3-Day In-Depth Beijing Travel Guide: Where Classic Meets Trendy for a Hassle-Free Trip!

📅 Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Royalty

🌅5:00-7:00 Tiananmen Flag-Raising
Check the schedule in advance and bring your ID! Capture panoramic shots from East Chang'an Avenue, then visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (reservation required).

🏯8:30-12:00 The Palace Museum
Enter through Meridian Gate, focus on the central axis' Three Great Halls + Treasure Gallery (don't miss the Jade Mountain). Hanfu photos against red walls are stunning! Capture corner tower reflections at Shenwu Gate exit.

🍜12:30 Lunch
Try the "Thousand Miles of Mountains" cake at the Forbidden City Corner Tower Café, or queue early for Peking duck at Siji Minfu (window seats require 2-hour advance wait).

🏮14:00-17:00 Jingshan Park
Climb to Wanchun Pavilion (¥2 ticket) for bird's-eye views of the Forbidden City and central axis. Capture golden hour photos before sunset.

🌃19:00 Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
Explore Heping Guoju retro market, try Wuyutai tea ice cream, and buy Daoxiangcun pastry boxes as souvenirs.

Day 2: Great Wall Majesty + Imperial Gardens

🚌7:00 Mutianyu Great Wall
Less crowded and more scenic! Take the Bada Express (departs 7:30), cable car to Tower 14, then hike to Tower 20 for breathtaking views.

🍲12:30 Lunch
Try rainbow trout at the scenic area, or return downtown for DaDong's "Crispy Not Greasy" roast duck.

🌿14:30-17:00 Summer Palace
Enter through North Palace Gate, explore Suzhou Street and Tower of Buddhist Incense. Don't miss the "Golden Light Piercing Through" phenomenon at Seventeen-Arch Bridge (best in winter at 4pm).

🛶17:30 Kunming Lake Boating
Paddle boats at sunset while wearing Hanfu for classical photos.

Day 3: Hutong Life + Trendy Landmarks

🛵8:30 Shichahai Cycling
Rent shared bikes for the route: Qianhai → Yinding Bridge → Houhai. Observe morning exercises and bird-walking locals, stop for Zhajiang noodles at Fangzhuanchang.

🏡10:00 Nanluoguxiang
Visit Wenyu Cheese Shop and hairy monkey craft stores. Avoid main street crowds - explore Yuer Hutong for Qi Baishi's former residence.

☕12:00 Wudaoying Hutong
Artsy café heaven! Recommended: "Saffron" Spanish restaurant's sunny terrace.

🎨14:00 798 Art Zone
Gallery hopping + industrial-chic photos. Must-visit: UCCA Center for Contemporary Art where gritty factories meet avant-garde art.

🌉17:00 Bird's Nest/Water Cube
Night light shows are spectacular - perfect for silhouette social media posts.

🚗 Transportation Guide

🚇 Subway: Download "Yitongxing" APP for major attractions coverage.
🚌 Great Wall: Choose Bada Express for Mutianyu, or high-speed train from Beijing North Station for Badaling.
🛵 Hutongs: Shared bikes work best (note some restricted zones).

🏠 Accommodation Tips

🌆 Downtown: Wangfujing/Qianmen areas (walkable to Tiananmen). Classic choice: Beijing Hotel.
🏡 Hutong stays: Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang area courtyard houses for authentic experience.

💡Pro Tips:
1. Book Forbidden City/National Museum 1-7 days ahead (bring ID!)
2. Wear anti-slip shoes for Great Wall - Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling.
3. Reserve Peking duck restaurants early - Siji Minfu window seats require queuing.

Beijing's beauty lies in its vermilion walls' grandeur and hutong alleys' vitality. Take this guide to feel the pulse of this six-dynasty capital! ✨