How Many Days to Spend in Beijing? 3 Days or More?
Beijing, the capital of China, is one of China's most iconic travel destinations, known for its rich imperial history, world-famous landmarks, and vibrant local culture.
If you're wondering how many days to spend in Beijing, we recommend planning at least 3 days to cover the city's must-see highlights. With more time, you can explore beyond the classic attractions and dive deeper into its history and local life - we've also prepared additional itinerary ideas for longer stays to help you make the most of your trip.
The Forbidden City in Beijing
Beijing Highlights Tour
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
- Best for: first-time visitors
- Days to Spend: 3 days
This 3-day itinerary is more condensed without feeling too rushed, making the most efficient use of time and giving you the best view of Beijing in just 3 days.
| Day | What to Do |
| 1 | Arrival, the Forbidden City |
| 2 | Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace |
| 3 | Hutongs Rickshaw Tour, Local family visiting & Departure |
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: We will pick you up at the airport and take you to visit the Forbidden City, one of Beijing's most iconic landmarks. If time allows, you can stroll through Beihai Park or climb the hill in Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the palace.
- Day 2: On this day, you will visit the famous Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall of China, followed by a visit to the beautiful Summer Palace.
- Day 3: Today, you will explore Maoer Hutong by rickshaw. The ride will take you to a local family's home, where you can experience daily Beijing life, chat with the residents, and enjoy an authentic homemade lunch. After the visit, we will transfer you to the airport.
In-Depth Beijing Tour
Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple
- Best for: travelers with more time seeking deeper experiences in Beijing
- Days to Spend: 5 days
With this itinerary, you can explore Beijing in depth rather than rushing between multiple cities. You can better appreciate Beijing's history, culture, and local life in a relaxing pace.
| Day | What to Do |
| 1 | Arrival, the Forbidden City & Jingshan Park |
| 2 | Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace |
| 3 | Hutongs Rickshaw Tour, Local family visiting & Departure |
| 4 | Confucius temple, Lama Temple & Summer Palace |
| 5 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: Firstly, you will visit the Forbidden City to learn about China's imperial history, then end the day with a panoramic view from the hill in Jingshan Park.
- Day 2: Start your day with a visit to the Jinshanling Great Wall, a perfect place for hiking or simply enjoying the scenery. Later, visit the Ming Tombs, where 13 Ming emperors are buried, and walk along the famous Sacred Way.
- Day 3: The third day will be focus on local experiences. Start with a Tai Chi class at the Temple of Heaven, then explore the Beijing Hutongs by rickshaw. You can also visit a local family and learn to make dumplings with them. At night, you can watch a Peking Opera show and have some Chinese tea.
- Day 4: On this day, you will discover more royal history. After that, visit the Lama Temple, the Confucius Temple, and finish at the beautiful Summer Palace.
- Day 5: It's time to say goodbye to Beijing. We will transfer you to the airport for your next journey.
Optional Experience:
If you enjoy red wine, we recommend you visiting Changyu Chateau in Beijing. Changyu is one of the most representative wine brands in China. In the chateau, you will learn about the modern wine-making process in China and visit a underground wine cellar. You will also have the opportunity to taste several kinds of Changyu wine.
Great Wall Hiking Tour with a Night Visit
Enjoy your visit to the Great Wall
- Best for: travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, photography, and a deeper exploration of the Great Wall
- Days to Spend: 4 days
This trip covers 5 different sections of the Great Wall in Beijing. One of the highlights is the night tour of the Simatai Great Wall. You can see the illuminated Wall and experience a quieter, more atmospheric side of this historic landmark.
| Day | What to Do |
| 1 | Arrival |
| 2 | Jiankou Great Wall & Mutianyu Great Wall |
| 3 | Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall & Night tour to Simatai Great Wall |
| 4 | Gubei Water Town and get to your next destination |
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the nearby area and get your first impression of the city.
- Day 2: Today you will visit two sections of the Great Wall of China. The first stop is the rugged Jiankou Great Wall, famous for its dramatic scenery and original structure. Then continue to the restored Mutianyu Great Wall, where you can enjoy beautiful views and convenient facilities.
- Day 3: In the morning, explore the historic Gubeikou Great Wall. Then hike along the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, known for its well-preserved watchtowers. In the evening, you can enjoy a special night visit to the illuminated Simatai Great Wall.
- Day 4: Visit the charming Gubei Water Town in the morning. After strolling through its traditional streets and canals, we will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your next destination.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Discover the History of China: Beijing & Xi'an
The Marble Boat in the Summer Palace
- Best for: travelers who are interested in Chinese history and culture
- Days to Spend: 7 days
If you want to learn more about Chinese history, Xi'an is a must-visit destination. It pairs perfectly with a trip to Beijing. In this itinerary, you will spend three days in Xi'an after your time in Beijing, with highlights including the Terracotta Warriors, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Ancient City Wall.
| Place | What to Do |
| Beijing |
Day 1: Arrival Day 2: The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Day 3: Jinshanling Great Wall Day 4: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple & Confucius Temple |
| Xi'an |
Day 5: Set off for Xi'an and visit the Terracotta Warriors, Clay Warrior Making Day 6: City Wall Biking, Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang Paradise Day 7: Great Mosque & Departure |
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore nearby areas at your own pace.
- Day 2: Start your day at the magnificent Forbidden City, once home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, visit the elegant Summer Palace, famous for its tranquil lake and classical Chinese gardens.
- Day 3: Today you will hike the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, known for its impressive watchtowers and the view of a sea of clouds. This section offers some of the most beautiful views of the Great Wall winding across the mountains.
- Day 4: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Continue to the Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, and then explore the Confucius Temple, an important site honoring China's great philosopher.
- Day 5: Today, you will take a high-speed train or flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, an extraordinary underground army built to guard China's first emperor. Later, you can enjoy a fun hands-on activity by making your own clay warrior.
- Day 6: Start the 6th day with a bike ride along the ancient Xi'an City Wall for panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, visit the historic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by an evening visit to Tang Paradise, where you can experience the splendor of the Tang Dynasty.
- Day 7: Before departure, visit the unique Great Mosque of Xi'an, famous for its blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Afterwards, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Extended Beijing Tour With Shanghai
Explore the Beijing hutongs in a rickshaw
- Best for: Travelers who enjoy urban culture and want to experience both traditional and modern China
- Days to Spend: 7 days
Apart from Beijing, Shanghai is another must-see city in China due to its unique blend of modern innovation and traditional southern Chinese architecture with elegant pavilions and gardens. In addition, Shanghai is a highly international city with advanced facilities and services.
This itinerary covers the classic attractions of Beijing and the highlights that showcase Shanghai's charm, including Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Zhujiajiao, and Disneyland.
| Place | What to Do |
| Beijing |
Day 1: Arrival Day 2: The Forbidden City, Lama Temple & Peking Roast Duck Meal Day 3: Badaling Great Wall & Summer Palace Day 4: Temple of Heaven & set off to Shanghai |
| Shanghai |
Day 5: Yuyuan Garden, Former French Concession & Night Cruise on Huangpu River Day 6: Zhujiajiao Water Town or Disneyland Day 7: Silk Workshop & Departure |
Detailed Itinerary:
- Day 1: We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can rest and get ready for the journey ahead.
- Day 2: Today, you will explore two of Beijing's iconic sites. First, visit the Forbidden City to learn about China's imperial history. Then head to the Lama Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in the city. In the evening, enjoy a famous Peking Duck meal.
- Day 3: You will visit the Badaling Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, on the third day. After exploring the wall, relax at the beautiful Summer Palace, known for its lakes, bridges, and royal architecture.
- Day 4: Start the day at the Temple of Heaven and learn to play Tai Chi with local people. After the visit, we will transfer you to the train station or airport for your journey to Shanghai.
- Day 5: On this day, you will explore the highlights of Shanghai. Visit the classical Yuyuan Garden, then stroll through the charming streets of the Former French Concession. In the evening, enjoy a night cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city's stunning skyline.
- Day 6: There are two recommended places to visit for this day: Zhujiajiao to see canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses, or Shanghai Disneyland.
- Day 7: Before leaving Shanghai, you will visit a silk workshop where you can learn about traditional Chinese silk production. Afterwards, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Optional Experience:
If you're interested in traditional Chinese medicine, consider visiting a local hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for a more immersive experience. With the guidance of an English-speaking expert, You'll have a chance to experience the consultation process and learn about some commonly used herbal remedies in a relaxed and engaging way.
Travel With China Odyssey Tours
However, the ideal length of your stay in Beijing depends on your interests and the experiences you wish to have. To match your pace and immerse yourself in the captivating city, feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for a customized Beijing tour.
