hour), Tower of Buddhist Incense, Marble Boat. Entry: 30-60 CNY

Lunch at Wudaokou Korean restaurant strip(1 hour)

The Wudaokou area near the universities has Beijing's best Korean food — try Hanla Shan for bibimbap (35 CNY) or Korean BBQ (80-120 CNY per person)

Walk through Peking University campus(1.5 hours)

The Weiming Lake and Boya Tower area is a peaceful landscaped garden. The campus is architecturally significant with traditional Chinese buildings mixed with modern structures. Free entry (bring passport)

Craft beer at Great Leap Brewing(1.5 hours)

Beijing's pioneering craft brewery, originally in a hutong courtyard (now multiple locations). Their Honey Ma Gold uses Sichuan peppercorn. Pints: 40-60 CNY

Tiananmen Square(1 hour)

World's largest public square. Security check required. Free. Flag-raising at sunrise is a striking ritual

National Museum of China(2.5 hours)

Free entry (passport, book online). Ancient China exhibition has jade burial suits and bronze vessels. Open 9AM-5PM, closed Mondays

Wangfujing food street lunch(1 hour)

Lamb skewers (5 CNY), tanghulu candied hawthorn (10 CNY), stinky tofu (10 CNY). Skip the scorpions — tourist gimmick

Rest afternoon at hotel(2 hours)

Three weeks in Beijing rewards a slow pace — take the afternoon off

798 Art District(3 hours)

UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (60 CNY), free outdoor installations, galleries in converted Bauhaus factory buildings. Most galleries 10AM-6PM, closed Mondays. Coffee at Timezone 8

Lunch at Dali Courtyard in hutongs(1.5 hours)

Yunnan cuisine in a hidden courtyard — set menu (150-200 CNY) with mushroom hotpot, cheese baked with mint, and crossing-the-bridge noodles. No sign on the door; look for the red lantern

Sanlitun shopping and cocktails(2 hours)

Beijing's most international neighborhood. The Bookworm (sadly now closed, but the strip remains) and Taikoo Li shopping complex are the anchors. Cocktails at Jing-A Taproom (45-65 CNY) or gin at The Hide

Early transfer to Jinshanling(2.5 hours)

Private car (500-600 CNY round trip). Depart by 6AM for sunrise on the wall

Hike Jinshanling section(4-5 hours)

Entry: 65 CNY. 10km stretch with partially restored and fully wild sections. Watchtowers in romantic ruin. Far fewer visitors than Mutianyu. Bring lunch, water, hiking shoes

Dinner at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu(1 hour)

Rainbow-colored dumplings near Workers' Stadium. Purple (yam/pork), green (spinach/shrimp) — 20 dumplings for 38-48 CNY

Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)(1.5 hours)

Tibetan Buddhist monastery with 26m sandalwood Maitreya Buddha. Entry: 25 CNY. The incense-filled courtyards are deeply atmospheric

Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy(1 hour)

200m from Lama Temple. Entry: 30 CNY. 198 stone tablets with names of 51,624 jinshi scholars across 600 years

Lunch at Wudaoying Hutong(1 hour)

Independent cafes and restaurants. Metal Hands coffee (25-35 CNY), creative pork buns at Baozi Bar

Chinese calligraphy class(2 hours)

Several hutong studios offer drop-in calligraphy workshops (200-350 CNY). Learn brush technique writing your name in characters. The Cultural Exchange Center near the Lama Temple is reliable

Transfer to Ming Tombs(1.5 hours)

Bus 872 from Deshengmen (12 CNY) or taxi (~200 CNY one way)

Sacred Way (Spirit Way)(1 hour)

7km stone avenue with 36 animal and human guardian statues. Entry: 30 CNY. The elephant and camel statues are magnificent

Changling Tomb(1 hour)

Largest tomb with nanmu wood pillars 14m tall in Ling'en Hall. Entry: 45 CNY

Dingling underground palace(1 hour)

The only excavated tomb — descend 27m into stone burial chambers. Entry: 60 CNY

Evening at Ghost Street (Gui Jie)(1.5 hours)

Night food strip near Beixinqiao — spicy crayfish at Huajia Yiyuan (80 CNY/kg) is the star. Hundreds of restaurants lit by red lanterns

Morning cooking class at The Hutong(3 hours)

Courtyard cooking school near Drum Tower. Hands-on dumpling making, Peking noodles, kung pao chicken. 350-500 CNY including the meal. Book at www.thehutong.com

Sanyuanli Wet Market(1.5 hours)

Working market near Liang Ma Qiao diplomatic quarter. Live fish, mushroom varieties, tofu sheets — where Beijing chefs shop

Traditional blind massage(1 hour)

Beijing's blind massage parlors (mang ren anmo) offer excellent deep-tissue massage for 80-120 CNY/hour. A genuine local experience

Hot pot dinner at Hai Di Lao(2 hours)

Sichuan hot pot chain with entertainment while waiting (manicures, snacks). Tomato and mushroom broths alongside fiery Sichuan pot. 100-150 CNY per person

High-speed train to Chengde(1.5 hours)

D-series from Beijing East or North to Chengde South (60-90 CNY). Book on 12306 app

Imperial Mountain Resort(3 hours)

564 hectares — four times the Forbidden City. Front Palace, lake islands, and grasslands. Entry: 130 CNY. Electric cart: 50 CNY

Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Little Potala Palace)(1.5 hours)

Built to resemble Lhasa's Potala Palace, 1767. Entry: 80 CNY. Red and white Tibetan architecture against green mountains

Return train + donkey-meat burger(2 hours)

Grab Chengde's signature lv rou huoshao (donkey-meat burger, 8 CNY) before your train. Last departures around 8PM

Bird's Nest & Water Cube(2 hours)

Exterior free; Bird's Nest interior: 50 CNY; Water Cube water park: 200 CNY for 2 hours of slides. The park is pleasant for a morning walk

China Science and Technology Museum(2 hours)

Interactive science museum in Olympic Park. Entry: 30 CNY. Space exploration and ancient Chinese inventions exhibits are standouts

Panjiayuan Antique Market(2 hours)

Massive weekend flea market — jade, Mao memorabilia, calligraphy, furniture. Bargain to 20-30% of asking. Weekdays: permanent shops only

Rooftop drinks overlooking the city(1.5 hours)

Capital M terrace near Tiananmen (cocktails 80-120 CNY) or The Georg at Waldorf Astoria in the French Legation Quarter

Bullet train to Tianjin(30 minutes)

C-series train from Beijing South to Tianjin (55 CNY, departures every 10-15 minutes). One of China's fastest rail connections

Italian Concession quarter walk(1.5 hours)

A restored early-1900s Italian colonial neighborhood with piazzas, European villas, and Marco Polo Square. Free to walk. Surreal to find a slice of Rome in northern China

Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel(45 minutes)

A 120m Ferris wheel built over the Haihe River on a bridge — the only such structure in the world. Entry: 70 CNY. Best at dusk

Ancient Culture Street for snacks(1.5 hours)

Tianjin's food street. Try goubuli baozi (steamed buns since 1858, 30-50 CNY for 8), mahua (fried dough twists, 10 CNY), and jianbing guozi (Tianjin's version of the crepe, 10 CNY)

Free morning — sleep in or revisit a favorite spot(3 hours)

Two weeks in, you have earned a lazy morning. Grab a jianbing and coffee from a hutong cafe

Niujie Mosque & Niujie Hui neighborhood(1.5 hours)

Beijing's oldest and largest mosque (built 996 AD), in the Hui Muslim quarter. Entry: 10 CNY. The surrounding streets have halal butchers, beef noodle shops, and a distinctly Central Asian atmosphere within Beijing

Dashilar & Liulichang Cultural Street(2 hours)

Old commercial Beijing south of Tiananmen — silk shops, traditional pharmacies (Tongrentang since 1669), and the Zhangyi Yuan hat shop (since 1651). Liulichang specializes in calligraphy brushes, ink stones, and antique books

Dinner at Fangshan Restaurant in Beihai Park(1.5 hours)

Imperial court cuisine in a lakeside setting inside Beihai Park. Set menus from 300-800 CNY. Dishes recreated from Qing dynasty imperial recipes — the corn buns and pea flour cakes are signatures

Fragrant Hills Park(3 hours)

28km northwest. Hike to Incense Burner Peak (575m) for city views — 1.5 hours up, or cable car (50 CNY one way). Entry: 10 CNY. Famous for autumn foliage (Oct-Nov) but beautiful year-round

Lunch at Xiangshan village(1 hour)

Small restaurants outside the park serve simple northern dishes — try the chao bing (stir-fried flatbread with egg and vegetables, 25 CNY)

Beijing Botanical Garden(2 hours)

Adjacent to Fragrant Hills. The tropical conservatory is impressive; the Sleeping Buddha Temple has a 5.3m reclining copper Buddha. Entry: 10 CNY (garden) + 5 CNY (temple)

Sunrise photography at Tiananmen Square flag-raising(1.5 hours)

The daily flag-raising ceremony happens at the exact minute of astronomical sunrise. Arrive 30 minutes early. Soldiers march from the Forbidden City gate — the precision and setting are extraordinary. Free

Hutong photography walk — Dongsi area(2 hours)

The hutongs around Dongsi Batiao to Dongsi Shisitiao (numbered alleys 8-14) are among Beijing's best-preserved and least touristy. Morning light through narrow lanes, elderly residents walking birds in cages, street-side barbers

Maliandao Tea Street immersion(2.5 hours)

Beijing's tea wholesale district has hundreds of shops. Free tastings are standard — sit with shopkeepers for formal gongfu tea service. Pu'er, tieguanyin, dragon well, and jasmine tea make excellent gifts. Prices from 50 CNY for decorative tins up to thousands for aged pu'er

Evening Beijing opera at Liyuan Theatre(1.5 hours)

In the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel. Short performances (90 min) with English subtitles on screens. Tickets 180-680 CNY. The face painting, acrobatics, and singing are mesmerizing even if you don't follow the plot

Afternoon transfer to Simatai / Gubei Water Town(2 hours)

Direct bus from Dongzhimen (48 CNY) or private car (400-500 CNY). The adjacent Gubei Water Town is a reconstructed water village that is worth exploring before the wall opens

Gubei Water Town exploration(2 hours)

A recreated northern Chinese water town at the base of Simatai Wall. Canal-side restaurants, artisan workshops, and hot springs (150 CNY). Entry: 140 CNY. Kitschy but atmospheric, especially at dusk when lanterns light up

Simatai Great Wall night climb(2 hours)

The wall opens for night visits 6-9PM (seasonal). Entry: 40 CNY + cable car 80 CNY. Walking the illuminated wall under stars with the village twinkling below is unforgettable. Limited to the first 5 towers. Bring a flashlight and warm layers

Return to Beijing (or stay overnight in Gubei)(2 hours)

Hotels in Gubei Water Town from 500-1,500 CNY/night. Staying overnight avoids the late drive back

Morning Mandarin survival class(2 hours)

Several language schools near Wudaoying Hutong offer drop-in beginner classes (200-300 CNY for 2 hours). Learn to order food, bargain, and give taxi directions — immediately useful and a fun souvenir skill

Morning market at Sanyuanli or Hepingli(1.5 hours)

Join the morning shopping rush at a real neighborhood market — not tourist-oriented. Watch locals squeeze tofu, argue over fish prices, and stack perfect pyramids of tomatoes

Lunch at a random neighborhood restaurant(1 hour)

Pick any packed local restaurant with no English menu. Point at what looks good at other tables. Dishes rarely exceed 30 CNY and the food is almost always better than tourist areas

Sunset walk along the ancient city wall remnants(1.5 hours)

The Ming City Wall Ruins Park near Beijing Railway Station preserves a restored 1.5km section of the old city wall. Free park, wall section entry: 10 CNY. Far fewer tourists than any other historical site

Final hutong dinner at Dali Courtyard(1.5 hours)

Yunnan cuisine in a hidden courtyard — set menu 150-200 CNY. Mushroom hotpot, cheese baked with mint. No sign — look for the red lantern near Gulou East Street

Option A: Tanzhe Temple(4 hours)

Beijing's oldest Buddhist temple (307 AD), 45km west in the Mentougou mountains. Entry: 55 CNY. Genuinely remote-feeling with ancient ginkgo trees and mountain views. A world away from the city

Option B: Cuandixia Ancient Village(6 hours)

A 400-year-old Ming/Qing village 90km west of Beijing, tucked in a mountain valley. Entry: 35 CNY. Perfectly preserved stone courtyard houses, almost no tourists on weekdays. Hire a car (400-500 CNY round trip) and bring a packed lunch

Option C: Repeat favorites(Full day)

Return to the Forbidden City's treasure halls you missed, revisit your favorite hutong, or spend the entire afternoon at a Houhai teahouse playing chess with locals

Farewell dinner at TRB Hutong(2 hours)

Fine dining in a 600-year-old temple courtyard. French-Chinese tasting menus from 588 CNY. Ancient trees, candlelight, a perfect final Beijing evening. Book ahead

Morning tai chi in Ritan Park(1 hour)

Join locals for early tai chi in this embassy-district park. Groups welcome newcomers. The altar to the sun (1530) is worth a look. Free from 6AM

Last jianbing and hutong walk(1 hour)

One final Beijing breakfast crepe from your favorite cart. Walk slowly through the hutongs you now know by heart

Airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Airport Express from Dongzhimen (PEK, 25 CNY) or Daxing Express (PKX, 35 CNY). Allow 3 hours before international flights