Top 5 Places to Visit in Beijing – How to Plan the Perfect Beijing Itinerary
- Arron Goh
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Beijing is more than just China’s capital — it’s a city where centuries of history meet modern life. From ancient temples and imperial palaces to bustling hutongs and world-class food, there’s no shortage of places to visit.
If you’re planning your first trip, it can feel overwhelming to choose where to go and how to structure your days. That’s why we’ve created a free 5D4N Beijing Itinerary that you can download to take the guesswork out of planning. (👉 Download the Free Beijing Itinerary Here)
In this guide, we’ll highlight the must-visit places in Beijing and show you how they can fit naturally into your trip.
No Beijing trip is complete without visiting the Great Wall.
Mutianyu is ideal if you want fewer crowds and a scenic cable car ride. This section is located 1.5hrs away from Beijing's city centre, but it's 100% worth it. We booked a tour bus on Trip.com.
Tip: Visit early in the morning and wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be climbing a lot of steps.
2. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Step inside the largest imperial palace in the world. With over 9,000 rooms, the Forbidden City is the heart of China’s history and culture.
Buy tickets online in advance.
Combine your visit with Tiananmen Square, right outside the south gate.
3. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)
A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture, once used by emperors to pray for good harvests.
Visit in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi and traditional music.
Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests — built without nails, perfectly round on a square base.
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
A stunning retreat of lakes, gardens, and palaces.
Walk along the Long Corridor for lakeside views.
Rent a boat on Kunming Lake for a peaceful break from the city.
Hutongs & Local Life
Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) are the soul of the city.
Explore by rickshaw or on foot.
Check out Nanluoguxiang for cafés and shops, or quieter hutongs for authentic local life.
Universal Studios Beijing
For a dose of modern thrills, head to Universal Studios Beijing — one of the newest and most impressive theme parks in the world.
Highlights include:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — sip butterbeer, explore Hogwarts Castle, and ride the Forbidden Journey.
Jurassic World Adventure — an immersive dark ride with jaw-dropping animatronics.
Transformers Metrobase — the first Transformers-themed land in any Universal park.
💡 Tips:
Book tickets online in advance, especially during weekends or holidays.
Arrive early to make the most of your day — queues can get long.
If time is tight, combine with a half-day city exploration the next day to balance your itinerary.
Universal Studios is a great addition if you’re traveling with kids, or if you want a lighter day between visiting historic sites like the Forbidden City or Summer Palace.
Beijing (5D4N) Full Itinerary Guide
With so many places to visit, planning the order of your trip matters. That’s why we’ve prepared a ready-to-use 5D4N Beijing Itinerary that organizes all these spots into a smooth travel plan.
It includes:
A day-by-day route (so you don’t waste time backtracking).
Travel tips on metro stations, opening hours, and entry fees.
Local food stops you shouldn’t miss along the way.
Final Thoughts
Beijing offers a mix of ancient wonders and modern energy that few cities can match. By hitting the must-see attractions — from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City and beyond — you’ll cover the highlights.
But if you want the perfect flow of what to see each day, don’t forget to grab our free Beijing 5D4N itinerary download. It’s designed to save you time and make your trip unforgettable.
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