Beijing 3-Day Free Travel: Explore Classic Sights with Local Tips

Beijing, the heart of China, is a fascinating city where ancient history and modern culture come together. If you’re a foreigner visiting Beijing for the first time, this Beijing 3-Day Free Travel itinerary will guide you through its must-see attractions while providing helpful tips for an enjoyable and stress-free trip.

Day 1: Tiananmen Square → Qianmen Street → Peking Duck at Quanjude → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park

Travel Tips:

• Tiananmen Square: Start your day at one of the world’s largest public squares, home to famous landmarks like the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and witness the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise.
• Qianmen Street: This historical street offers a mix of modern shops and traditional Beijing architecture. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy some local snacks.
• Forbidden City: After Qianmen, head to the Forbidden City, China’s imperial palace for nearly 500 years. A 3-hour visit is recommended to explore this massive complex and its incredible history. Consider hiring a guide to make the experience more insightful.
• Jingshan Park: Finish your day with a peaceful stroll through Jingshan Park, which offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline.

Transportation Tips:

• Tiananmen Square to Forbidden City: These two are very close to each other, so walking is the best option. Alternatively, take Bus 1 or Bus 2 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥15-25 from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City.
• Qianmen Street: Take the subway (Qianmen Station, Line 2), or Bus 1 to Qianmen Station.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥10-15 from Tiananmen Square to Qianmen Street.
• Jingshan Park: It’s a short 10-minute walk from the Forbidden City. Alternatively, take Bus 111 or Bus 124 to Jingshan Park station.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥15-20 from the Forbidden City to Jingshan Park.

Dining Recommendations:

• For lunch, enjoy a delicious Peking Duck meal at Quanjude (Qianmen branch), famous for its crispy duck skin and tender meat.
• Nearby eateries offer local snacks like Beijing-style dumplings and fried noodles.

Accommodation Tips:

• Stay near Qianmen for easy access to historical landmarks. Options like The Beijing Hotel offer luxury, while Qianmen Hostel provides budget-friendly alternatives.

Day 2: Temple of Heaven → Yonghe Lama Temple → Confucius Temple & Imperial College → Guijie Street (Ghost Street)

Travel Tips:

• Temple of Heaven: A UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors prayed for good harvests. It’s best to visit in the morning when the area is less crowded. A 2-2.5 hour visit is ideal to fully explore the temple complex.
• Yonghe Lama Temple: This Tibetan Buddhist temple is one of the most important in Beijing. Spend around 1-2 hours here exploring its ornate halls and statues, including the 26-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Confucius Temple & Imperial College: The Confucius Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples dedicated to Confucius. The nearby Imperial College Museum showcases China’s rich educational history.
• Guijie Street: Known as Ghost Street, this is one of the best places in Beijing to enjoy late-night snacks and hotpot dishes. It’s vibrant, busy, and perfect for a culinary adventure.

Transportation Tips:

• Temple of Heaven: Take the subway (Line 5, Tiantan Dongmen Station), or take Bus 60 or Bus 6 to Tiantan East Gate station.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥30-40 from central Beijing to the Temple of Heaven.
• Yonghe Lama Temple: From the Temple of Heaven, take Subway Line 5 to Dongdan Station, then transfer to Subway Line 2 to Yonghegong Station.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥30-40.
• Confucius Temple & Imperial College: From the Lama Temple, you can take Bus 111 or Bus 82 to the Confucius Temple.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥25-35.
• Guijie Street: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongzhimen Station, then walk to Guijie.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥20-30 from the Confucius Temple to Guijie Street.

Dining Recommendations:

• For breakfast, try the local tea houses or street vendors near the Temple of Heaven for snacks like fried dough sticks and soybean milk.
• For lunch, enjoy vegetarian dishes near Lama Temple, or head to Guijie Street for an authentic Sichuan hotpot experience.

Accommodation Tips:

• Opt for accommodations near Dongzhimen for quick access to transport hubs, such as The DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing or The Orchid Hotel for a boutique experience.

Day 3: Prince Gong’s Mansion → Shichahai Lake → Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai Bar Street

Travel Tips:

• Prince Gong’s Mansion: A beautifully preserved residence from the Qing Dynasty. Spend 1.5-2 hours here exploring its architecture and tranquil gardens.
• Shichahai Lake: A scenic area known for its tranquil ambiance, historic hutongs, and traditional architecture. Consider a boat ride or a walk around the lake to unwind.
• Nanluoguxiang: A vibrant, narrow street filled with art galleries, local shops, and trendy cafes. It’s an ideal place to buy unique souvenirs and relax.
• Shichahai Bar Street: As the evening sets in, head to Shichahai Bar Street. This lakeside area is packed with bars and offers a lively atmosphere perfect for unwinding with drinks and music.

Transportation Tips:

• Prince Gong’s Mansion: Take Subway Line 4 to Ping’anli Station, or take Bus 13 or Bus 27 to the mansion.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥20-30 from central Beijing to Prince Gong’s Mansion.
• Shichahai Lake: From Prince Gong’s Mansion, it’s a short 10-15 minute walk. Alternatively, take Bus 111 to Shichahai Station.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥15-20 from Prince Gong’s Mansion to Shichahai Lake.
• Nanluoguxiang: Take Bus 60 or Bus 108 to Nanluoguxiang Station, or walk from Shichahai Lake (10-15 minutes).
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥15-20 from Shichahai Lake to Nanluoguxiang.
• Shichahai Bar Street: It’s just a short walk from Nanluoguxiang. Alternatively, take Bus 92 to Shichahai Bar Street.
  • Estimated Taxi Fare: Around ¥15-20 from Nanluoguxiang to Shichahai Bar Street.

Dining Recommendations:

• For lunch, enjoy fried dumplings, barbecued skewers, or soybean curd snacks in Nanluoguxiang.
• For a relaxing evening, head to Shichahai Bar Street for a lively atmosphere and enjoy international or local cuisines with lakeside views.

Accommodation Tips:

• Stay near Shichahai or Houhai for a more traditional and atmospheric experience. The Imperial Mansion offers a luxurious stay, while smaller guesthouses in the area provide a more intimate atmosphere.

General Tips for Foreign Tourists in Beijing:

• Language: While many people in tourist areas speak basic English, it’s a good idea to learn a few basic Chinese phrases.
• Transport: Use the Beijing Subway for affordable and fast transport. Consider downloading the DiDi app for easy access to taxis.
• Currency: Carry cash (RMB) for small transactions, although credit cards are widely accepted.
• SIM Cards: It’s easy to buy a local SIM card at the airport or major shopping malls.
• Safety: Beijing is generally very safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

This 3-day Beijing itinerary ensures you visit the city’s highlights while offering practical tips on transportation, dining, and accommodation, so you can make the most of