International Tourist City - Beijing, China, Travel Guide

If one is visiting Beijing for the first time, it is crucial to ensure the proper sequencing of the tour. Beijing, being a vast metropolis, makes it quite easy to disrupt one's travel schedule. Beijing serves as the capital of the People's Republic of China, a municipality directly under the Central Government, a national central city, a megacity, one of the historical and cultural cities and ancient capitals of China, and a world - class city. It has a permanent resident population exceeding 20 million. With a rich and extensive history, it boasts numerous historical sites. Situated in the northern part of China, the ideal months for tourism are March, April, May, September, October, and November each year.
Day 1
1.Tiananmen Square: Admission is free. However, visitors are required to book 9 days in advance. Tickets are updated at 00:00 daily. It is recommended to follow the WeChat account "Tiananmen Impression". The square is open throughout the day. The transportation options include taking Metro Line 1 and getting off at either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations. As a symbol of China, it is solemn and majestic.

It takes approximately 10 minutes of walking to reach the next attraction.

2.National Museum of China: Admission is free. One needs to book 7 days in advance, and tickets are updated at 17:00 daily. Following the WeChat account "National Museum of China" is advised. The museum is closed on Mondays and open from 9:00 to 17:00. Travelers can take Metro Line 1 and alight at Tiananmen East station. It is a comprehensive museum dedicated to Chinese history and culture.

A 10 - minute walk will lead you to the next attraction.

3.The Palace Museum: The ticket price is 60 CNY. Visitors are required to make a reservation seven days in advance. Ticket updates occur at 20:00 daily. It is recommended to follow the WeChat official account "The Palace Museum". The museum is closed on Mondays. Its opening hours are from 8:00 to 17:00. For transportation, take Metro Line 1 and exit at Tian'anmen East Station. The Palace Museum, also known as the "Forbidden City", served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the next scenic spot.

4.Jingshan Park: The ticket price is 2 CNY. The opening hours are from 6:00 to 21:00. For transportation, take Metro Line 8 and exit at the A exit of the China Art Museum. Jingshan Park was a royal garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. From here, one can overlook the entire Palace Museum.

Day 2:

1. Badaling Great Wall
   • Ticket price: 40 CNY
   • Opening hours: 09:00 - 16:00
   • Transportation: Take the high - speed rail to Badaling Station.
   • Introduction: It is the most exquisitely - preserved section of the Great Wall of China.

It takes approximately one hour by car to reach the next scenic spot.

1. Qianmen Street
   • Ticket price: Free
   • Opening hours: All day
   • Transportation: Take the subway to Qianmen Station on Line 2.
   • Introduction: It is one of the most bustling food streets in Beijing, featuring numerous time - honored brands.
     

It takes around 20 minutes by subway to reach the next scenic spot.

1. Temple of Heaven Park
   • Ticket price: Combined ticket is 34 CNY
   • Opening hours: 06:30 - 21:00
   • Transportation: Take the subway to Tiantan Station on Line 5.
   • Introduction: It was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted sacrificial ceremonies to Heaven. The Prayer Hall serves as the landmark building.

It takes about 30 minutes by subway to reach the next scenic spot.

1. Bird's Nest/Water Cube
   • Ticket price: 100/30 CNY
   • Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:30
   • Transportation: Take the subway to Olympic Park Station on Line 8.

• Introduction: It represents a combination of modern architecture and sports culture. The lights are illuminated at 19:40, and the night view is extremely beautiful.

Day 3
1.Yonghegong Temple, Admission Fee: 25 CNY, Opening Hours: 09:00–16:00, Accessible via Subway Line 2, Exit at Yonghegong Station.

The next attraction is approximately 20 minutes away by subway.

2.Drum Tower Street, Admission: Free Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 Transportation: Bus No. 60, Stop: Drum Tower Introduction: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China, drums were beaten at this location to announce the time across the city.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the next scenic spot.

3.Prince Gong's Mansion , Ticket Price: 40CNY, Opening Hours: 08:30 - 16:00 Transportation: Metro Line 8, Station: Shichahai Introduction: It is the largest princely residence in the Qing Dynasty of China.

A 10 - minute walk is required to reach the next scenic spot.

4.Shichahai Admission Ticket Price: : Free Opening Hours: Open all day Transportation: Metro Line 8, Station: Shichahai Station Introduction: It is the most well - preserved historical district. The evening sunset creates a remarkable cinematic atmosphere.

Day 4
1.The Summer Palace: Ticket price is 30 CNY. Its opening hours are from 7:00 to 17:00. The recommended transportation is Metro Line 4, and the nearest station is Beigongmen Station. Introduction: It is a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty in China and a World Heritage Site.

It takes approximately 20 minutes by metro to reach the next attraction.

1. The Old Summer Palace(Yuanmingyuan): The general admission ticket costs 25 CNY. The opening hours are from 7:00 to 21:00. It can be accessed via Metro Line 4, with Yuanmingyuan Station being the closest. Introduction: It was known as the king of the imperial gardens in the Qing Dynasty of China,It is one of the masterpieces of ancient Chinese garden art. It is renowned for its exquisite architecture, magnificent landscapes and rich cultural connotations.

It takes about a 10 - minute walk to reach the next attraction.

1. Tsinghua University: Admission is free, but reservations are required 7 days in advance. Tickets are updated at 08:00 daily. You can search for the "Visit Tsinghua" mini - program on WeChat. The opening hours are from 8:30 to 17:00. It can be reached by Metro Line 4, getting off at Yuanmingyuan Station. Introduction: It is one of the most renowned universities in China.

It takes around a 10 - minute walk to reach the next attraction.

1. Peking University: Admission is free, with the requirement of making a reservation 7 days in advance. Tickets are updated at 08:00 every day. Search for the "Visit Peking University" mini - program on WeChat. The opening hours are from 8:30 to 17:00. The recommended transportation is Metro Line 4, and you should get off at Peking University East Gate Station. Introduction: It is one of the most famous universities in China.
   

Day 5 Itinerary
1.Beihai Park

Admission Fee: ¥10
Opening Hours: 6:30 – 20:00
Transportation: Subway (specific line to be confirmed), get off at Beihai North Station
Brief Introduction: As one of China’s time-honored imperial gardens,

it is merely a 10-minute subway ride away from the next attraction.

2.Imperial College (Guozijian)
Admission Fee: ¥30 ,Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Transportation: Subway Line 5, get off at Yonghegong Station
Brief Introduction: Serving as the highest educational institution in ancient China,

it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the next attraction by subway.

3.The Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution
Admission Fee: Free of charge; advance reservation is mandatory 7 days prior to the visit. Tickets are released daily at 08:00, 17:00, and 20:00 via the WeChat mini-program “Military Museum Ticket Reservation”.Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
Transportation: Subway Line 1, get off at Military Museum Station
Brief Introduction: Recognized as the largest military museum in Asia, it bears witness to China’s millennium-long military history.

The subway ride to the next attraction takes about 15 minutes.

4.Huaxi LIVE·Wukesong
Admission Fee: Free,Opening Hours: 24 hours,Transportation: Subway Line 1, get off at Wukesong Station,Brief Introduction: A large-scale commercial complex integrating dining, leisure, and entertainment facilities.

The locations and ticket prices of various scenic spots in Beijing:
Dongcheng District: Tiananmen Square (free), Palace Museum (40¥), National Museum (free), Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (free), Temple of Heaven Park (15¥), Yonghegong Lama Temple (25¥)
Xicheng District: Jingshan Park (24), Beihai Park (10¥), Shichahai (Free), Gongwangfu (40¥), Zoo (15¥)
Chaoyang District: Olympic Park (Free), Water Cube (30¥), Bird's Nest (100¥), Chaoyang Park (Free), Happy Valley (299¥)
Haidian District: Tsinghua University (Free), Peking University (Free), Botanical Garden (10¥), Xiangshan Park (10¥), Summer Palace (50¥), Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace)(25¥)
Tongzhou District: Universal Studios (459¥), Changping District: Badaling Great Wall (40¥), Ming Tombs (30¥)

Attractions requiring advance reservation:

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Reserve 6 days in advance. Ticket updates at 12:00. Use the WeChat mini-program "Chairman Mao Memorial Hall Reservation and Visitation".

Tiananmen City Tower: Reserve 7 days in advance. Ticket updates at 17:00. Use the WeChat official account "Tiananmen City Tower Visit Reservation".

China Science and Technology Museum: Reserve 7 days in advance. Ticket updates at 18:00. Use the WeChat official account "China Science and Technology Museum Service".

Great Hall of the People: Reserve 3 days in advance. Ticket updates at 17:00. Use the WeChat mini-program "Great Hall of the People Visit Reservation".

Transportation Information:

By Air: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport.

By Rail: Major railway stations include Beijing Railway Station, Beijing East, Beijing West, Beijing South, Beijing North, Beijing Chaoyang, Beijing Qinghe, and Beijing Fengtai. All stations are connected to the subway network.

Urban Transit: The citywide metro system provides comprehensive coverage. While public buses are available, they may experience congestion. Shared bicycles are recommended for short-distance travel.

Metro/Bus: Obtain the subway and bus QR codes via the "Transportation" section in Alipay. Note that both boarding and alighting buses require code scanning.

When taking a taxi, try to use online ride-hailing services. Do not take unlicensed vehicles soliciting passengers at the entrance of scenic spots. Avoid peak hours and locations where it is difficult for vehicles to stop and pick up passengers due to traffic control.

On delicious food::
Breakfast recommendations: Yin San Douzhi, Hong Ji Snack Shop on Niujie, Zeng Shengkui Snacks, Yao Ji Chao Gan, Huguo Temple Snacks (Headquarters)
Lunch recommendations: Fang Zhuanchang No. 69 Zha Jiang Noodles, Sijiminfu (Forbidden City Branch), Ju'er Renjia · Beijing Hutong Cuisine (Nanluoguxiang Branch), Xi Yuan Ju Shuan Rou (Wangfujing Forbidden City Branch), Nai Nai Jia Chun Bing Shop
Dinner recommendations: Xi Yuan Ju Shuan Rou (Qianmen Branch), Da Huai Shu Roast Meat Restaurant, Heng Ji on Niumanjie, Lao Cheng Yi Guo
Snack recommendations: Gongmenkou Mantou, Ziguangyuan Yogurt, Fu Huazhai Bao Bao Shop (Huguo Temple Branch), Niu Laolao Cheese
Here are several recommended restaurants for delicious food:

Hot Pot - Restaurant Name: Xi Yuan Ju Hot Pot, Average Price: 160¥, Location: 1st Floor, Joy City, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Transportation: Exit E of Wangfujing Station on Line 1, Recommended Dishes: Dry-aged Lamb, Fresh Beef Tongue, Sweet Garlic, Fish Maw

Roast Duck - Restaurant Name: Sijiminfu, Average Price: 140¥ - 180¥, Location: No. 11, Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District, Transportation: Exit A of Tiananmen East Station on Line 1, Recommended Dishes: Crispy Roast Duck, Bean Sprouts with Sesame Oil

Beijier Roast Meat and Fried Sauce Noodles - Restaurant Name: Fangzhuang No. 269, Average Price: 60¥, Location: No. 69, Fangzhuang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Transportation: Exit A of Shichahai Station on Line 8, Recommended Dishes: Fried Sauce Noodles, Preserved Garlic, Plum Juice

Restaurant Name: Liu Zhi Zi Roast Meat, Average Price: 100¥ - 140¥, Location: No. 85, Laxu Hutong, Xicheng District, Transportation: Exit A of Hufangqiao Station on Line 7, Recommended Dishes: Roast Lamb, Roast Beef, Mushroom Platter, Fish Tofu

Accommodation Recommendations:

1. Chongwenmen/Qianmen Area: Ideal for attending the morning flag-raising ceremony, with numerous attractions nearby.
2. Zhushikou Subway Station (Lines 7/8): Served by subway lines known as tourist routes.
3. Nanluoguxiang/Shichahai: Preferred by artistic youth, offering traditional courtyard accommodations for an authentic Beijing lifestyle.
4. Sanlitun/Guomao: Vibrant nightlife, with stylish hotels perfect for photography.
5. Nanluoguxiang is highly commercialized; while exploring its alleys is recommended, shopping should be approached with caution.

Travel Tips:

1. Eating and drinking are prohibited on the subway; please travel courteously.
2. Essential documents: Carry identification at all times; student IDs entitle holders to 50% discounts on admission tickets.
3. Arrive at attractions before 7:00 AM to avoid tour group crowds.
4. If joining a guided tour: First, avoid excessively cheap packages; second, ensure signing the official electronic contract issued by the Beijing Tourism Bureau before payment; third, verify that hotel standards, location, and inclusion of no compulsory shopping are clearly stated in the contract.