Beijing - 13 Days Itinerary

Depart Athens

Begin your journey from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Enjoy the flight and prepare for your adventure.

Remember to account for check-in and security times. Pack essentials for the flight.

Arrive in Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Clear customs and immigration, then take a taxi or airport express to your hotel.

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing.

Settle in and take some time to refresh after your overnight flight.

Lunch in Wangfujing

Enjoy a traditional Beijing lunch in the bustling Wangfujing area, close to your hotel.

Try some local delicacies at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Tiananmen Square Visit

Explore the historic Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and absorb its significant atmosphere.

See the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.

Security checks are common; have your passport ready. Entry is free.

Meridian Gate & Views

Walk to the Meridian Gate (Wumen), the southern and main gate of the Forbidden City, and admire its impressive architecture from outside.

Dinner & Early Night

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.

Get some rest to recover from your flight.

Forbidden City Exploration

Spend a full morning exploring the vast Palace Museum (Forbidden City), the imperial palace from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. Wander through courtyards, halls, and gardens.

Book tickets online in advance, as they often sell out. Entry usually requires passport identification. Audio guides are recommended.

Lunch near Forbidden City

Grab a quick and convenient lunch at a restaurant near the Forbidden City's northern exit or in Jingshan Park.

Jingshan Park Panoramic View

Climb up Jingshan Park, directly opposite the Forbidden City's northern gate, for a stunning panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City complex.

A small entry fee is typically required.

Imperial Ancestral Temple

Visit the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taimiao), located east of the Forbidden City.

This tranquil complex was where the emperors worshipped their ancestors.

Dinner on Wangfujing Street

Explore the vibrant Wangfujing Street for dinner.

This famous commercial street offers a wide array of dining options.

Guided Hutong Tour

Embark on a guided tour through Beijing's historic hutongs (narrow alleyways).

This is an excellent way to experience traditional local life and architecture.

Consider booking a tour with 'Our Beijing' or 'Discover Beijing Tours' for an authentic experience. Many tours include a rickshaw ride.

Hutong Local Lunch

Enjoy a delicious local meal in a charming hutong restaurant, experiencing authentic Beijing home-style cooking.

Drum & Bell Towers

Visit the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, iconic structures that once marked time for the city.

Climb for views over the hutongs.

Stroll around Houhai Lake

Take a relaxing stroll around Houhai Lake, part of the Shichahai lakes area.

In March, the ice might be melting, and the atmosphere is serene.

Dinner on Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Head to Gui Jie (Ghost Street), famous for its vibrant atmosphere and countless restaurants, especially for hot pot and crayfish.

Beijing Capital Museum

Explore the Beijing Capital Museum, a fantastic building filled with unique Chinese art and exhibitions focusing on Beijing's local history and culture.

It's less crowded than the National Museum.

Entry is free but often requires advance booking online with your passport.

Lunch near Capital Museum

Have lunch at a restaurant in the vicinity of the Capital Museum.

Beijing Subway Experience

Take a ride on the Beijing Subway, an efficient way to get around the city and experience daily local life.

Head towards the Dashilar area.

Purchase an 'Yikatong' card for easy travel or single-journey tickets. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294212-d7810742-Reviews-Beijing_Subway-Beijing.html?m=66827

Dashilar Historical Street

Stroll through Dashilar, a historic commercial street with traditional shops, old brands, and unique architecture, offering a glimpse into old Beijing's merchant culture.

Great for souvenir shopping and exploring traditional crafts.

Peking Opera Show

Experience a traditional Peking Opera performance, a quintessential Chinese art form with elaborate costumes, music, and acrobatics.

Book tickets in advance. Some shows offer English subtitles.

Summer Palace Exploration

Discover the vast complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces.

A masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, it served as an imperial garden in the Qing Dynasty. Explore Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and various pavilions.

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking. Consider a boat ride on Kunming Lake for different perspectives.

Lunch near Summer Palace

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant near the Summer Palace.

Shichahai Hutong Rickshaw Tour

Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through the ancient Shichahai hutongs (narrow alleyways).

Learn about the history and daily routines of local residents.

Negotiate rickshaw prices beforehand. Some tours include a visit to a local family home.

Dinner in Nanluoguxiang

Dine at one of the many charming restaurants in Nanluoguxiang, a renovated hutong area famous for its vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, and diverse eateries.

Visit Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

Explore the Yonghegong Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Admire its stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and serene courtyards, including a 26-meter tall Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree.

Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). Photography is often restricted inside certain halls.

Confucius Temple & Imperial College

Visit the second largest Confucius Temple in China and the Guozijian (Imperial College), the highest educational institution during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

These sites offer a deep dive into ancient Chinese scholarship and philosophy.

The two sites are adjacent to each other, making for a convenient combined visit.

Lunch and stroll around

Enjoy lunch in the area around the Lama Temple or Imperial College, followed by a leisurely walk.

Explore Dashilar Street

Wander through Dashilar, a historic commercial street with a history of over 600 years.

It's home to traditional shops, theaters, and local eateries, offering a glimpse into old Beijing's bustling market life.

Great for souvenir shopping and trying local snacks.

Dinner in Dashilar

Have dinner at one of the many authentic Beijing restaurants or snack stalls in the Dashilar area.

Beijing Capital Museum

Explore the Beijing Capital Museum, a modern museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Beijing through extensive collections of artifacts, calligraphy, and art.

Booking required, often free entry but requires reservation in advance. The building itself is also an architectural marvel.

Lunch in Xicheng

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Xicheng District, near the Capital Museum.

Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

Discover the past, present, and future of Beijing's urban development through detailed models, interactive displays, and historical photographs.

The highlight is a massive scale model of the entire city.

Offers a unique perspective on the city's growth and vision.

Relaxed Evening & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner, perhaps trying a different local cuisine or revisiting a favorite spot.

Discover Beijing: Great Wall Tour

Embark on a full-day private tour to a section of the Great Wall (e.

g., Mutianyu or Badaling). Enjoy breathtaking views and explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site with an experienced local guide.

Choosing a less crowded section like Mutianyu offers a more enjoyable experience. Cable car or chairlift options are usually available. Booking this tour in advance is highly recommended.

Dinner after Great Wall

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a long day of exploring the Great Wall.

Opt for something convenient and relaxing near your accommodation.

Tiananmen Square Visit

Begin your day at the iconic Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a site of great historical significance.

See the Monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum (exterior).

Expect security checks. The square is vast, wear comfortable shoes.

Imperial Ancestral Temple

Adjacent to the Forbidden City, this temple was where emperors worshipped their ancestors.

It's a peaceful complex with grand halls and ancient cypress trees, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling square.

Meridian Gate (Wumen)

Pass through the Meridian Gate, the southern and main entrance to the Forbidden City.

This impressive gate was reserved for the Emperor and high-ranking officials.

The gate itself is free to view; entry to the Forbidden City via this gate requires a ticket for the palace museum.

Lunch in Wangfujing

Head to Wangfujing for lunch.

This area offers a wide variety of dining options from traditional to international cuisine.

Wangfujing Street & Wuyutai

Explore Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous shopping streets, combining modern malls with traditional stores.

Don't miss Wuyutai, a historic tea shop, for a taste of traditional Chinese tea culture.

The street is great for souvenir hunting and people-watching. Wuyutai is known for its green tea and ice cream.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final memorable dinner in the lively Wangfujing area, perhaps trying authentic Beijing roasted duck.

798 Art District

Explore Beijing's renowned contemporary art hub, featuring galleries, studios, and shops housed in former military factory buildings.

Discover unique art installations and exhibitions.

Admission to the district is free, but individual galleries may charge for special exhibitions. Weekends can be busy, offering a vibrant atmosphere.

Lunch in 798

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the trendy cafes or restaurants within the 798 Art District, offering a mix of international and local cuisine.

Sanlitun Shopping & Explore

Head to Sanlitun, Beijing's premier fashion and entertainment district.

Explore luxury boutiques, international brands, and modern architecture at Taikoo Li Sanlitun.

A great spot for people-watching and experiencing the modern side of Beijing. Accessible via Beijing Subway (Dongdaqiao or Tuanjiehu stations).

Dinner in Sanlitun

Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of Sanlitun's many international or upscale Chinese restaurants, followed by optional drinks at a chic bar.

Beijing Olympic Park

Visit the iconic Beijing Olympic Park, home to the 'Bird's Nest' National Stadium and the 'Water Cube' National Aquatics Center from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Enjoy a walk through the expansive grounds.

You can view the stadiums from outside or pay an admission fee to enter some of them. Plenty of photo opportunities.

Lunch Near Olympic Park

Have lunch at one of the restaurants or food courts located around the Olympic Park area.

Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

Discover the past, present, and future of Beijing's urban development.

The exhibition features a massive scale model of the city, historical maps, and modern architectural plans.

An insightful look into how Beijing has grown and is planned to develop. Closed on Mondays, but open on Sunday for your visit.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner to celebrate your memorable trip to Beijing.

Perhaps a final Peking Duck experience or a cuisine you particularly enjoyed.

Silk Market Souvenirs

Engage in some last-minute souvenir shopping at the famous Silk Market (Xiushui Street).

While not just silk, you can find clothing, accessories, electronics, and trinkets. Remember to bargain!

Be prepared to haggle for prices to get the best deals. A fun experience even if just browsing.

Last Beijing Lunch

Enjoy a final, casual Chinese lunch before heading to the airport.

Perhaps a local noodle shop or a quick dumpling feast.

Hotel Checkout & Transfer

Check out from your hotel and arrange for transportation to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) for your flight back to Athens.

Allow ample time for traffic to the airport, especially during peak hours. Beijing Subway Airport Express is also an option from Dongzhimen Station.