Beijing Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat for First-Time Visitors

Planning a Beijing itinerary for 3 days and want to include the best things to do in Beijing you can’t miss?

I hope to spark travel ideas for what to do in Beijing China.

Here’s my exact Beijing 3 days itinerary guide that I experienced, with my personal Beijing travel photos and essential first-timer travel tips to help you plan your China trip!

These are the top highlights from my China trip to spark your Beijing vacation planning and make the most of your time!

I included my best picks of the best places to see in Beijing, including must-do, must-eat, and scenic attractions, especially if it’s your first time visiting China!

By Karen Mae | Oct 09, 2026

Discover how to experience the best of Beijing with the right planning and itinerary to help save you time and have an unforgettable adventure you’d be happy to remember, as I did!

I traveled to Beijing solo, but not entirely alone. I had a private tour guide and driver the whole time. As a solo female traveler in Beijing, I booked a Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall Chairlift Up & Toboggan Down with a private driver and tour guide.

Since I wasn’t comfortable traveling in China on my own and was tight on time planning for a Beijing trip, I booked all my tours privately.

Honestly, it saved me so much time! I found it convenient and worth it! I highly recommend it!

I’ve been to China twice! These are the best things to do in Beijing that I found worth experiencing and that may align with what you want to experience!

May this solo female travel to Beijing help you plan your trip!

Ready to see and fall in love with Beijing on your first visit to China?

Best Beijing Itinerary 3 days

1st Day

Arrival from the airport
Check in at Yitingzhenshe Hotel Beijing Qianmen
Beijing Night Tour
Houhai Lake
Street Food at Yandai Xiejie Street

2nd Day

Tiananmen Square
Hanfu Traditional Dress
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Old Beijing Hutongs
Dinner ~ Peking Duck

3rd Day

Summer Palace
Mutianyu Great Wall
Toboggan Ride
Qianmen street / Dashilan street / Zengyangmen
Shopping near your hotel
Departure ~ Travel to Shanghai or flight back home

Day 1 ~ Beijing Itinerary

Arrival from the airport
Check in at Yitingzhenshe Hotel Beijing Qianmen
Beijing Night Tour
Houhai Lake
Street Food at Yandai Xiejie Street

Where to Stay in Beijing

I recommend staying at Yitingzhenshe Hotel Beijing Qianmen.

If you’re planning your Beijing itinerary and wondering where to stay in Beijing? This is a great choice, especially if it’s your first time in Beijing and you’re traveling solo!

I chose to stay at this 4-star hotel in the heart of Old Beijing due to its convenient location, affordable price, clean rooms, and positive reviews, with a vibrant street, nearby shops, food stalls, and cultural landmarks.

Beijing Night Tour

If you’re arriving in Beijing in the late afternoon, start your city sightseeing as part of your Beijing itinerary! I recommend a Beijing Night Tour!

See historic buildings illuminated at night, such as the Beijing Bell Tower (Zhonglou), as captured in the background of this photo. Did you know the heaviest ancient bronze bell is inside and rings daily to indicate the evening hour?

Another nearby Beijing attraction you can’t miss from here is the Drum Tower (Gulou).

Based on my experience, this area is a great and lively place to experience Beijing culture. I saw locals socializing and dancing at the plaza!

It’s a fun and memorable experience! I enjoyed dancing with the locals and laughing at myself in the cold but lively atmosphere!

Houhai Lake

beijing travel blog — See traditional hutongs and illuminated waterfront walkways

One of the best things to do in Beijing, China, is experiencing Houhai Lake at night!

This was one of my favorite experiences traveling to Beijing! The evening atmosphere along the lake is lively and colorful, with fun cafes, lounges, restaurants, and bars to explore!

I recommend visiting in the evening to see the entire lakefront beautifully transform. Admire the traditional Chinese lanterns, neon lights, and historic buildings illuminated, creating charming shimmering reflections across the lake.

beijing tour — Enjoy the illuminated night view at Houhai Lake and Shichahai Area

Beijing Travel Tips | Must-Know

Experience live music in Beijing in one of their lounges and bars! If you’re like me, a fan of live music and Asian songs, you’ll enjoy the experience!
Traveling during the warmer months? Consider renting a paddle boat to see the historic courtyards.
Hire a traditional pedicab driver to experience a Hutong Rickshaw ride and cross the bridge.

For me, visiting Houhai Lake is one of the best things to do in Beijing FOR FREE! Enjoy strolling around the scenic lakeside view and ambiance!

Alternative

Beijing Private Night Tour: Shichahai, Houhai Hutong Walking+Peking Duck Dinner

Beijing Street Food

Interested in Beijing Food Tour?

A great way to add to your Beijing itinerary and fully embrace local Chinese cuisine in Beijing! A must-do in Beijing, especially if you’re a foodie!

Sample and experience delicious, authentic Chinese street food and dishes at locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants!

My honest Beijing Experience

I particularly enjoyed the most authentic and traditional Chinese candied fruit skewer, tanghulu, at a street food stall in Beijing along one of the Houhai Lake shopfronts.

Did you know Tanghulu originates from northern China?

I tried the traditional Chinese hawthorn berries, and it’s so delicious! This was my favorite!

It’s better than the one I tried in South Korea! I heard the modern varieties/alternatives the vendors sell/make are strawberries, cherry tomatoes, kiwi, grapes, and mandarin oranges!

~ So glad, I tried the most authentic and famous here in Beijing! It’s a must-try and should be added to your Beijing itinerary! ~

Day 2 ~ Beijing Itinerary

Tiananmen Square
Hanfu Traditional Dress
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Old Beijing Hutongs
Dinner ~ Peking Duck

Tiananmen Square

Start your day 2 Beijing itinerary by visiting Tiananmen Square and its surroundings! It’s also known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace.

Did you know it was built during the Ming Dynasty and served as an entryway to the Imperial City?

Tiananmen Square connects to the Forbidden City when walking through the Meridian gate.

Beijing Travel Tips | Must-Know

Bring your physical passport. Expect STRICT security checks and rules before entering!
- From my travel experience, this was one of the strictest security and bag checks I experienced. They took my bottle of hand sanitizer spray (They said it may cause a fire). My personal safety sound alarm keychain was confiscated as well.
Reserving in advance is a must for all visitors. Please plan your visit 2 weeks to one month in advance.
Must book tickets for each attraction separately.
Expect security lines to take an hour or more, depending on when you go. I went the 3rd week of December early in the morning, and the line took 30 minutes.
Prefer a guided tour?
- Tiananmen & Forbidden City guided tour – With Tickets

Forbidden City

This is the Meridian Gate (Wumen) entrance to the Forbidden City! Did you know it’s also known as the Palace Museum in Beijing, China?

Did you know that the Forbidden City is the world’s largest ancient wooden palace complex? For centuries, it stood as a powerful symbol of imperial authority, with ordinary people forbidden from entering without special permission.

Explore the grand historic pavilions and discover the fascinating history of imperial architecture on a guided tour of the Forbidden City!

One of the best things to do in China is to visit the Forbidden City!

Travel Tips | Must-Know

I heard you cannot buy tickets at the gate. So I recommend to book a guided tour with tickets for convenience.
Remember to bring your physical passport!
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses. The palace is huge! Expect a lot of walking.

Hanfu Traditional Dress

Want to wear a traditional Chinese Hanfu dress? For me, it’s a must-do in Beijing and an incredible experience to add to your Beijing itinerary!

I especially love this white Hanfu cloak with its soft fur trim. It definitely adds such an elegant touch to the entire outfit!

Wearing a Hanfu dress made me feel like I stepped right into a historical Chinese drama!

I’ll be sharing more photos from my Beijing trip in Hanfu dress, as this was definitely one of the most unique and memorable experiences from my Beijing 3 days itinerary!

It’s one of my absolute favorites!

Beijing Travel Tips

Looking for the most Instagrammable spots in Beijing?
- Don’t forget to take photos in front of the giant red gates decorated with rows of golden door studs at the Forbidden City!
Book in advance: Chinese Ancient Costume Rental & Photoshoot

Want to be a princess for a day in Beijing? Create an extra memorable Beijing cultural moment by dressing up!

For me, this is one of the unique things to do in Beijing, and it’s perfect to add to a Beijing itinerary even if you only have 3 days.

If this aligns with what you want to experience, it’s worth it!

Alternative (s)

You can customize your preferred princess for a day look!

If you enjoy dressing up and experiencing new culture, don’t miss this during your Beijing trip!

Experience traditional Chinese costumes with makeup and a photoshoot with a tour guide!

I was wearing a traditional Qing-dynasty-style period dress! Love it!

Remember to explore and take photos at the Gate of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City! It’s one of the best photo spots in Beijing!

My Honest Hanfu Traditional Dress Experience in Beijing

Honestly, I was short on time, so I trusted others to choose the Hanfu dress, makeup, and hairstyle they thought would suit me best. I knew they would make me look like a princess regardless, since they’ve been doing this for a long time, and I was so grateful they did!

They saved me time since I know that I can take too long deciding!

More than I expected, I truly felt like a princess in a historical Chinese drama!

I wore ancient Hanfu (Qing Dynasty) paired with flower hairpins (zanhua), hair buns, earrings, round fan (tuánshàn), and winter doupeng, with soft makeup and hairstyle!

I enjoyed dressing up in Hanfu at Beijing’s ancient historical landmarks. For me, wearing traditional Hanfu added a beautiful cultural touch to my travel photos, making each picture more meaningful and every moment a story worth telling!

Temple of Heaven

trips to beijing china — Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Planning to visit Beijing in 3 days? Remember to add Temple of Heaven in your Beijing itinerary. It’s one of the best places to see in Beijing!

Did you know this historical landmark represents ancient Chinese imperial engineering and architectural design? Interesting, it was built without using a single nail, screw, or drop of cement during the Ming Dynasty!

Admire its blue glazed roof tiles, which symbolize the heavens and the vast blue sky. Notice another fascinating detail: its circular shape represents heaven in traditional Chinese cosmology.

Beijing Travel Tips | Must-Know

Note the difference in opening hours between:
- ~The outer park (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- ~ The historic monument inside (Temple of Heaven) (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | closes at 5:00 PM during the winter season | closed on Mondays).
Please check for updated hours when planning your visit to Beijing.
Book a combined ticket in advance.
Carry your physical passport.

Whether you’ll book tickets on a guided tour or plan your own full-day Beijing itinerary, I recommend seeing the Temple of Heaven illuminated at night.

Based on my experience, it’s absolutely stunning in the evening, with its beautifully illuminated exterior creating a magical atmosphere and offering breathtaking photo opportunities from the open park grounds.

Old Beijing Hutongs

places to visit in beijing at night — Night stroll through traditional hutongs in a historic district of Beijing

Experience Chinese historic neighborhoods when exploring Beijing’s traditional narrow alleyways (hutongs) during your 3 days in Beijing! I visited in the evening and appreciated the quiet and charming atmosphere.

This photo captures me strolling through the hutongs, illuminated by the warm glow of street lamps at night.

Dinner ~ Peking Duck

must eat in beijing — Making myself a roll of traditional Peking duck wrap

A Beijing trip itinerary is incomplete without adding the must-try famous cuisine: Peking duck!

Beijing Private Night Tour: Shichahai, Houhai Hutong Walking+Peking Duck Dinner

My Honest Peking Duck Experience in Beijing

I never expected to enjoy it so much, especially the crispy sliced skin dipped in sugar that melts so delicately in my mouth! Oh my goodness, it was absolutely delicious!

Did you know there are various ways to eat this Peking duck?! I only found out during my Beijing trip!

I learned how to roll and eat the Peking duck the traditional way! Lay the pancake flat on your plate or palm, then apply the sauce. Next, add the crispy duck skin and juicy meat, then add vegetables to your liking, fold the bottom, and roll it up!

Day 3 ~ Beijing Itinerary

Summer Palace
Mutianyu Great Wall
Toboggan Ride
Qianmen street / Dashilan street / Zengyangmen
Shopping near your hotel
Departure ~ Travel to Shanghai or flight back home

Summer Palace

I visited Beijing in December, and it was super cold, so make sure to stay warm.

Did you know the Summer Palace is the world’s largest imperial garden? It’s considered the best-preserved royal park in the world! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This photo captured the frozen Kunming Lake with the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) and Longevity Hill in the background.

Travel Tips ~ Beijing in the Winter

Wear thick windproof layers, a heavy down jacket, gloves, earmuffs, and a scarf since winter in Beijing is incredibly cold and windy!
Wear winter footwear with great traction.
If you’re traveling to Beijing in the winter, you can go ice skating, rent traditional old-Beijing ice bicycles, chair-style ice sleds, or electric ice bumper carts at the frozen Kunming Lake.

Mutianyu Great Wall

beijing china travel — Mutianyu Great Wall scenic spot

One of the best Beijing attractions you can’t miss when visiting China for the first time is the Great Wall!

We know it’s one of the 7 wonders of the world, but did you know the Mutianyu Great Wall is the longest fully restored section of the Great Wall, and its main purpose was to protect the capital and royal tombs, control trade and troop movements, and serve as a military outpost?

Essential travel tips when visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

Book your tickets EARLY online
Bring your physical passport.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes! Expect steep climbs!
Bring a water bottle.
Ride Up, Toboggan Down: Take the cable car up, then ride the thrilling wheeled toboggan slide down to the bottom for a fun adventure!

Prefer a Private Guide + Driver + Tickets?

As a solo female traveler in Beijing, I booked a Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall Chairlift Up & Toboggan Down with private driver and tour guide.

I recommend it to save time and for convenience, especially if you’re short on time planning your Beijing itinerary.

Toboggan Ride

beijing attractions — Me enjoying riding the toboggan slide down the mountain after exploring the Great Wall

Did you know that Mutianyu Great Wall is famous for its thrilling toboggan ride?

This exciting 1,580-meter-long wheeled slide lets visitors enjoy a fun and scenic descent down the mountainside from Tower 6, combining breathtaking views with an unforgettable adventure!

Visitors can reach the wall by cable car or chairlift, then descend the mountainside on a fun, stainless-steel toboggan slide with scenic views!

Qianmen Street / Dashilan Street +-Zengyangmen

After exploring the Great Wall, enjoy an authentic, vibrant selection of classic and modern Chinese regional dishes at your chosen restaurant.

I personally tried, enjoyed, and recommend the following (as long as you’re not allergic to any of its ingredients)

Blueberry Chinese Yam
Crab Roe Tofu
Kung Pao Shrimp Balls
Frisée and Mushroom Salad
Fresh Soy Milk

If you have extra time during your 3 days Beijing itinerary, consider visiting some of the city’s historic landmarks and experiencing the charming atmosphere of Qianmen Street, Dashilan Street, and Zhengyangmen.

Souvenir Shopping

Don’t leave Beijing without buying yourself and your family back home some unique souvenirs to remember and celebrate your amazing trip!

There are shops near the Mutianyu Great Wall and around my hotel in Beijing where you could browse a variety of traditional Chinese pastries, snacks, and gift boxes to bring home as souvenirs!

Departure ~ Travel to Shanghai or Flight Back Home

Shanghai travel guide — Shanghai Day Trip

Planning a Shanghai in one day itinerary for a long layover or an add-on to a Beijing Trip?

Here’s my exact Shanghai day trip tour itinerary that I experienced, with travel tips to help you plan your China travel!

May this post about Beijing itinerary in 3 days help you plan your Beijing trip to include the best things to do, must-see attractions, scenic views, what to eat, best photo spots and travel tips (First-Timer’s Guide)

I hope this Beijing travel blog gives you the most memorable experience that aligns with what you’re looking to experience!

~ One Day Travel Posts ~ Read next:

Thank you for considering this Beijing itinerary created especially if you’re traveling to Beijing for the first time! I hope I have sparked your China trip planning!

~ Safe travels, and enjoy visiting Beijing, China ~

Beijing Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat for First-Time Visitors