China · 2026 itinerary
Beijing 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Beijing: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The world's largest museum, covering Chinese history from prehistoric times to modern day. Highlights include the ancient bronze work and the Road to Rejuvenation exhibition.
🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Mon
Free entry💡 Reserve a free ticket online at least 1-2 days before. Arrive at opening (9am) to avoid queues. The museum is huge—pick one or two halls, like the Ancient China hall, to avoid burnout.
Hotels near National Museum of China →A former electronics factory complex turned into a sprawling contemporary art zone. Galleries, studios, cafes, and street art in industrial buildings from the 1950s.
🕐 Most galleries 10:00-18:00; closed Mon (some open Tue-Sun)
Free entry💡 Wander the side alleys off the main hub—many galleries there are free and less crowded. Check a few gallery websites for current exhibitions; some bigger shows charge 30-80 yuan.
Hotels near 798 Art District →马沙拉之香印度餐厅 · ££
孔乙己酒家 · ££
Deeper Into Beijing
A hill park directly north of the Forbidden City, offering the best elevated view of the palace rooftops and central Beijing. Originally a coal mound, now a landscaped garden.
🕐 Daily 06:30-21:00 (summer); 06:30-20:00 (winter)
💡 Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for sunset photos over the Forbidden City. Tickets cost just 2 yuan, making it one of the cheapest viewpoints in the city.
The imperial palace complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Massive courtyards, halls, and gardens with over 900 buildings.
🕐 Tue-Sun 08:30-17:00 (last entry 16:10); closed Mon
💡 Book tickets online at least a week ahead, and enter from the south meridian gate. Avoid the main route crowds by exploring the eastern and western side halls first.
孔亮火锅
必胜客
Final Favourites & Departure
A Ming-era temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. The surrounding park is a lively public space with locals doing tai chi, dancing, and playing
💡 Go early in the morning (around 6am) to see locals practicing tai chi and singing. The park is free before 8am, but you need a ticket for the temple buildings.
JingZun
包子铺
Getting Around Beijing
Use Didi app (Chinese Uber equivalent) for fixed pricing and English interface. Airport taxis have standard meters; avoid unmarked cabs.
Good value and direct route. Buses stop at multiple hotels. Book tickets at airport counters; less convenient than metro but reliable.
Fastest option. Buy a Yikatong card for seamless transfers. Download Baidu Maps for navigation; download offline maps as coverage can be spotty.
Premium express service from Daxing. Connects to metro for final leg. Most convenient for Daxing arrivals; uses Yikatong card or single tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Beijing?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like National Museum of China and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Beijing?
See our full best time to visit Beijing guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Beijing Hotel, New World Beijing Hotel, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.