Five Days of Tourism in Beijing from a Resident ESL Teacher

Beijing is a massive, multi-layered city with thousands of years of history stacked between gleaming skyscrapers, modern subway lines, hidden temples, and preserved cultural districts. Living here as an ESL teacher has given me the time and flexibility to explore Beijing beyond the typical tourist checklist. Whether you’re planning a short visit or living here long-term, this five-day itinerary outlines the best low-cost ways to explore the city using Beijing’s extensive metro system and walking routes.

Day Trips Outside of Beijing’s City Center

For the most unforgettable sights near Beijing, you’ll need to book a shuttle, take a tour bus, or rent a car. These day trips are essential if you want to experience northern China’s scenic beauty and ancient history.

• Great Wall of Badaling – The most popular and easily accessible section of the Great Wall of China from Beijing.

• Longqingxia Scenic Area – A mountainous retreat near the Wall featuring cliffs, rivers, a dragon-shaped escalator, and a recreated tourist village.

• Huanghuacheng Great Wall – My personal favorite, this peaceful section includes partially submerged walls and great hiking trails.

• Mutianyu Great Wall – Another highly recommended segment with well-preserved architecture and forested paths.

• Ming Dynasty Tombs – A burial site of emperors with majestic statues, temples, and tranquil courtyards.

• Cuandixia Village – A preserved Ming-era mountain village with traditional stone homes and walkways.

• Northern Ski Resorts – Skiing near Beijing is surprisingly affordable and convenient during the winter months.

• Jingdong Grand Valley – A canyon landscape filled with walking paths, waterways, and stunning rock formations.

Day 1: Beijing’s Historic City Center

Start your Beijing travel itinerary in the historic heart of the city. This route is planned south to north, ideally beginning in the morning. Expect to walk a lot, but metro stations connect the major points. Make certain you get to the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City as early as possible to avoid getting hit by the crowds.

• Beijing Ming City Wall Ruins Park – A quiet, historical park showcasing what remains of the Ming Dynasty city walls.

• Zhengyang Bridge (Qianmen Street) – A pedestrian hub with vintage architecture, shops, and the imposing Zhengyangmen Gate.

• Temple of Heaven – A sacred, symmetrical complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

• Tiananmen Square – China’s political heart, leading directly to the imperial palace.

• The Forbidden City – No trip is complete without seeing this iconic palace complex that housed China’s emperors for centuries.

• Jingshan Park – Located directly north of the Forbidden City, this hilltop park offers panoramic views and is great for a late lunch break.

• Beihai Park – My favorite green space in Beijing. Stroll past lily ponds, ancient pavilions, and the stunning White Tower Temple. Don’t miss the Nine Dragon Screen nearby.

If you’re still energized, consider biking or walking to the nearby Red Watchtower for an evening view before heading to dinner.

Day 2: Temples and the Olympic Green

Start your day slowly in a temple or park for a more peaceful morning, then move northward toward Beijing’s Olympic landmarks.

• Wangfujing Pedestrian Street – A lively shopping area with breakfast spots and easy metro access.

• Lama Temple – One of Beijing’s most ornate Tibetan Buddhist temples, famous for its intricate details and serene ambiance.

• Temple of Confucius and Imperial College Museum – A quieter counterpart to Lama Temple with ancient trees and stone tablets.

• Yuan Capital City Wall Park – Bike through this riverside pedestrian zone and soak in history from the Yuan Dynasty era.

• China Ethnic Museum – A collection of exhibits representing China’s diverse cultural tapestry.

• Chinese Ethnic Cultural Park – Explore architectural miniatures and cultural displays from regions like Jiuzhaigou and Taiwan.

• Olympic Area – Visit the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the Indoor Stadium, and Olympic Park.

• Sunk Garden – A tucked-away park along the Yangshan River that provides a restful break.

• Olympic Forest Park South Section – Featuring eco-sculptures and art installations, it’s a great spot for photography or a final walk.

• Dongxiaokou Forest Park – Optional but scenic if you’re still in the mood for more nature.

Day 3: The Imperial Retreat

Spend your third day exploring Beijing’s imperial gardens and royal architecture in the northwest corner of the city.

• Yuanmingyuan Park (Old Summer Palace) – Peaceful ruins of a once-glorious palace complex with lakes and pavilions.

• The Summer Palace – Beijing’s most extensive royal garden, with lakeside temples, bridges, and forested hills. You’ll easily spend most of the day here.

• Beijing Botanical Garden – If time allows, this is a quiet and colorful place to end your day among plants and greenhouses.

Day 4: Malls, Art Zones, and Urban Exploration

This day is perfect for those interested in modern culture, shopping, and design in Beijing.

• Temple of the Sun – A small temple park to start the day with fresh air.

• Beijing Parkview Green – A unique mall with upscale shops, art installations, and elevated walkways.

• The Place – An open-air shopping zone with a massive LED screen stretching across the sky.

• Silk Street Market – A tourist favorite for traditional Chinese clothing and souvenirs.

• 798 Art Zone – One of Beijing’s most vibrant art districts with galleries, industrial relics, and stylish cafes. Check out the nearby Train Market too.

• Beijing Hutongs – Spend your evening exploring traditional alleyways now converted into trendy bars and boutique stores. Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, Guozijian, and Caochang are all well worth visiting.

Day 5: Bonus Activities and Offbeat Beijing

Here’s a collection of favorite side stops, quirky places, and underrated museums that round out your Beijing experience.

• Slow Boat Brewery – My go-to burger joint with great beer.

• China Watermelon Museum – A niche but enjoyable museum experience.

• Beijing Ancient Observatory – An often overlooked historical science site.

• Beijing Capitol Museum and the Paleozoological Museum of China – Excellent options for history or science lovers.

• Bai Gong Fang – A crafts studio highlighting intricate traditional Chinese hand arts.

• Mansudae Art Studio – A North Korean propaganda art outpost in the city.

• White Cloud Temple – A quiet Taoist temple that’s great for unwinding.

• Liulichang – An old-style walking district with stone architecture and cultural stores.

• Wangfujing Night Market – A fun place for late-night snacks and people-watching.

• Zhao Dai – A popular venue with live music (verify schedule).

• Mr. Shi’s Dumplings – A beloved Beijing eatery. Be sure to confirm the location, as copycats exist.

• Peking Duck – Beijing’s signature dish. Make time for it at least once during your visit.

Final Tips for Visiting Beijing

• Beijing’s payment system is almost entirely cashless. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance.

• Use DiDi or the metro instead of taxis. The metro is extensive, affordable, and fast.

• VPNs are necessary to access many international websites.

• Hot pot restaurants are popular dinner spots, especially for spicy food lovers.

• Karaoke bars (KTV) are everywhere and easy to find.

• Beware of tea scams and alcohol scams involving unpriced menus.

• Arrive early at major sites like the Forbidden City to avoid the crowds.

• Street shutdowns sometimes occur during governmental events but are usually well-communicated.

• Beijing is very safe, but be mindful of distances. Everything is walkable but very spread out.

Planning a Beijing 5-day tour itinerary as an ESL teacher has helped me learn how to travel the city with purpose. Whether you’re a tourist visiting China for the first time or an expat hoping to explore deeper, this five-day guide offers a mix of must-sees, off-the-beaten-path options, and cultural deep dives that show Beijing’s remarkable blend of old and new.