China Itinerary
The Perfect 5-Day Beijing Itinerary
Beijing 🇨🇳 · Built from 9 real traveler plans · 39 spots
Beijing is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 9 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 5-day plan — built around the 39+ places people actually saved, ranked by how often they show up. No filler, no tourist traps nobody bookmarks: just the spots real travelers keep choosing for Beijing.
5-Day Beijing Itinerary
Day 1
An imperial complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven for good harvests, set within a beautiful park.
Explore the magnificent imperial palace, home to emperors for nearly 500 years, showcasing ancient Chinese architecture and art.
A vast complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces serving as a summer retreat for emperors, showcasing classical Chinese garden design.
Located directly north of the Forbidden City, this imperial park offers panoramic views of the palace complex from its central pagoda-topped hill.
Explore a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former factory buildings, featuring galleries, studios, and cafes.
Day 2
One of the largest museums in the world, covering the entire history of China from the Yuanmou Man to the end of the Qing dynasty.
One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, featuring stunning architecture, vibrant art, and a massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern European cuisine in a beautifully restored temple setting within a hutong.
A vast public square, historically significant and surrounded by iconic buildings, serving as the gateway to the Forbidden City.
Day 3
A beautifully restored section of the Great Wall, less crowded than Badaling, offering stunning views, cable car access, and an optional toboggan ride.
Beijing's second largest Confucian temple, dedicated to Confucius, offering a tranquil escape and insights into ancient Chinese education and philosophy.
A modern museum showcasing Beijing's rich history, culture, and urban development through extensive collections of artifacts and exhibitions.
Day 4
Beijing's largest and most famous antique market, offering a treasure trove of curios, crafts, vintage items, and cultural souvenirs (best visited on weekends).
A large botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections, a temple, and a greenhouse complex, offering a peaceful natural escape.
One of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, featuring a large lake and numerous historical structures.
Day 5
A charming and quieter hutong known for its boutique shops, independent cafes, and unique restaurants, offering a relaxed shopping and dining experience.
Top Things to Do in Beijing
- Temple of Heaven — ★ 4.6 (saved by 9 travelers)An imperial complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven for good harvests, set within a beautiful park.
- Forbidden City — ★ 4.6 (saved by 7 travelers)Explore the magnificent imperial palace, home to emperors for nearly 500 years, showcasing ancient Chinese architecture and art.
- Summer Palace — ★ 4.6 (saved by 7 travelers)A vast complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces serving as a summer retreat for emperors, showcasing classical Chinese garden design.
- 798 Art Zone — ★ 4.5 (saved by 6 travelers)Explore a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former factory buildings, featuring galleries, studios, and cafes.
- National Museum of China — ★ 4.4 (saved by 6 travelers)One of the largest museums in the world, covering the entire history of China from the Yuanmou Man to the end of the Qing dynasty.
- Lama Temple (Yonghegong) — ★ 4.7 (saved by 5 travelers)One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, featuring stunning architecture, vibrant art, and a massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Tiananmen Square — ★ 4.4 (saved by 4 travelers)A vast public square, historically significant and surrounded by iconic buildings, serving as the gateway to the Forbidden City.
- Mutianyu Great Wall — ★ 4.8 (saved by 3 travelers)A beautifully restored section of the Great Wall, less crowded than Badaling, offering stunning views, cable car access, and an optional toboggan ride.
Where to Eat in Beijing
- TRB Hutong — ★ 4.6
- Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Wangfujing) — ★ 4
- Xiheyuan Restaurant (颐和园店) — ★ 5
- Hongbinlou Restaurant (Baishiqiao) — ★ 4.9
- Da Dong (大董) — ★ 4.7
Beijing Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Beijing?
Most travelers planning Beijing on Triply spend about 5 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Summer Palace — without rushing.
What are the top things to do in Beijing?
Based on 9 real Beijing itineraries, the most-saved spots are Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, 798 Art Zone, National Museum of China.
Where should I eat in Beijing?
The most-saved places to eat in Beijing are TRB Hutong, Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant (Wangfujing), Xiheyuan Restaurant (颐和园店), Hongbinlou Restaurant (Baishiqiao), Da Dong (大董).
Is Beijing worth visiting?
Beijing is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 9 traveler itineraries covering 39+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 5-day trip.
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