Beijing 4 Days Travel Guide
📍📍 Itinerary Overview
Spend 4 dynamic days in Beijing exploring its imperial landmarks, lively hutongs, spiritual temples, and cutting-edge art scene — all without leaving the city. This guide focuses on immersive cultural experiences, walkable neighborhoods, and hidden local gems.
🚩 Sightseeing Route
Day 1: Start at Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City. Walk up Jingshan Park for a panoramic view, then relax by Houhai Lakes in the evening.
Day 2: Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. After lunch, discover modern Beijing at the 798 Art District.
Day 3: Dive into traditional life in the Lama Temple and surrounding Wudaoying Hutong, then wander through Nanluoguxiang for boutique shops and cafés.
Day 4: Stroll through Beihai Park, visit the Bell & Drum Towers, and spend your afternoon tea time at a lakeside hutong teahouse.
🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions
• Forbidden City
• Temple of Heaven
• Houhai Lakes
• Lama Temple
• 798 Art Zone
• Nanluoguxiang
• Bell & Drum Towers
• Beihai Park
🚇 Transportation
Beijing’s metro system is reliable and efficient. Most sights are subway accessible. Use Didi for quick hops across town or hutong areas.
📷 Photo Spots
• Forbidden City from Jingshan Park
• Red doors & rooftops at the Lama Temple
• Art murals in 798
• Lantern-lit alleyways of Nanluoguxiang
• Boats on Beihai Lake
🍜 Local Cuisine
• Peking Duck (Da Dong or Siji Minfu)
• Beijing yogurt in glass jars
• Hot pot near Houhai
• Jianbing (savory Chinese crepe) for breakfast
• Hutong-style dumplings
🏠 Accommodation
Stay at Lemeng Hotel (Beijing Houhai Drum Tower) — perfectly located near historical sites and lively hutongs with easy access to metro lines and lakeside walks.
💡 Tips
• Bring cash for small hutong shops.
• Use Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card (via TourPass).
• Avoid Mondays: many museums (like Forbidden City) are closed.
• Wake up early to beat tour groups to major sites.