Every city I visited during my trip to China felt completely different, but Beijing has stuck in my memory as a calm and collected epicenter of culture. This is where you find the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the historic hutongs — places that carry centuries of history in every stone and alleyway. And it was during my Beijing trip that I learned how every detail in China carries fascinating symbolism — something you often need to learn to decode. For example, did you know that in ancient China, every color had a specific meaning?
So join me as I look back on the amazing time I had during my Beijing trip — and let’s find out what to see in Beijing together!
PS: As you can see on my full China trip itinerary, I arrived mid day a day before the adventures start, so theoretically I had 0.5 more days on my Beijing trip, but I didn’t explore any of Beijing’s attractions then, so for simplicity here I am counting only full days on this Beijing travel itinerary.
Read my full China travel story
What to see in Beijing:
Day 1 of My Beijing Trip
It’s bright and early, and we’ve just wrapped up breakfast at the hotel buffet. Honestly, I’m still not sure what half of it was—I think I had fried rice and some kind of mystery veggies. Either way, we’ve filled our tummies and are ready to explore Beijing.
Beijing has been China’s capital—with a few interruptions—for around eight centuries. It served as the center of power for many dynasties in Imperial China and remains the capital of the People’s Republic of China today, making it one of the most layered and fascinating cities to visit. With so many stories and landmarks woven through its streets, it’s hard to know where to begin.
But here is my tip – if you’re wondering what to see in Beijing first, start with the hutongs.
First Stop of Our Beijing Travel: A Fascinating Tour Through Historic Hutongs
Logistics: if you explore on your own it is free, but if you wish to do a guided tour – it is tip based. And you need to book in advance.
Chinese name for navigation 毛儿胡同
How did people live in Beijing in the past, and how do they live today?
For me, the best way to begin a Beijing travel itinerary is with a guided tour that reveals both the city’s rich history and the daily rhythms of its people. That’s why, for the first thing to do in Beijing, I chose a guided walk through the city’s historic alleyways—known as hutongs—where past and present blend in fascinating ways.
Beijing is home to countless hutongs, but our local guide leads us to Nanluoguxiang and Mao’er Hutong—a brilliant choice for any Beijing travel itinerary. These narrow alleyways are snugly lined with single-story gray houses in varying conditions—some freshly restored, others bearing the marks of age. They have gently curved tiled roofs and small windows—some of which have ornate railings.
From the tangled electricity boxes to the scooters, bikes, and rickshaws parked along the sides, and the endless flow of people weaving through the alleys, it’s clear—this is where real life happens. And watching it all unfold is absolutely fascinating.
Who Lives (and lived) in Beijing Hutongs?
Amid the almost grayscale palette of Beijing’s hutongs, vibrant architectural details stand out, quietly telling colorful stories of their past inhabitants. Take a closer look at the entrance doors—many are adorned with faded yet elaborate paintings of nature, decorative knobs, and stone sculptures flanking either side.
The first hutongs appeared during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and expanded significantly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1911). The grand, ornately decorated courtyard homes near the Forbidden City—within the area once called the Imperial City—belonged to those closest to the emperor: military officers, government officials, and scholars. Merchants, artisans, and commoners lived further out, in the Inner and Outer Cities.
Fun fact of the first day of our Beijing travel
Did you know you can tell who once lived in these homes just by the statues at the door?
If a house had rounded statues resembling shields, it meant a military official once lived there. Square statues, shaped like books, indicated the home of a scholar.
There are many more hidden meanings woven into the architectural details of Beijing’s hutongs—but I won’t steal our guide’s thunder. He was brilliant, and if you’re planning a Beijing trip itinerary, you should take a guided tour to learn more.
What is Life Like in Beijing’s Hutongs Today?
Turns out that, nowadays, there are two very different kinds of homes tucked into these alleyways. Some are high-value residences owned by a single family. You can recognize them by their beautifully restored facades.
And then there’s the other side: modest communal housing, where each room is rented by a different family. Because they were constructed so long ago, these spaces often lack running water and central heating.
That said, it’s important to remember that this is just one small part of the city and this lifestyle should not be generalised to the rest of the city. The majority of Beijing is a vast, modern metropolis filled with high-rises and newly built apartment complexes.
You could walk through Beijing’s hutongs for hours and never get bored! Conveniently, our guided tour ends right by the next stop on our what to see in Beijing list. I’ll give you a hint: it’s the beating heart that once set the pace for all of ancient Beijing.
Beijing Drum Tower: Unveiling Ancient Chinese Timekeeping Secrets
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket to this Beijing attraction.
Chinease name for navigation: 北京鼓樓
Have you ever heard of the 108 beats? In ancient China, time was measured using their own intricate system—one deeply rooted in numerology and traditional Chinese worldviews. Just as church bells once marked the hours in European cities, ancient Chinese cities like Beijing relied on Drum Towers and Bell Towers to keep the rhythm of society in sync. The deep, resonating sounds of the drums in were traditionally used to mark time during the night, while the Bell Tower took over during the day. But the system was more complex than it might seem—ancient China didn’t follow the 24-hour format we use today.
If this topic piques your interest and you’d like to explore it further, a visit to Beijing’s Drum Tower is a must. And even if you’re just here for the views, it’s well worth a stop—both towers are stunning architectural landmarks in their own right.
After that it is time for some Chinese street food. Sounds like the famous Wangfujing food street isn’t operating at the moment, but luckily for us there is another food district right by where we are.
Fuel Up in Shichahai Food Street in Beijing
Chinese name for navigation: 什刹海小吃街
Ready to indulge in some matcha ice cream or grilled meat skewers generously dusted with spicy seasoning? Let’s head to Shichahai food street! I used to wonder why so many travel blogs and vlogs focus so much on trying local food — until I traveled to Beijing. That’s when I truly understood just how diverse and flavorful Chinese cuisine is. Let me tell you, it was tough going back to my own bland cooking after that.
One of the best ways to experience food in China is through its street food. We got our first taste of juicy, meat-filled buns in one of the Beijing’s famous tourist attractions Shichahai — a lively food district that not only offers an incredible variety of local delicacies, but also picturesque views of three of Beijing’s famous “seas”: Lake Xihai, Lake Houhai, and Lake Qianhai.
I think we will return here for dinner as well! But now, let’s head to today’s last stop on our Beijing travel itinerary. Something a bit more futuristic.
Add Space Travel to Your Beijing Travel Itinerary: SoReal Blast Furnace VR Park
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket to this Beijing attraction.
Chinease name for navigation: 首钢一高炉·SoReal科幻乐园
The next stop on our Beijing itinerary might feel a bit puzzling at first. We’ve ventured farther from the city center, into an area where towering, industrial structures dominate the skyline — massive rusted pipes, skybridges, and enormous cylindrical tanks rise around us, stained with time and weather. It’s like stepping into a world built for giants.
What is this place? A factory?
Not anymore. It used to be a blast furnace — part of a massive steel factory — but today, it’s been reimagined as an immersive theme park called SoReal Blast Furnace. If, during your Beijing trip, you’re interested in trying virtual reality that goes beyond just 3D glasses, this is the place to go. This experience combines animated visuals with full-body motion: 360-degree flip chairs, mechanical horses, and harnesses that simulate parachuting.
As you purchase your ticket and step into this futuristic Beijing attraction, you realize the entire space has been designed to feel like a spaceship. Purple lighting glows across the walls, pipes twist through the corridors, and control panels blink with coded displays. Ambient sounds hum all around you, deepening the illusion. Through the massive window of the “ship,” Earth appears far in the distance — just one more detail pulling you into this surreal world.
Unfortunately I wasn’t sure if photography was allowed inside, so I didn’t take any. But you can check out some cool renders to get a feel for the place on their website.
Scattered throughout the rooms are eerily lifelike humanoid robots. Their synthetic skin looks so real, you almost expect it to feel warm to the touch — but their unfocused gaze gives them away. Even if you don’t play 3D games, this is still a fun place to walk around.
But if you do, this stop on our Beijing travel itinerary offers plenty to explore. Across multiple floors of the spaceship-like complex, you’ll find a wide range of seamlessly integrated interactive 3D experiences — from shooting games and racing simulations to virtual roller coasters and much more. There is a person at each project to help you. Although they don’t speak English fluently, they are very attentive and use translation apps to explain the rules of each game.
One thing to keep in mind, though: during this virtual reality experience in Beijing, I discovered that I’m prone to motion sickness when using 3D glasses. That has nothing to do with the venue — it’s just how my body reacts — but I thought it was worth mentioning in case you’re sensitive too. Luckily, I managed to shake off the dizziness with a little help from a robot-made ice cream. Yes, that’s a thing — you can pay a robot to make you a soft serve.
That concludes our first Beijing travel day.
I have to say I am hooked and can’t wait to continue to explore Beijing tomorrow. Now rest and recharge!
Day 2 of My Beijing Travel
We woke up on the second day of our Beijing trip to the sound of rain — the kind of weather that could easily dampen your mood while traveling. But not this time. For this part of our Beijing travel itinerary, we had pre-booked tickets to a museum that promises something truly exciting, so the rainy start doesn’t matter one bit.
Want a hint? While Beijing’s history is endlessly fascinating, I also think it’s just as important to look ahead. So today, let’s explore what to see in Beijing if you’re drawn to futuristic design and cutting-edge technology.
Robots and Future Tech in Beijing Science Museum (China Science and Technology Museum)
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket in advance.
Chinese name for navigation: 中国科学技术馆
Ready to meet some robots? Spanning multiple floors and covering topics like robotics, 5G, space exploration, natural resources, the human body, and more — all presented through interactive exhibits — China Science and Technology Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to add a dose of innovation to their Beijing travel itinerary.
We somehow completely miss the fact that the first level holds an exhibit on ancient Chinese technical achievements, and instead head straight to the F1 floor — where we’re greeted by a giant dinosaur skeleton. Its head stretches all the way up to the 3rd floor. Not a bad way to kick things off!
But as we walk in the first exhibition I get a bit discouraged. It seems clearly designed for young children, featuring colorful displays that explain basic natural science concepts like sound. But don’t worry — the real fun is just one floor higher. Unless you’re visiting with little ones, I’d recommend heading straight up to the robotics exhibit.
There are many robots, including robot fish gliding through a tank, a robot playing the harp and a robotic doll head that recognizes and mimics your facial expressions. Try flexing your face into the weirdest expression you can think of and see if it can keep up — it’s both hilarious and slightly creepy.
Not every robot runs at the same time (they follow set activation schedules), so you might have to wait a bit between demonstrations. But trust me — they’re worth it. And the museum has filled these in-between moments with mini-games and interactive fun. One of my favorites? A facial recognition game that matches you to your historic look-alike.
Beyond the robotics section, there are other exhibits that truly stand out. In one room, you can draw your own animal, scan it, and watch as it comes to life on a massive digital jungle wall alongside creatures created by other visitors.
And then there’s the sleek, futuristic 5G exhibit, which explores how 5G technology could shape everyday life. One highlight is an AR-enhanced experience where you use a “magic mirror” to scan a historical artifact. The image transforms into a 3D model that you can rotate and examine from every angle. How cool is that? We spent around 5 hours here and I would definitely recommend you to add this museum to your Beijing travel itinerary!
Why You Should Include Beijing Olympic Park in Your Beijing Travel Itinerary
Chinese name for navigation: 奥林匹克公园
We had already spotted the towering, futuristic Beijing Olympic Tower — topped with the five iconic Olympic rings — rising above the Olympic Green as we made our way to the China Science and Technology Museum earlier that day. With its stacked, circular platforms, it reminded me a bit of a cluster of space mushrooms… in the best possible way.
But if there’s a time to truly appreciate Beijing’s Olympic Park, it’s after dark — when the whole area lights up in dazzling color. So of course, we had to come back.
The buildings in Beijing Olympic Park were constructed for the 2008 Olympic Games, and many have since become staples of the city’s skyline. Some are instantly recognizable thanks to their bold, futuristic designs — others blend more quietly into the landscape, only catching your eye if you know what you’re looking at.
We begin our exploration at the shopping mall by the metro station, where we stopped for dinner. The first cool thing about this place? It actually runs under the water — you can enter the shop on one side of the river and emerge on the other. The second? Even though it’s not directly connected to the Olympic Games, it fully embraces the atmosphere, with vibrant lights and playful decorations.
The next building we spot after the Olympic Tower is the Linglong Tower, which once served as part of the International Broadcast Center during the Games. It has multiple pods that are held together by metallic structures. Unfortunately, it’s not illuminated tonight, leaving the nearby National Stadium to steal the spotlight. Fortunately, we had the chance to admire Linglong’s intricate architectural details earlier in the day, when they’re far easier to appreciate.
Then we continue walking towards (possibly) the best known buildings of Beijing Olympic Park.
Beijing Birds Nest Stadium and Aquatic Center at Night
To one side, there’s the National Stadium — better known as the Bird’s Nest due to it’s unique shape. It’s glowing from within with a fiery red light. It truly does resemble a metallic bird’s nest, alive with energy.
Facing it across the plaza is the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube. At night, it looks like it’s wrapped in glowing soap bubbles, lit up in electric blue.
It’s a surreal contrast — fire on one side, water on the other. Or heaven on one side and the earth on the other as the circular shape of the Birds nest is said to symbolise heaven and the square shape of the Water cube is said to symbolise the earth. Anyways – it’s one of those places where you could just stand still, observing, and feel like you’re in another world.
And with that, the second day of our Beijing travel itinerary comes to an end — a day completely different from the first, perfectly showcasing just how diverse China as a travel destination can be.
Day 3 of My Beijing Itinerary
The first two days of our Beijing adventure felt like a warm-up — and now we’re ready to dive into some of Beijing’s most iconic attractions. Today, we’ll be walking in the footsteps of ancient Chinese emperors. Ready to step back in time?
Decoding The Hidden Symbols in Forbidden City
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket or book a guided tour to this Beijing attraction in advance.
Chinese name for navigation: 紫禁城
The former imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing — known today as the Forbidden City (or Palace Museum) — is a fascinating maze of grand gates, intricately decorated buildings, and winding corridors filled with echoes of history. Every step holds a story, and symbols seem to hide in plain sight, so it is a must see in Beijing.
Why We Chose a Guided Tour of Forbidden City for our Beijing Travel Itinerary
Since tickets to the Forbidden City are notoriously hard to get, we decided to join a guided tour — and I’m so glad we did, for two big reasons. First, official tour guides have access to special entrance lines, which are often much shorter than those for individual visitors. Second, this place is massive. I would’ve been completely lost trying to navigate it on my own.
To even reach the main entrance, you have to cross Tiananmen Square — the largest public square in the world — and then weave your way into the Forbidden City itself. They say it spans the area of more than 100 football fields and contains exactly 9,999.5 rooms. Why not 10,000? Because only the ruler of heaven could claim that number. Technically, the room count is more legend than fact (official numbers vary), but it’s exactly the kind of detail that adds depth and wonder to your Beijing trip.
Highlights of the Forbidden City: A Key Part of Your Beijing Travel Itinerary
Our guide leads us to the Gate of Supreme Harmony, and I can’t help but be struck by the sheer scale and splendor of it all. Towering red columns support golden-glazed roofs, their corners curving skyward, lined with rows of little golden statues. Below them, the walls are painted in rich patterns of green, blue, and red, accented with shimmering gold. Two lions stand guard at the base of the terrace.
But the beauty goes deeper — as our guide points out, much of what we see in Forbidden city is layered with meaning.
Fun fact of the 3rd day of our Beijing trip
The drainpipes of the Forbidden palace are shaped like dragons, the symbol of the emperor. And all the rooftops are covered in yellow tiles, because yellow was the imperial color. Even the layout of the complex reflects cosmic and philosophical order. Every detail, no matter how small, was placed with purpose.
Since the main gate was reserved exclusively for the emperor, we entered through the side gates. Just when you think the grandeur couldn’t get any greater, you arrive at the Hall of Supreme Harmony — the largest and most important hall in the entire palace complex, where the grandest imperial ceremonies took place. I was completely humbled by the sheer scale of the place. A vast stone courtyard stretched out before us, leading to an elaborately decorated hall perched atop a magnificent, multi-tiered terrace.
As the tour continues, we wind our way forward and sideways through a maze of corridors and courtyards. Most buildings are closed to visitors, but if you look closely, you’ll spot a few that are open — offering a rare glimpse into the once-private world of China’s emperors. Some structures have been fully restored, glowing with vibrant colors and intricate details, while others still wait their turn for preservation. After a while, everything starts to feel somewhat similar… yet each turn reveals something slightly different. You could easily spend hours of your Beijing travel itinerary exploring the Palace Museum — and still not manage to see it all. So after ~3h of walking our tour comes to the close in the beautiful Imperial gardens.
Can you still stand on your feet? I think I need to sit down for a moment — but knowing our Beijing trip is coming to an end, I’m going to rally for one last stop today. If you’d also like to linger a little longer in the echoes of imperial China, join me at the place where emperors once prayed for a good harvest.
Temple of Heaven in Beijing: Where Emperors Used to Pray
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket to this Beijing attraction.
Chinese name for navigation: 天坛
The next stop on our Beijing travel itinerary is equally iconic and historic. In ancient China, one of the emperor’s sacred duties was to pray to Heaven for a good harvest, favorable weather, and the overall prosperity of the nation. That ritual took place at the Temple of Heaven — an intriguing and colorful complex that hides centuries of imperial ceremony and ancient cosmological philosophy.
I found the temple buildings, especially the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its striking triple-tiered roof, to be visually captivating. It’s no wonder the temple has been the muse for countless photographers. But what many visitors don’t realize is that the Temple of Heaven is also surrounded by an expansive, peaceful park — a pocket of calm where you can enjoy the presence of nature right in the heart of a bustling city.
And the chance to recharge in the shade of ancient trees, watching locals practice tai chi and take part in lively outdoor dance classes, was exactly what I needed after a packed day three of our Beijing trip.
Day 4: of My Beijing Travel Itinerary
Before I even started planning my trip to China, there was one place I knew I had to see. Today, we’re heading just outside Beijing to explore the Great Wall of China. I’m so excited! How about you?
Highlight of My Beijing Travel Itinerary: A Day Trip to The Great Wall of China
Logistics: You have to purchase an entrance ticket to this Beijing attraction.
Chinese name for navigation: 慕田峪
The Great Wall of China needs no introduction, right? But let me try to blow your mind anyway.
Picture this: you’re surrounded by layers of misty mountains stretching into the distance. And winding between them, like the spine of a sleeping dragon, is a long, ancient wall. It’s dotted with people who, from far away, look like tiny specks drifting along its ridges.
What you may not realize is that the Great Wall wasn’t built as one continuous structure. It was first made by connecting multiple defence structures already built and then rebuilt, and extended over centuries by various dynasties — eventually becoming the longest military structure in the world, spanning more than 20,000 kilometers.
Today, we’re exploring the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China to take on the Hero’s Slope — and I can’t wait to show you why it’s worth the trip… and the sweat.
Check out my full blogpost on traveling to Great Wall for details on how we got there and what we saw.
What a truly unforgettable way to wrap up our Beijing trip!
Thoughts?
Exploring Beijing’s attractions has been nothing short of fascinating. From ancient wonders to futuristic tech, every stop added a new layer to the adventure. And the journey doesn’t end here — next up: the dynamic, fast paced Shanghai!PS: I hope that my experiences and my list of things to see in Beijing will help you plan your own Beijing travel itinerary. If you’re actively planning a trip to Beijing you may also be interested to take a peek into my China travel planning tips as well.
Read my full China travel story
FAQ About Beijing Trip
How many days to spend in Beijing?
We were in Beijing for 4 full days (+ a bit less than a half day when we arrived) and to me it felt like it wasn’t enough. I didn’t get to cross off all the items I had listed in my wat to see in Beijing list. If I just had one more day to go to Summer palace and Lama temple… So I would suggest planning 5 days for exploring Beijing & traveling to the great wall.
How to get around Beijing?
I feel like the metro is the most foreigner friendly way to get around Beijing. It is very convenient and the metro system is very extensive, so I was able to reach all the attractions I wanted to visit in Beijing by using the metro.
Do I have to book tickets to Beijing attractions in advance?
Yes, tickets to places like Forbidden palace & museums in Beijing get fully booked quickly, so you do need to purchase tickets / reserve your entry ahead of time. For large open spaces like Temple of Heaven and Drum tower we were able to buy tickets on the site the day off (but we were not traveling in peak season)
Any other tips for planning your Beijing travel itinerary?
Beijing is huge, so when booking the hotel I would suggest you prioritize location, so that you don’t have to spend hours in the metro just to get to the city center and I would highly recommend booking a hotel that is close to the metro station. That will save you a lot of time.