Beijing has been China’s political and cultural heart for centuries, shaping dynasties and modern life alike. Within its second ring road alone, you can stroll from the world’s largest public square to a 600-year-old palace complex, then up a hill built from palace moat soil for a sunset that frames the skyline.

Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit within the municipality—more than most countries—while labyrinthine hutongs still hold courtyard houses, incense-sweet temples, and noodle shops where a bowl can stop time. Come for the Great Wall; stay for the people-watching in parks where seniors waltz and teens practice K-pop choreo beneath century-old willows.

Practical notes: the Forbidden City requires real-name advance booking and is closed Mondays; spring and fall bring clear skies and crisp air. Subways are clean and cheap; WeChat Pay and Alipay now accept foreign cards. Carry your passport for ticket checks, and plan Great Wall day trips early to beat crowds and heat.

Beijing

The capital is a study in contrasts: vermilion gates and glass towers, incense and latte foam. Neighborhoods tell different stories—Dongcheng is your imperial core; Chaoyang carries glossy malls and 798 Art District; around Shichahai lakes, old lane life still hums.

• Don’t-miss icons: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall.
• Local life: morning tai chi in parks, hutong courtyards near Nanluoguxiang, tea houses and street snacks like tanghulu (candied hawthorns).
• Food & drink: Peking duck at century-old roasters, family-run dumpling joints, craft beer taprooms, hot pot that arrives like a bubbling red sea.

Getting there and around: Book international and domestic flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com (Europe-based travelers can also compare on Omio Flights). From PEK, the Airport Express to Dongzhimen takes ~25 minutes (about ¥25); taxis run ~¥100–150 to central Beijing. From PKX (Daxing), the Airport Express to Caoqiao takes ~20 minutes (about ¥35); taxis are ~¥180–220. Intercity trains and China bullet trains can be searched on Trip.com Trains.

Where to stay: Search broad options on Hotels.com – Beijing or browse apartments on VRBO – Beijing. For specific, vetted stays:

• The Peninsula Beijing (all-suite classic near Wangfujing) — Check rates.
• The Opposite House (design-forward in Sanlitun) — Check rates.
• New World Beijing Hotel (rooftop bar, near Temple of Heaven) — Check rates.
• Novotel Beijing Peace (value near Wangfujing) — Check rates.
• 365 Inn Beijing (budget, social vibe by Qianmen) — Check rates or see traveler reviews.

Day 1 – Arrival, Qianmen alleys, and a lakeside stroll

Afternoon: Land and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk along Qianmen and Dashilar, where timeworn shopfronts sell ink brushes, candied fruit, and sesame snacks. If you need a pick-me-up, duck into a tea house for jasmine or pu’er—staff happily guide you through brews.

Evening: Celebrate night one with Peking duck. Siji Minfu near the Forbidden City wins locals’ hearts for crisp skin and tableside carving (expect a queue; put your name in early). Alternatives: Bianyifang (since 1416, fruitwood-roasted) or Da Dong (leaner, contemporary plating). After dinner, wander the lantern-lit Shichahai/Houhai lakes; grab a clay jar of fresh Beijing yogurt from a corner stall or a low-key drink along Lotus Lane.

Night: If you’re up for it, sip a Mandarin wheat at Jing-A Taproom (Xingfucun)—a craft beer bellwether with Beijing-inspired brews and hutong snacks—or catch live music at a cozy hutong bar.

Day 2 – Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan views, and hutong bites

Morning: Arrive at Tiananmen Square around 8:00 a.m. to clear security faster, then head to the Forbidden City. Pre-book your entry; this option can help secure tickets in advance: Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service).

Wander from Meridian Gate north through throne halls to the intimate Imperial Garden. Exit the north gate and climb Jingshan Park for Beijing’s best panorama—the golden roofs line up like a dragon’s spine.

Afternoon: Walk or short ride to Beihai Park, a former imperial garden ringed by willow trees. For lunch, try Xian Lao Man (hand-pinched dumplings; vinegar and chili oil on the table) or Jin Ding Xuan for dim sum. Then drift into nearby hutongs; peek into courtyard homes, and browse indie boutiques around Nanluoguxiang and its quieter side lanes.

Evening: Dine at TRB Hutong for refined tasting menus in a historic courtyard, or keep it casual at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings (golden potstickers, homey vibe). Cap the night with a traditional performance—Liyuan Theatre for Peking Opera or Chaoyang Theatre for acrobatics—both friendly to non-Mandarin speakers with visual storytelling.

Day 3 – Great Wall (Mutianyu) and the Summer Palace

Devote the day to a classic pairing with hotel pickup, efficient driving, and less-crowded vistas: Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options.

Mutianyu’s restored ramparts ribbon through pines; ride the cable car up and toboggan down for a grin-inducing finale. In the afternoon, stroll Summer Palace arcades painted with mythic scenes, take a short boat across Kunming Lake, and watch sunset gild the Long Corridor. Expect 1.5 hours’ drive each way; tours typically include entrance fees and some meals—confirm details when booking.

Day 4 – Lama Temple, Wudaoying coffee, and 798 Art District

Morning: Start at the Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong), Beijing’s most famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery, perfumed with sandalwood. Walk five minutes to Wudaoying Hutong for coffee at Metal Hands or a pour-over at Voyage Coffee, and grab a light brunch at Cafe Zarah (continental spreads) or classic Beijing snacks at Huguosi Snacks (zhajiangmian, mung-bean pastries).

Afternoon: Head to 798 Art District (Chaoyang). Explore contemporary galleries in reimagined Bauhaus-era factories, public sculptures, and pop-up exhibits. When you need a break, 798’s cafes pour excellent espresso and teas; boutique design shops make great souvenir stops beyond the usual magnets.

Evening: Hot pot night: Haidilao for polished service and a duo broth (mild + spicy) loaded with thinly sliced beef, tofu skin, lotus root, and greens. If you prefer craft beer and pizza, Jing-A Taproom (Xingfucun) serves Chengdu fried chicken, cumin lamb skewers, and stellar pies. Night owls can browse Taikoo Li Sanlitun for late-opening retail and cocktails.

Day 5 – Day trip to Gubei Water Town and Simatai’s night view

Escape the city to a Song-style canal town at the foot of the Wall, with lantern-lit lanes after dark: Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town.

By day, hike Jinshanling—a photogenic, less-touristed section with dramatic watchtowers; by evening, ride the cable up Simatai for the rare night-lit Wall experience and gaze over twinkling Gubei. It’s a long, rewarding day (2–2.5 hours each way). Snack around Gubei’s canals—grilled river fish, sticky rice cakes—before the return.

Day 6 – Temple of Heaven, lakes and mansions, and a hutong food-and-beer crawl

Morning: Arrive early to the Temple of Heaven to watch locals practice tai chi and play erhu. Walk the cypress lanes to the round, blue-tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—one of Beijing’s most elegant silhouettes. If it’s a weekend, detour to Panjiayuan Market (best Sat–Sun morning) for browsing calligraphy brushes, ceramics, and ethnic textiles.

Afternoon: Explore Prince Gong’s Mansion (ornate Qing gardens and pavilions) and the willow-lined Shichahai lakes. For lunch, try Baoyuan Jiaozi (rainbow-colored dumplings tinted with spinach, carrot, and purple cabbage) or a bowl of northern-style zhajiangmian at a humble noodle shop.

Evening: Join a flavorful deep-dive through alleys locals actually eat in: Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants.

Expect sizzling griddled buns, lamb skewers dusted with cumin, hand-pulled noodles, and stops at small taprooms pouring Beijing craft beer. It’s a relaxed, social way to taste the city’s everyday flavors.

Day 7 – Last tastes, last views, and departure

Morning: Savor a final breakfast—try Huguosi Snacks for an old-Beijing spread or a slow coffee at Metal Hands. If you still need a landmark, climb the Drum and Bell Towers for a short, steep ascent and city views, or zip to the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube up close.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. From central Beijing, budget ~60–90 minutes including airport express or traffic. Check flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com and keep an eye on your terminal—Beijing has multiple.

Evening: In transit—tuck a jar of Beijing yogurt and a bag of haw flakes into your carry-on for a sweet send-off.

Optional Swap: One packed city-and-Wall day

If you prefer to condense Day 2 and Day 3 highlights into a single day with private transport, consider this comprehensive option: All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall.

It’s a big day but excellent for efficient travelers.

Booking tips and budget notes: Peak-season admissions: Forbidden City ~¥60; Temple of Heaven ~¥20–35; Summer Palace ~¥45–60; Mutianyu cable car ~¥120 round trip (usually included on tours). Subways start at ~¥3; Didi/taxis are plentiful but carry your hotel’s address in Chinese.

Where to stay recap: Browse availability at Hotels.com – Beijing and VRBO – Beijing, or check these handpicked stays: The Peninsula Beijing, The Opposite House, New World Beijing Hotel, Novotel Beijing Peace, and budget-friendly 365 Inn Beijing.

This 7-day Beijing travel guide layers imperial landmarks with neighborhood wanderings, unforgettable meals, and two distinct Wall experiences. You’ll leave with camera rolls of gold-tiled palaces and, better yet, a taste-memory of duck skin crackle, cumin smoke, and jasmine steam.