5-Day Beijing Itinerary: Explore Forbidden City, Great Wall & More
Beijing is where ancient history meets vibrant modern life—a city full of iconic landmarks, fascinating culture, and unforgettable experiences. This 5-Day Beijing Itinerary is designed to help you explore the best of the capital, from imperial palaces and traditional hutongs to contemporary art districts and Gubei Water Town. Staying near Wangfujing makes it easy to reach top attractions like Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, while keeping shopping and dining within walking distance.
I. Pre-Trip Essentials for Your 5-Day Beijing Itinerary
1. Passport & ID
Your passport is mandatory for hotel check-ins, attraction entry, and high-speed rail tickets. Keep it handy throughout your trip.
2. Currency & Payments
While Beijing is largely cashless, carrying some RMB is useful for small vendors. Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Also, bring an international credit or debit card for major malls and restaurants.
3. Attraction Tickets
Most major sites require advance booking with your real name:
- Forbidden City – Book online or via official platforms, entry at scheduled time.
- Great Wall (Badaling / Simatai) – Purchase tickets and transport tickets in advance.
- Gubei Water Town – Book online to avoid long queues.
4. Transportation
A Beijing Transit Card (Yīkătōng) is convenient for subways and buses and refundable. Alternatively, activate an electronic transit pass via Alipay or WeChat for seamless QR-code access.
II. Day-by-Day Guide of the 5-Day Beijing Itinerary
Day 1: Imperial Core – Tian’anmen & Hutongs
| Time | Activity | Travel & Dining | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Tian’anmen Square → Forbidden City | Walk from Wangfujing. Breakfast nearby: soy milk, yóutiáo, buns. Bring water/snacks. | Book Forbidden City tickets in advance. Follow central axis: Three Great Halls, Inner Court. Treasure Gallery requires separate ticket. |
| Afternoon | Jingshan Park → Nanluoguxiang (hutong culture) | Lunch: Try Zhajiangmian at Haiwanju. Travel: walk/subway. | Jingshan Park: climb Wanchun Pavilion for panoramic views. Nanluoguxiang: explore courtyards, shop for souvenirs, stay aware of crowds. |
| Evening | Qianmen Street (local snacks) | Subway from Nanluoguxiang. Sample Zhajiangmian, Lǔzhǔ Huǒshāo, Dòuzhī. | Qianmen Street is lined with historic shops and food stalls—perfect for evening exploration. |
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure + Modern Landmarks
| Time | Activity | Travel & Dining | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Badaling Great Wall (Hike Hero Slope, cable car optional) | Take high-speed rail or tourist bus. Breakfast near hotel. Snacks available at site. | Book tickets/train in advance. Use cable car if needed. |
| Afternoon | Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest, Water Cube) → 798 Art District | Lunch near Olympic Park: Beijing-style home dishes. Dinner at Guijie Street: spicy crawfish/lobsters (Hú Dà Fànguăn). | Olympic Park: purchase tickets if entering Bird’s Nest/Water Cube. 798 Art District: explore galleries and creative shops. |
Day 3: Royal Gardens & Academic Stops
| Time | Activity | Travel & Dining | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Summer Palace (Yíhéyuán, Kunming Lake cruise, Long Corridor) | Subway from Wangfujing. Breakfast at hotel. Lunch nearby: Beijing-style dishes. | Summer Palace is huge—plan route carefully. Boat ride on Kunming Lake recommended. Don’t miss Long Corridor frescoes. |
| Afternoon | Old Summer Palace Ruins → Tsinghua/Peking University (photo stop) | Subway/bus. Dinner: Niújiē Jùbăoyuán for copper pot mutton hotpot. | Old Summer Palace: ruins of Western Mansions. Tsinghua/Peking University: photo stop outside campus. |
Day 4: Temple of Heaven + Hutongs + Gubei Water Town
| Time | Activity | Travel & Dining | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Temple of Heaven → Prince Gong’s Mansion | Subway. Lunch: Old Beijing specialties nearby. | Temple of Heaven: visit Hall of Prayer, Echo Wall. Prince Gong’s Mansion: admire architecture, learn history. |
| Afternoon | Shichahai cycling → Yandai Xiejie | Rent bikes along Shichahai. Snacks at cafe. | Shichahai is lively; Yandai Xiejie: shop for handicrafts, enjoy local ambiance. |
| Evening | Travel to Gubei Water Town & hot spring | Direct bus from Beijing. Dinner inside town: local specialties. | Check in, relax in hot spring—perfect after a busy day. |
Day 5: Gubei Water Town Immersion & Simatai Great Wall
| Time | Activity | Travel & Dining | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | Water Town stroll → Simatai Great Wall → Night tour & light show | Explore on foot; use scenic shuttle if needed. Meals at Gubei restaurants. | Simatai: steep, original Ming section with amazing views. Night tour: romantic ambiance. Night hiking optional. Arrange return transport. |
III. Practical Travel Tips for a Smooth 5-Day Beijing Itinerary
- Weather & Clothing: Summer—light clothing, sunscreen; Winter—warm coats, gloves; Spring/Autumn—layered clothing.
- Safety & Culture: Keep valuables secure. Respect local rules in historic sites; no flash photography indoors.
- Language: English is widely understood at hotels and major attractions. Translation apps (Google Translate, Youdao) help for taxis or local eateries.
IV. Final Thoughts
This 5-Day Beijing Itinerary covers Beijing’s iconic highlights, from the imperial core to charming hutongs, royal gardens, modern art districts, and Gubei Water Town adventures. With well-planned travel, delicious local food, and practical tips, it ensures a rich, memorable experience in China’s capital. Check out Beijing Local Food Trails for more culinary adventures. For additional travel plans, see Beijing Travel Itineraries.
