Beijing Travel Itinerary 2 Days: What to See & How to Plan

Overview Of Itinerary

Time		Highlights(Playtime)
Day 1		Tiananmen Square 1.5 hoursh) The Hall of Mental Cultivation 3 hoursh) Wangfujing Pedestrian Street 1 hourh) Jingshan Park 1.5 hoursh) Beihai Park 2 hoursh) Shichahai 2 hoursh)
Day 2		The Summer Palace 4 hoursh) Yuanmingyuan Ruins - Leifeng Sunset 2 hoursh) Bird'S Nest 1.5 hoursh) Deyun Club Sanlitun Theater 2 hoursh)

This 2-day Beijing itinerary covers iconic landmarks and cultural highlights. Day 1: Start at Tiananmen Square, explore The Hall of Mental Cultivation (Forbidden City), stroll Wangfujing Street, ascend Jingshan Park for panoramic views, relax at Beihai and Shichahai’s lakeside hutongs. Day 2: Visit the Summer Palace’s imperial gardens, ponder history at Yuanmingyuan Ruins, catch sunset at Leifeng Pavilion, experience Bird’s Nest’s modern architecture, and end with laughter at Deyun Club’s traditional comedy show. Perfect blend of heritage, nature, and urban charm.

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

Tiananmen Square 1.5 hours

^{Walk to the entrance of the Forbidden City}

The Hall of Mental Cultivation 3 hours

^{Walk in}

Tiananmen Square

In Beijing’s heart, this massive square hosts China’s iconic flag-raising ceremony. Surrounded by landmarks like the Great Hall and National Museum, it’s a must-visit for first-timers. Arrive early!

The Hall of Mental Cultivation

Located in Beijing's Forbidden City, this Ming-era palace was the first to feature glass windows. It housed the emperor's throne, secret meeting rooms, and even served as Empress Dowager Cixi's political base.

Noon

Recommend 【Four Seasons Minfu】roast duck or 【He Yan Meat Cake】Beijing-style snacks, avoid the high-priced set meals in the scenic area.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street 1 hour

^{Subway/Walk 15 minutes}

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

A historic shopping street in Beijing, blending modern malls, traditional markets, and vibrant street food. Rich in culture, lined with trees, and perfect for an evening stroll.

Afternoon

Choose to ascend the Wan Chun Pavilion in [Jingshan Park] for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City (entrance fee 2 yuan), or go to [Beihai Park] for boating experience (hand rowing 150 yuan per hour).

Jingshan Park 1.5 hours

^{Walk for 10 minutes (starting from the North Gate of the Forbidden City)}

Beihai Park 2 hours

^{Ride for 10 minutes}

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is located right in the heart of Beijing, just north of the famous Forbidden City. If you’re visiting the Forbidden City, you can easily walk to Jingshan

Beihai Park

BeiHai Park is located in the heart of Beijing, just a short distance from the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. It’s easily accessible by public transport, making it a

Evening

Stroll along the bars street of Houhai, recommended to try the copper pot hotpot lamb at [Nanmen Shuanrou] or to check in at the rooftop viewing platform of [Tangfang Coffee].

Shichahai 2 hours

^{Take a taxi in 15 minutes}

Shichahai

Shichahai is located in the heart of Beijing, just a short distance from the famous Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It's easily accessible by public transportation.

Traffic Guide

The line 1 metro can reach Tiananmen Square, it is recommended to walk around the Forbidden City. Jingshan/Haidian can be accessed by shared bicycles, and it is recommended to take a taxi at night for Shichahai.

Catering Guide

Recommended on the Red List: Sijin Minfu Roast Duck (Dining with a view at the Forbidden City store needs to arrive early), He Yan Meat Cake Beijing snacks. Black List Tip: Avoid the expensive Internet celebrity stores in Naloukouxiang.

Stay Guide

Suggest choosing a hotel in the front gate/Wangfujing area, such as the Beijing Hotel Nolita or Hutong Courtyard B&B, balancing convenience of transportation and traditional experience.

Day 2

Morning

The Summer Palace 4 hours

^{Subway Line 4, Beigongmen Station + walk for 15 minutes}

The Summer Palace

A stunning Qing Dynasty garden with Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and a 700-meter painted corridor—perfect for nature, history, and relaxation. Easily accessible by subway in Beijing.

Afternoon

Choose the ruins of the Western Gardens of Yuanming Yuan (ticket 25 yuan) with AR guidance, or go to the Bird's Nest/Olympic Aquatics Center to capture the light show (free of charge).

Yuanmingyuan Ruins - Leifeng Sunset 2 hours

^{Subway Line 4, Yuanming Yuan Station}

Bird'S Nest 1.5 hours

^{Subway Line 8 Oti Center Station}

Yuanmingyuan Ruins - Leifeng Sunset

Witness a golden sunset over ancient pagoda ruins amidst lush gardens, blending history and nature in serene Beijing. Perfect for photos and reflection.

Bird'S Nest

Iconic 2008 Olympic venue, stunning steel lattice design, now a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment with breathtaking views in Beijing.

Evening

Experience the fashion trends at Sanlitun Taikoo Li or visit the observation deck of Guomao Plaza Phase III (admission 100 yuan) to enjoy the night view of the CBD.

Deyun Club Sanlitun Theater 2 hours

^{Subway Line 10}

Deyun Club Sanlitun Theater

Experience traditional Chinese comedy (crosstalk) in a modern, stylish setting at Beijing’s trendy Sanlitun. Laugh along with witty performances showcasing everyday life and culture in a cozy theater.

Traffic Guide

It is recommended to subway line 4 from the Summer Palace to the city, and choose subway line 8 from the Old Summer Palace/Bird's Nest. Return to the available online car-hailing service at night.

Catering Guide

Recommend creative catering in Wudaoying Hutong and high-priced snacks in the lightning-proof scenic spot. Must-eat: No. 69 fried noodles with sauce (with Laba garlic).

Stay Guide

The second night it is recommended to continue the accommodation from the first day, and if you have an early morning flight, you can choose a hotel around the airport.

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