Beijing 5 Days Itinerary That Actually Works

How to sightsee China’s capital without overkill: Day 1: Qianmen & Dashilan Landed at Beijing Capital Airport, took the slick Airport Express to the city—jet-lag-proof! Subway dropped me at HomeInn, a budget chain with all the basics. Tired but curious, I hit Qianmen and Dashilan streets for a quick China vibe. After dark, they glow—grab a snack! Day 2: Forbidden City, Jingshan, Wangfujing Started with the Forbidden City (UNESCO gem). Early rise beat some crowds; tip: book tickets online (English site, Visa worked). Queues can confuse—staff help. Then, Jingshan Park for a breather and view. Starving, I hit Quanjude on Wangfujing for unreal Peking duck. Day 3: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Hutongs Slept in (duck coma!), then Lama Temple—active monastery, incense galore. Next, quiet Confucius Temple with birds and hutongs nearby. Perfect for a chill wander and bite. Day 4: Temple of Heaven, 798 Art District Mixed it up: Temple of Heaven (architecture win) in the AM, then 798 Art District—old base, now artsy. Loved the contrast. Day 5: Great Wall Saved the best: Great Wall at Jinshanling (165 km out). Off-season train (Beijing North → Gubeikou) was scenic. Hike was epic—bring cash, mobile pay’s spotty. Final Thoughts Immigration asked if I’d stay in Beijing the whole trip. Thought, Why? Now I see—5 days wasn’t enough. Start here, though! 😉 Enjoy! #beijing #beijingtrip #beijingtravel #qianmenstreet #qianmen #forbiddencity #jingshanpark #wangfujingstreet #quanjude #pekingduck #lamatemple #confuciustemple #hutongs #templeofheaven #798artdistrict #greatwallofchina #jinshanling