A Local’s Perfect Beijing 4-Day Winter Itinerary (First-Timer)

I’ve been to Beijing more than 5 times for work.
Although I’ve lived in Shanghai for over 10 years, Beijing is the city I connect with more deeply—its people, cultural depth, and sense of history feel unmatched.

The Beijing 4-day itinerary captures Beijing’s scale, imperial past, and layered history make it the best city to understand China, especially if you care about culture and historical travel.
If this is your first time in China, I honestly recommend Beijing over any other city.

A Budget-Smart Beijing 4-Day Itinerary, Built from Real Exp

My first Beijing trip was 6 years ago, solo, on a tight budget due to the low salary then
This itinerary reflects that reality. All transport options and hotel areas recommended here are:

• Cost-efficient
• Metro-friendly
• Easy for first-time visitors

This guide is an optimized version of my original 4-day trip, with optional upgrades if you have more time.

What You Get from This Beijing Itinerary

From a local + repeat-visitor perspective, this guide gives you:

• A clear 4-day itinerary you can copy and follow directly
• Morning / afternoon / evening plans, with realistic pacing
• Transport routes, travel time, and local food recommendations
• Designed for US/EU first-time visitors and solo travelers

No fluff. No rushed box-ticking.

Quick Beijing 4-Day Essentials for First-Time Visitors

This section answers the most common planning questions before you land.

Is 4 Days in Beijing Enough?

Yes—4 days is enough to cover Beijing’s core highlights: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City & The Summer Palace

If you prefer a slower pace, or want to add, then 5–7 days will feel far more relaxed and immersive:

• Olympic architecture
• Universal Studios (Chelsea’s Pick)
• Deeper local neighborhoods

Where to Stay in Beijing for 4 Days

Then 5–7 days will feel far more relaxed and immersive. Choosing the right area matters more than hotel brand.

Dongcheng District (Qianmen / Dashilan)

Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, business travelers

Why stay here:
This is Beijing’s cultural and political core. You can walk to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Qianmen Street. Multiple metro lines make day trips effortless.

If history is your priority, this area saves the most time.

Chaoyang District (Sanlitun / CBD)

Best for: Shopping, nightlife, younger travelers

Why stay here:
Sanlitun is Beijing’s nightlife and fashion hub. The CBD and Guomao areas offer modern hotels, international dining, and easy airport access.

Choose this area if you want modern Beijing after sightseeing hours.

Xicheng District (Xidan / Financial Street)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, business trips

Why stay here:
Xidan is a traditional shopping area with many affordable dining options. Financial Street has higher-end hotels but good transport links.

A solid balance between central location and better prices.

Getting Around, Paying & Staying Connected

For Beijing, setup matters more than planning attractions. I strongly recommend preparing:
Alipay / WeChat Pay, Metro & bike rental access and Mobile data or eSIM

I’ve written step-by-step guides covering payments, transport, and bike rentals in detail—
👉 See my dedicated article linked below (includes screenshots and setup tips).

• How to Master Transportation in China: A Complete Guide for Retreat & Ski Guests
• How to Master Internet Access in China: Best VPNs, eSIMs
• How to Master Digital Payments in China: A Complete Guide for Retreat & Ski Guests

Perfect Beijing 4-Day Itinerary

Day	Theme	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1	Iconic Beijing	Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City	Jingshan Park → Beihai Park	Shichahai hutongs / Drum Tower
Day 2	Temples & Culture	Temple of Heaven → Qianmen Street	National Museum OR Yonghe Temple + Confucius Temple	Wangfujing dinner
Day 3	Great Wall Day Trip	Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall	Continue Great Wall hike	Massage / Korean sauna in city
Day 4	Gardens & Universities	Haidian Park → Tsinghua University	Yuanmingyuan → Summer Palace	Early dinner near Summer Palace
Day 5 (Optional)	Modern / Fun	Olympic Park or Universal Studios	Universal Studios (full day)	—

Day 1 – Iconic Beijing: Tiananmen & Forbidden City & Jingshan

Morning: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Northeast Corner Tower

07:30–08:00 | Tiananmen Flag-Raising (Optional)

If you want to see the flag-raising, arrive before 8:00 AM. Entry is free, but you must reserve via the Tiananmen Square mini-program 1–7 days in advance. Check the exact flag time and arrive 2–3 hours early for security queues.

Tiananmen Gate Tower: Open 08:30–17:00, closed every Monday. Avoid planning internal visits on Mondays, as entry is not allowed.

The Forbidden City opens at 8:30 AM. Tickets cost 60 RMB and must be booked 1–7 days ahead via the official WeChat mini-program. Bring a power bank. Selfie sticks and tripods over 1.3 m are prohibited.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

• High season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
• Low season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 08:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30)
  Arrive at Tiananmen Square before 9:00 AM to avoid capacity limits !!

Peak Times to Avoid

• 11:00–12:00: Busiest time inside the Forbidden City
• 14:00–16:00: Afternoon congestion near main halls

Recommended Entry & Exit Route

To reduce backtracking, enter via Donghuamen, follow the central axis (Hall of Supreme Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Imperial Garden), and exit at Shenwumen (North Gate). This route aligns best with crowd flow and photography spots.

Audio Guide Tip (Highly Recommended)
Rent an English audio guide at the service desks near Meridian Gate or Shenwumen. Cost is around 40 RMB, with a 10 RMB deposit. Free Guides are available in 35 languages and are enough for first-time visitors. For deeper stories and historical context, you can also book an English-speaking guide in advance, which I would strong recommend!

15–30 Minutes | Northeast Corner Tower

The Northeast Corner Tower is free and one of the four historic watchtowers of the Forbidden City, built in 1420. Climb up for elevated views over the palace roofs. If short on time, this stop can be skipped.

Afternoon – Jingshan Park → Beihai Park → First Hutong Walk

14:30–15:00 | Jingshan Park (Best Forbidden City View)

Jingshan Park costs 2 RMB and is the highest point on Beijing’s central axis. From here, you get the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Open 06:00–21:00. Expect steep steps if climbing to the top pavilion.

14:40–16:30 | Beihai Park (Classical Imperial Garden)

Beihai Park is one of China’s oldest and best-preserved royal gardens. It blends lakes, hills, and traditional architecture. Open 06:00–22:00. You can rent boats on the lake and enjoy a slower, more local pace than the Forbidden City.

• Start: Exit Jingshan Park West Gate, walk a few minutes to Beihai East Gate
• Direction: Walk counterclockwise (turn left after entering)
  This route avoids backtracking and follows the most scenic lakeside paths.

Must-See Stops Inside Beihai Park

1. White Pagoda – The park’s landmark. Climb up for lake views.
2. Yong’an Temple – The oldest temple in the park, with classic Buddhist architecture.
3. Nine-Dragon Screen – A rare double-sided glazed wall, one of only two in China.
4. Donghua Gate Area – Quiet lakeside stretch with historic atmosphere.
5. Zhonghe Hall – The park’s highest structure, often displaying imperial artifacts.

Evening – Shichahai & Hutong Atmosphere

In winter, Shichahai turns into a public ice rink.

• Qianhai: 100 RMB per person. Ice sleds, tandem sleds, and ice bicycles.
• Houhai: Adds speed-skating lanes. Extra 30 RMB per person.

If you finish early, walk to the Drum Tower. From the top, you can overlook hutongs and lakes you visited during the day. It’s especially beautiful at dusk and gives a strong sense of old Beijing’s layout.

Where to Eat on Day 1

1. Lao Beijing Zhajiangmian (Nan Chizi Street)
   • Address: No.112 Nan Chizi Street, Dongcheng
   • Why go: A local favorite for classic Beijing noodles. Close to the Northeast Corner Tower, perfect after visiting the Forbidden City.
2. Nanmen Hotpot (Houhai Branch)
   • Address: Near Yinding Bridge, Shichahai
   • Why go: Traditional copper hotpot in a courtyard setting. Very “old Beijing” atmosphere, especially at night.
3. Yaar Li Ji (Yinqiao Branch)
   • Address: Near Yinding Bridge, Shichahai
   • Why go: Popular with locals and taxi drivers. Excellent hand-cut lamb, strong hutong vibe, and authentic Muslim Beijing flavors.

Day 2 – Temples & Culture

Morning – Temple of Heaven(UNESCO) → Qianmen Street

08:30–10:30 | Start your day at the Temple of Heaven. Entry costs 34 RMB. Buy the combined ticket, or you cannot access the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests or Echo Wall. This is where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for heaven’s blessing.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most photogenic landmarks. Expect many professional photographers offering paid shoots. If it’s your first Beijing trip, this stop is essential. Arrive early to avoid tour groups.

How to Get There

Take Subway Line 5 directly to Tiantandongmen (Temple of Heaven East Gate). It’s one of the easiest major sights to reach by metro.

11:00–12:30 | Qianmen Street is free and once one of Beijing’s biggest internet-famous spots. It’s lined with historic storefronts and classic Beijing snacks. This is a good place to slow down and enjoy local food.

Afternoon – Choose One Cultural Route

Option A: National Museum of China (History Focus)

13:30 | You’ll pass the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall near Tiananmen. You can enter briefly if interested. Personally, I skip it—maybe because I’m Taiwanese (half joking).

13:45–14:30 | Walk 10 minutes east to Dongjiaomin Lane, Beijing’s longest hutong at 1.5 km. Once a foreign embassy district, it features early 20th-century Western buildings, including Gothic churches and former French postal offices.

14:45–17:00 | The National Museum is free, but you must reserve 7 days in advance. It’s massive and impressive. If this is your first time in Beijing, it’s absolutely worth visiting for historical context.

Option B: Yonghe Temple → Confucius Temple (Chelsea’s Choice)

13:30–15:00 | Yonghe Temple costs 25 RMB and is Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple. Originally Emperor Yongzheng’s residence, it blends Han and Tibetan architecture. Open 09:00–16:30. One stick of incense is included.

Locals pray here for career success, relationships, health, and studies. The incense atmosphere is intense but fascinating, especially in the afternoon.

15:10–16:00 | Walk 8 minutes to Wudaoying Hutong. Compared to Nanluoguxiang, it’s far less commercial. This 600-meter hutong was once a Ming-era military camp and is now full of cafés and design shops—perfect for a relaxed city walk.

Evening – Wangfujing Iconic Landmark

17:30–20:00 | Wangfujing is free and one of Beijing’s busiest commercial streets. You’ll find street snacks, souvenirs, global brands, and modern malls. It’s chaotic but lively, especially after dark.

Where to Eat on Day 2

1. Sijiminfu Roast Duck (Qianmen Branch)
   • Address: No. 55 Qianmen West Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (near Qianmen Street)
   • Why go: Despite the main branch being on Chang’an Street, this branch is equally renowned. The duck is succulent, with perfectly blended sauces.
   • Recommended Dishes: Roast Duck, Zhajiangmian.
   • Ideal for: Those wanting high-quality roast duck and wishing to try different styles.
2. Xiyuanju Hotpot (Wangfujing Branch)
   • Address: 5th Floor, Joy Shopping Center, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District (opposite Wangfujing Department Store)
   • Why go: Featured in the Michelin Guide, Xiyuanju is Beijing’s first luxury hot pot restaurant using dry aging. The lamb is aged under strict conditions for 28 days, offering a tender, superb taste with no gamey flavor.

Day 3 – Great Wall Day Trip

Badaling vs. Mutianyu: Which One Should You Choose?

Beijing’s two most visited Great Wall sections are Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall.
Both are well preserved, ticketed, and iconic—but the experience is very different.

Badaling Great Wall (Classic & First-Time Friendly)

Badaling is the most famous and longest section of the Great Wall. It’s the best-preserved Ming-era section, with tall walls, clear battlements, and defensive structures. Ticket price is 40 RMB. This is where many first-time visitors go.

The most popular climb is North 8th Watchtower (“Hero Slope”), symbolizing the saying “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.” Reaching the top truly feels epic.

I climbed Mutianyu without a cable car and spent over 5 hours hiking. It was extremely tiring. If you try Badaling Great Wall instead, using Meituan drone delivery to order milk tea would be an unexpectedly fun way to experience China’s newest tech trend.

Mutianyu Great Wall (Nature, Hiking & Fun)

Mutianyu is ideal if you want fewer crowds and more experience value. With high forest coverage, it’s known as the “Green Great Wall.” The scenery is more dramatic, and it’s easier to take wide, cinematic photos.

Mutianyu also features Asia’s second-longest toboggan slide. You can take the cable car up and slide down, making it far more playful. Tickets are also 40 RMB, but access is less convenient.

If you want a more unique Great Wall experience, scenic mountain views, and outdoor fun, Mutianyu is absolutely worth the extra effort.

Badaling vs. Mutianyu – Full Comparison

Category	Badaling	Mutianyu
Location	Yanqing District (~70 km from city)	Huairou District (~75 km from city)
History	Ming military stronghold, UNESCO site	Ming section, well preserved, fewer tourists
Best For	First-time visitors, classic views	Hiking lovers, photography, fun experiences
Terrain	Gentler slopes	Longer routes, steeper sections
Highlights	Hero Slope, panoramic views	Green scenery, toboggan slide
Ticket	40 RMB (peak), 35 RMB (off-season)	40 RMB (peak), 35 RMB (off-season)
Recommended Time	4–5 hours	2–3 hours
Best Arrival	07:00–08:00	07:30–08:30

Quick advice:

• Want iconic, grand views with easy access? Choose Badaling.
• Want nature, hiking, and fun? Choose Mutianyu.

Getting to the Great Wall (Public, Shuttle, Private)

Transport	Badaling	Mutianyu	Pros	Cons
Public Transport	Bus 877, High-speed rail, S2 line	Bus 916 + H23/H24	Cheapest option	Long travel time, transfers
Tourist Shuttle	Direct shuttle	Direct shuttle	Easy, guided	Higher cost, reservation needed
Private Car	¥400–600/day	¥1200–1800/day	Most flexible	Expensive, book in advance

Clothing & Gear Tips (Especially in Winter)

• Wear thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a windproof waterproof jacket.
• Choose non-slip insulated boots.
• Bring hat and gloves—winter frost and icy wind are common at the top.

After returning to Beijing, book a massage or Korean-style sauna. Your legs will be sore—trust me.

• After Badaling: Consider Beijing Haoting Hotel or Beijing Jinyu Badaling Spa Resort. Both are near the Great Wall entrance, offering foot baths and Korean saunas, perfect for immediate use.
• After Mutianyu: Try Beihai Spa Resort. It’s close to Mutianyu, tranquil, with complete spa and sauna facilities.

Day 4 – Ruins, Royal Gardens & University Life

Even if you’re sore from the Great Wall, this day is unmissable. Today focuses on Yuanmingyuan, Summer Palace, and the Tsinghua University area, blending history, nature, and modern Beijing.

Morning – Haidian Park → Tsinghua University

08:00–09:00 | Take Subway Line 4 or 16 to Xiyuan Station, then bus 384 / 671 or bike to Haidian Park. The park includes Changchun Garden ruins and blends classical royal landscapes with AI features like smart paths and autonomous vehicles. Entry is free.

10:00–12:00 | Take a Didi to Tsinghua University. Compared to Peking University’s modern feel, Tsinghua features Greek–Roman–style architecture, historic halls, and poetic campus scenery.

Must-see spots:

• Grand Auditorium (Greek–Roman façade)
• Art Museum exhibitions
• “Lotus Pond Moonlight,” made famous by Zhu Ziqing

Advance reservation via mini-program is required.

Afternoon – Yuanmingyuan + Summer Palace (Core of the Day)

This is the highlight of Day 4. Visiting both parks properly takes 4–5 hours, so pace yourself. From Tsinghua University, it’s a 30-minute walk to Yuanmingyuan. If tired, take a short Didi ride—worth it after the Great Wall.

Summer Palace – The Peak of Imperial Garden Design

12:30–15:15 | Summer Palace, the ticket is 30 RMB (Apr–Oct) / 15 RMB (Nov–Mar), suggesting to buy combined ticket (Summer palace + Yuanmingyuan). This is the best-preserved Qing imperial garden. Highlights include Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and sweeping architectural vistas.

Classic route:

• North Palace Gate entry
• Suzhou Street
• Four Great Regions
• Tower of Buddhist Incense (best panoramic view)
• Long Corridor (728 m)
• Exit via New Palace Gate to avoid crowds

NOTE: Summer Palace closed at 17:00

Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) – History & Ruins

15:30–18:30 | Yuanmingyuan, Once a Qing imperial garden blending Chinese and Western design, Yuanmingyuan was destroyed by the Anglo-French forces. Today, its ruins are powerful and emotional.

Key sights:

• Western Mansions ruins
• Dashuifa Fountain remains
• Panorama sand table (don’t skip this)

The park is huge, so expecting 30 minutes per major site. And there are few convenience stores—bring water by yourself.

Where to Eat on Day 4

1. Tianchu Miaoxiang Vegetarian (Tsinghua Area)
   • A Michelin-recommended vegetarian restaurant redefining plant-based food. Creative “mock meat” dishes impress even hardcore meat lovers.
2. Zhichun Pavilion Fast Eatery (Near Summer Palace)
   • Located 80 meters from the Summer Palace.
   • Very affordable, with zhajiangmian and simple rice meals—perfect for refueling after hours of walking.

Day 5 – Modern Beijing or Theme Park (Optional)

If you have an extra day—or want to replace one of the first four—Day 5 offers two very different vibes: modern architecture or full-on entertainment. Choose based on your energy level and interests.

Option 1 – Olympic Architecture Icons (Short & Easy)

Visit Beijing National Stadium and Water Cube to see Beijing’s Olympic legacy.
Most visitors only explore the exteriors. Worth adding if you enjoy architecture or photography.

I personally spent about 30 minutes here and moved on. If culture and hands-on experiences matter more to you, consider Option 2 instead.

Option 2 – Universal Studio Beijing (Full-Day Fun)

If you’re into immersive experiences, Universal Studio Beijing is a great choice. Compared to Disney Shanghai, I personally prefer Universal—especially with the Harry Potter themed area, which is exclusive and very well done.

I visited Universal Studios in California years ago, and Beijing’s version still surprised me. Plan a full day if crowds are heavy. It’s best to visit on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) using early arrival to avoid crowds and the Single Rider line.

Area	Attraction	Must-Do Level	Recommended Order
Harry Potter	Forbidden Journey）**	★★★★★	First
Transformers	Transformers: Battle for the Art of the Possible）**	★★★★★	Second
Jurassic World	Jurassic World: VelociCoaster）	★★★★★	Third
Hollywood	Waterworld）**	★★★★☆	Evening
**Minion	Minion Land	★★★☆☆	Anytime
Shows	Hollywood Dream）**	★★★★☆	After lunch

Beijing 4-Day Trip Departure Tips

Arrive Early at the Airport

I strongly recommend arriving at least 3 hours early, especially if you’re flying from Beijing Daxing International Airport. Daxing Airport is large, and ground transport alone takes time. If you plan to do tax refunds, queues can be long.

What to Do with Remaining RMB (Tax Refund Guide)

Option 1: Spend It Before You Leave (Most Recommended)

If you have a few hundred to a few thousand RMB left, the easiest option is to spend it at the airport. Use your cash at Duty-free shops, airport restaurants& Cafés

Option 2: Tax Refund (For Eligible Overseas Visitors)

If you’re a non-resident traveler and purchased eligible items in China (luxury goods, electronics, etc.), you can apply for a departure tax refund.

• Cash refund limit: Up to 20,000 RMB (recently increased from 10,000 RMB).
• Refunds above this amount are usually returned by bank transfer, depending on the provider.

Tax Refund Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Shop smart: Buy from stores displaying a Tax Refund sign and request official invoices with QR codes.
2. Before security: Go to the Tax Refund Service Center at the airport before immigration and security checks.
3. Customs verification: Present your purchased items, invoices, and passport for inspection and stamping.
4. Receive refund: After verification, collect your refund in cash or via transfer, depending on the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes. Beijing is generally very safe, even for solo travelers. Violent crime is rare, public transport is secure, and CCTV coverage is extensive—just watch out for pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas(though this is super rare)

Can You Travel in Beijing Without Speaking Chinese?

Yes. You can get around using maps, translation apps, and ride-hailing apps. Most tourist attractions are English-friendly, but having Alipay / WeChat Pay set up makes everything much easier.

How Much Money Do I Need for 4 Days in Beijing?

A 4-day Beijing trip can fit different budgets depending on accommodation and dining style. Below is a rough but realistic range.

Category	Budget Range (RMB)	Notes
Mid-range hotel	400–800 / night	3–4 star hotels, metro-friendly
High-end hotel	1,200–2,000 / night	5-star or luxury boutique
Daily food	150–300 / day	Local restaurants + casual dining
Attractions	300–500 (total)	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace
Transport	30–60 / day	Metro + occasional Didi

Estimated total (4 days):

• Mid-range: ~3,000–5,200 RMB
• High-end: ~7,000–10,000 RMB

Do I Need a Guided Tour in Beijing?

Not necessarily. Most attractions work well self-guided with audio guides.
However, for the Great Wall or in-depth hutong experiences, a local guide adds valuable historical context and smoother logistics .