A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

Last updated on August 31st, 2025 at 04:35 pm

So… you finally booked that trip to the country where your iPhone was made and now you’re wondering what it’s reallllyyyyy like to spend a few days in China’s capital? Well you’ve come to the right place for the ultimate 3-day Beijing itinerary for first-timers!!! Especially since China is one of THE MOST underrated destinations right now, particularly for Western travelers. And not only is it underrated, I feel like there just aren’t a whole lot of resources written by westerners to help you navigate travel around China. (I’m Chinese American, so you’d think I would’ve gone ages ago but nope. I was too busy chasing Euro summers like the rest of America between the months of June-August).

But seriously, spending 3 days in Beijing was absolutely life-changing for me. And if it’s your first-time to Beijing (or China), you’re gonna want to stick around. This complete 3-day Beijing itinerary has you covered with everything you need to know including the best time to visit, where to stay (per usual, boutique hotels always included), must-see sights, underrated gems, and of course, where to eat.

All accompanied by a sample 3-day Beijing itinerary that I’ve personally vetted, tested, and approved ✅

I promise, a visit to China will surprise you in the best way possible. Beijing is packed with history, home to the Great Wall, Olympic stadiums, & some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. SO LET’S GET INTO IT 👇

Read more on China 🇨🇳

• Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
• Top 15 Things to Do in Beijing: From Hot Pot to Hidden Gems
• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing Review: Luxurious Comfort Near the Forbidden City

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3-Day Beijing Itinerary at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels for your 3-day Beijing itinerary:

• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing (Wangfujing) – Where my dad and I stayed! Centrally located with roomy interiors and classic Chinese accents, this hotel is great for travelers seeking comfort and walkable access to the Forbidden City.
• CHAO Sanlitun Beijing (Sanlitun) – A chic, contemporary boutique hotel with gallery-style interiors and lively creative energy. Perfect for design lovers and modern travelers on a 3-day Beijing itinerary
• Hotel Éclat Beijing (Chaoyang) – Vibrant and unconventional, this art-filled stay inside Parkview Green is ideal for guests who appreciate bold aesthetics and unique luxury.
• East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower – Affordable and well-positioned, this hotel puts you right near Beijing’s historic sites and atmospheric hutongs, making it easy to explore on foot.

Not sure where to stay yet in Beijing? Head to my guide Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to China

If this is your first time visiting China, there are a few key things you’ll want to know, especially if you’re coming from the West. If you’ve been before, then this probably isn’t your first rodeo and you can skip ahead. But for the rest of us? These are my go-to travel tips for first-time visitors to Beijing to help you find your way around.

✈️ Visa-Free Travel to China (as of 2025)

• As of August 2025, U.S. citizens can now enter China visa-free for up to 10 days when transiting through China to a third country. (The last piece is really important)
• I used this policy to spend 3 days in Beijing and Shanghai before flying out to Taiwan (which counts as a third country in this case).
• Important: You can’t just book a roundtrip flight from the US to/from China. To qualify, you need to show proof of travel to a third destination (Hong Kong and Taiwan both qualify).
• I always suggest checking the U.S. State Department website for the latest info on visa rules and travel restrictions before your trip

📱Apps You Actually Need

• China famously blocks most Western apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc) which is why getting an E-sim with a VPN is crucial.
• You must set everything up before you leave. DO NOT just “figure it out when you land”

Only One App You Truly Need: Alipay (+ a VPN sim card)

• Skip the 50 blog posts telling you to download 12 different Chinese apps.
• Alipay is all you need — for payments, transit, access to Didi (China’s Uber), and more.
• Set it up in advance with your passport and foreign credit card.

📶 Staying Connected with an E-SIM / VPN

• I use Holafly now for all my travels and used it in China.
• I switched from Airalo after constantly running out of data and struggling to top up.
• Holafly is unlimited (and slightly pricier), but 100% worth it for not losing signal.
• Best part? It’s pre-programmed to bypass the Great Firewall, so I could use Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Translate, and everything else without a problem during my 3-day Beijing itinerary!
• Use my Holafly referral link for a 5% discount

🗣️ Language Barrier: Be Prepared

• There’s kind of a big one. And this is coming from someone that speaks extremely broken Mandarin. Don’t expect signs, menus, or drivers to understand or cater to English speakers.
• Have translation apps ready to go. Google Translate & Baidu Translate’s voice feature are extremely necessary for getting around and/or reading restaurant menus.

🚗 Getting Around with DiDi

• Didi is basically China’s version of Uber. And it’s suuuuper affordable if you’re coming from the US/Europe.
• No need to download the separate app, just access it directly through Alipay.
• It’s reliable, straightforward, and made getting around during our 3-day Beijing itinerary way easier.

🎟️ It’s Crowded AF

• Beijing is busy. Always.
• Major attractions (like the Forbidden City or Great Wall) require reservations in advance
• I used GetYourGuide and Viator for all my bookings and had zero issues. Super smooth experience.

Need help narrowing down the best areas to stay? My post on Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors is the perfect starting point.

How to Get to Beijing for Your 3-Day Itinerary

Beijing has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Most long-haul flights from the U.S. or Europe still land at PEK, which is about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of the city center.

From PEK, the Airport Express train is the best option for those traveling on a budget and/or those landing around rush hour. The Airport Express takes about 20 minutes to reach downtown and connects to the subway system. Taxi/DiDis (Chinese Uber) are available too and cost around ¥100–150 (roughly $15–20 USD), depending on traffic.

If you’re flying into PKX, located about 30 miles (46 km) south of the city, the Daxing Airport Express subway or the intercity train to Beijing West Station will get you into town in about 30 minutes. Taxis from PKX are pricier (around $25-35 USD), but useful if you’re arriving late or carrying lots of luggage.

My dad and I landed right in the middle of rush hour, so it ended up taking a little over an hour to reach the city. But honestly, we were blown away when the whole ride only cost about $15 USD, especially considering a similar trip would’ve been easily $100+ in San Francisco or New York.

No matter which airport you land at, this is why it’s crucial to have an e-sim with a VPN so you can still use Google Translate to communicate with your driver and/or book a DiDi which has built-in language translation.

Best Time to Visit for Your 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

I don’t know about you but prior to visiting, I always pictured Beijing as this like…cold, dreary, snowy city which ya know…isn’t particularly appealing when planning a trip. I also spend most of my life trying to avoid the cold in San Francisco so there were always about 89 other places I wanted to go before Beijing.

But here’s the thing — Beijing isn’t cold year-round. In fact, there are 9 whole months where spending 3 days in Beijing is actually pretty amazing. Also, if you don’t mind the cold then Beijing is the perfect trip for you!

When I went, the weather was pretty freakin’ perfect. I was in jeans and a t-shirt most of the time. And after sweating my way through Singapore, I was just happy to not have to shower 4x a day.

Keep reading to find out the best times to visit, what the temps are like in each season, and what to be mindful of weather-wise as you plan your 3-day Beijing itinerary.

Visiting Beijing in Spring/Summer

Spring and summer in Beijing don’t require heavy layers, but you’ll definitely feel the shift from mild to muggy-ish as the months roll on. Daytime highs range from 72 to 88°F (22 to 31°C), with spring offering breezy, comfortable days and summer bringing the heat.

For a 3 day Beijing itinerary, this is when the city really comes alive with blooming parks, bustling night markets, and locals enjoying long evenings out. Think strolls through the hutongs, Great Wall hikes with clear views, and outdoor meals that last for hours. April to August is peak travel season, so expect more crowds at major attractions and higher hotel rates, especially around Chinese holidays.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the calendar for major Chinese holidays before planning your trip. Domestic travel is absolutely freakinnnnn CRAZY during these times and all spots (not just popular ones) get packed. Trust me, navigating crowds of local tourists during a national holiday is a whole different experience. You’ll want to avoid it if you can.

Visiting Beijing in Fall/Winter

Fall and winter in Beijing bring a noticeable shift in temperature, but it’s a great time to explore without the crowds. Daytime highs hover around 45 to 70°F (7 to 21°C) in the fall and can dip to 25 to 40°F (-4 to 4°C) in the winter, especially in December and January.

During fall, you’ll want a warm coat, but the crisp air and clear skies make it ideal for walking tours and historic sites without breaking a sweat or waiting in long lines. Fall is also especially beautiful with golden leaves at the parks and temples, while winter offers a quieter, more local vibe.

For winter, just bundle up and bring moisturizer. Beijing’s dry winter air is no joke. (Totally makes for a great excuse to get a facial though). Hotel prices tend to drop in winter, making it a budget-friendly time to visit if you don’t mind the chill.

Top Boutique Hotels to Book for Your 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

Beijing is huge, so where you stay really matters. If it’s your first time, Wangfujing in the Dongcheng District is a great place to start. It puts you close to the big sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing Street, all within easy reach. This is where my dad and I stayed and I give it an ~8 in terms of convenience. We didn’t really “go out” at night because ya know…he’s 70 years old so we enjoyed this area.

If you’re looking for a more modern and upbeat vibe, Sanlitun is packed with trendy restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Want something with a little more character? Check out Gulou or Shichahai. These areas are full of hutongs, small cafes, and boutique hotels that give you a feel for old Beijing.

Lastly, staying in Chaoyang / The Central Business District (CBD) area for your 3-day Beijing itinerary is also an option. Especially if you’re after international hotels and a quieter, more polished stay.

No matter where you book, just make sure you’re relatively close to a subway stop. It makes getting around waaaaaay easier. But again, DiDi’s are super cheap (compared to the US) so you can also use that to get around.

Confused about the neighborhoods? Don’t worry! My post Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors has the answers.

Keep reading for a list of the best boutique hotels in Beijing based on each location to help you plan your perfect 3-day Beijing itinerary 👇

Dongcheng District

Top hotel recommendations for Wangfujing

• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing (Wangfujing) – A centrally located hotel with spacious rooms and traditional Chinese touches, ideal for travelers who want comfort and convenience just steps from the Forbidden City.
• Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (Wangfujing) – An affordable, no-frills option in the heart of Wangfujing with easy access to shopping, street eats, and major landmarks.
• Regent Beijing (Wangfujing) – A polished and upscale choice with spacious rooms and luxe amenities, perfect for travelers seeking a five-star experience near Tiananmen Square.
• The PuXuan Hotel and Spa (Wangfujing) – Sleek, design-driven luxury with minimalist elegance, a world-class spa, and stunning views of Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City.
• Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing (Wangfujing) – Ultra-luxurious with top-notch service and a serene vibe, this intimate boutique hotel is a peaceful escape for any 3 day Beijing itinerary near the city’s shopping hub.

Sanlitun

Top hotel recommendations for Sanlitun

• BEI Zhaolong Hotel (Sanlitun) – Trendy and tech-savvy with minimalist design, this lifestyle hotel is a great fit for digital nomads and creatives looking to stay near Sanlitun’s nightlife.
• CHAO Sanlitun Beijing (Sanlitun) – A stylish, design-forward boutique hotel with art gallery vibes and a buzzy social scene, beloved by creative travelers and modern aesthetes.
• InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun by IHG (Sanlitun) – Contemporary luxury with sweeping skyline views, an excellent executive lounge, and a location steps from Sanlitun’s shops and bars. You can never go wrong with an InterContinental for your 3-day (or 5-day) Beijing itinerary.
• Bvlgari Hotel Beijing (Sanlitun) – Opulent and exclusive, this riverside hotel blends Italian sophistication with serene gardens, perfect for a splurge-worthy and quiet stay in Beijing’s embassy district.

Chaoyang

Top hotel recommendations for Chaoyang

• The Westin Beijing Chaoyang (Chaoyang) – A reliable and modern business hotel with wellness-focused amenities and easy subway access for both work and play.
• Hotel Éclat Beijing (Chaoyang) – Bold and eclectic, this art-filled boutique hotel in Parkview Green is perfect for a 3 day Beijing itinerary filled with quirky luxury and curated experiences.
• Park Hyatt Beijing (Chaoyang) – Sleek and upscale, the Park Hyatt offers panoramic views, sophisticated rooms, and a prime location in the city’s financial district.
• Rosewood Beijing (Chaoyang) – Refined and residential in feel, Rosewood blends modern luxury with Chinese artistry—expect top-tier dining, a tranquil spa, and impeccable service.

Gulou

Top hotel recommendations for Gulou

(If you have the time to turn this into a 5-day Beijing itinerary, I definitely recommend spending a couple nights in Gulou. You’ll get a completely different feel of China).

• Jingshan Garden Hotel – A peaceful boutique stay tucked beside Jingshan Park, offering traditional courtyard charm with modern comforts and easy access to the Forbidden City.
• East Hotel The Forbidden City Drum Tower – A budget-friendly, centrally located pick that puts you within walking distance of Beijing’s top historic sites and hutongs.
• Beijing 161 hotel LeZaiNanluo Boutique Hotel – A mouthful to say but full of character, this courtyard-style hotel offers a local, cultural experience right in the heart of Beijing’s charming old alleyways.

Unsure whether to pick Gulou, Sanlitun, or Wangfujing? Check out my guide on Where to Stay in Beijing: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors.

Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Beijing in 3 Days

Beijing is one of those cities that hits you with history, culture, and chaos all at once. Like, seriously. I can’t stress enough how much of a culture shock visiting China was. And I consider myself pretty “cultured” (I think?). And like I said, I’m Asian. But I was like wow, the West is just sooooo much different from the East. I think what shocked me the most was definitely “etiquette”, ie. what would be perceived rude in the West is not a big deal in the East. Also politics, and just how the West talks about the East and vise versa. But I won’t get started on that. I know this is a travel blog after all 🙂

There is seriously so much to see (especially if you’re on a 3 or 5-day Beijing itinerary). To save you the hours of research, I’ve narrowed it down to the top three must-dos. I know a top 3 isn’t a lot but I also wrote up an entire post dedicated to the best things to do and places to visit in Beijing in another post.

So if you want the full lineup of attractions, hidden gems, and more activities then head to my full blog post on the Top 15 Best Things to Do in Beijing!

#1. Tackle Beijing’s Greatest Hits in One Day

Short on time? Then this is my number one recommendation for a 3-day Beijing itinerary. A private day tour that hits Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is the ultimate Beijing hi-lights tour. It’s a packed itinerary, but if you’re not sure when you’ll be back, this full-day tour is hands-down the most efficient way to knock out the big three in one go.

If you prefer to take things at a slightly slower pace, I’d suggest splitting it up like this — Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on one day, and the Great Wall on another. Each spot easily deserves a half day on its own, so pacing it out gives you more time to take it all in without rushing.

For the full breakdown of our experience (plus a bunch more recs) visiting the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, check out my blog post on the top 15 things to do and see in Beijing.

#2. Eat your Way Through the Hutongs

Everyone’s obsessed with Japan’s alleyway eats…but did you know about Beijing’s hutong alleyways? I bet you didn’t because everyone on Instagram/TikTok are still fan-girling over Japan.

Well first, you’re probably wondering what the heck a hutong even is? A hutong is a traditional alleyway or narrow street in Beijing, often lined with courtyard homes that date back centuries. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into old Beijing life, with winding lanes, local markets, and hidden gems tucked between the bricks.

You could roam the hutongs yourself but with the language barrier… I actually recommend joining this small-group food tour instead. (If you know me, you know I love my food and my tours so it’s natural that I love a food tour). I mostly love it though because you usually get snippets of history while getting to stuff your face with a bunch of little bites vs just sitting down at one single restaurant.

This specific food tour that my dad and I went on takes you to hidden restaurants, local homes, and even a craft brewery. We started at Shichahai metro station, where we met our English-speaking guide who apparently was a retired food critic!

From there, we headed to Gulou for a taste of classic Beijing hot pot. What makes it different than traditional hot pot is that they use a copper pot with a tall chimney in the center. I’m not sure if it actually makes a difference on the food but the look of it sure is different!

We also stopped by a husband-and-wife-run spot famous for their spring pancakes, and wrapped things up with a big bowl of Beijing noodles and beer at local craft brewery. Oh and did I mention the best part? UNLIMITEDDDDDD BEEEEERRRRRRRR.

#3. Visit the Bird’s Nest (or Swap It for a Slice of History)

The Beijing National Stadium (aka the Bird’s Nest) is more than just cool architecture. It was the centerpiece of the 2008 Olympics and a symbol of China’s modern rise on the world stage.

If you’re like me though and actually prefer history over modern landmarks, you could swap out the National Stadium for the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where you can (literally) see Mao’s embalmed body. Or head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former retreat for Qing Dynasty emperors. It’s known for its peaceful lake views, ornate temples, and the stunning Long Corridor, a painted walkway that stretches for over half a mile.

Want the full breakdown of what to do and see in Beijing? Check out my blog post here on the top 15 must-do activities in Beijing!

Where to Eat & Drink During Your 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

Not gonna lie, I always kinda flip-flop between chasing the popular food spots and stumbling into underrated gems when abroad. But since I was traveling with my dad this time, we mostly just winged it and followed whatever smelled good. (Plus with the language barrier, I just thought it’d be easier to let someone who can actually read the menu decide what to eat).

So I can’t pretend like these food recs are as good as my usual restaurant finds or if I was traveling with my fiance or girlfriends, but check out these spots that my dad and I really enjoyed while we were in Beijing!

Ps. I’ve linked the restaurant names with their Baidu map links below because Google Maps doesn’t work in China!

• Jing Men Jiu Shuan 前门杨记涮肉(王府井店) — A delicious Beijing style hot pot restaurant with great cuts of mutton, lamb, beef, noodles, and more. The broth was really tasty and very reasonably priced.
• Yin San Douzhi (尹三豆汁) — A Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite, Yin San Douzhi is known for their cold beef tripe tossed in chili oil (don’t knock it ‘til you try it) and a bowl of zhajiangmian, THE noodle dish of Beijing. Thick wheat noodles, crunchy toppings, and savory sauce you mix yourself? Absolute comfort food.
• Liuzhou Fat Auntie’s Snail Rice Noodles (柳州肥姨妈大骨螺蛳粉) — A veryyyy local spot for Luosifen which translates into “snail rice noodles”. This place has NO English menu at all so you know it’s gonna be good. And each bowl of noodles costs less than $3 USD. If unfamiliar, Luosifen is a tangy, spicy, and weirdly addictive bowl of rice noodles in a fermented broth made from river snail essence but don’t panic, there’s no actual snail in sight.

Find Yourself with Extra Time in Beijing?

If you’ve got more than a long weekend and are working with 5 days in Beijing, you’re in luck! There’s so much more to explore beyond the city center. A 5-day Beijing itinerary opens up time for incredible day trips, like hiking the less crowded stretches of the Great Wall at Jinshanling or exploring the fairytale vibes of Gubei Water Town.

You could even squeeze in a visit to the Summer Palace or hop on a high-speed train to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius for a totally different experience.

And if you’re feeling ambitious and know this might be your one shot at seeing more of China, you can even squeeze in a day trip to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Take the earliest high-speed train out at 7am and the last one back at 6:30pm. Or make it easier on yourself and stay overnight at the Marriott Xi’an to break up the travel.

With a few extra days, you can venture beyond the city and get a feel for Beijing’s surrounding suburbs, where the scenery shifts and gives you a whole new perspective.

Sample 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

Check out my sample Beijing 3-day itinerary below ⬇️
(For a 5-day Beijing itinerary, I’d recommend tacking on a couple day trips to Gubei Water Town, Xi’an, or Qufu).

Day 1

• Check into Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
• Walk over to Tiananmen Square
• Join a Forbidden City Walking Tour
• Lunch near Jingshan Park (360° views of the Forbidden City)
• Stroll through Wangfujing Street for snacks and souvenir shopping
• Dinner at Jing Men Jiu Shuan for a classic Beijing hot pot experience (#6)
• Optional: Visit the Bird’s Nest at night for lit-up views

Day 2

• All-day private tour to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
• Return to Beijing in the evening
• Walk around Shichahai Lake
• Optional nightcap at Mao Mao Chong Bar or Slowboat Brewing

Day 3

• Morning visit to the Summer Palace
• Lunch near the palace (or bring snacks for a picnic if weather’s good)
• Grab a coffee in Sanlitun Soho and go shopping
• Beijing Hutong Walking Food Tour with unlimited beer

Beijing FAQ

To help you plan your 3-day Beijing itinerary, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to Beijing 🇨🇳

Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?

As of 2025, US citizens can visit visa free for up to 10 days when transiting to a third country (Taiwan or Hong Kong count in this scenario). Just make sure your flight route qualifies and have proof of onward travel. However, visa changes can happen overnight so always make sure to double check the latest information. I usually rely on Sherpa or the official U.S. Department of State website.

Is English widely spoken?

Not really. Like, at all. Most signs and menus are in Mandarin, and English isn’t common outside of super touristy spots. Download Google Translate with offline language packs and Baidu Translate, and prepare to use a lot of pointing and smiling. Or just hire an English-speaking guide via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Can I use Google, Instagram, or WhatsApp in China?

No, not without a VPN. China blocks most Western apps. Get an eSIM with a built-in VPN like Holafly before you land so you can stay connected and bypass the Great Firewall.

Use my Holafly referral link for a 5% discount

How do I get around in Beijing?

Use the subway, which is super affordable and extensive. Just make sure to download Alipay BEFORE your trip. From there, you can pay directly for a subway ticket.

When’s the best time to visit?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are ideal times to visit Beijing. Mild temps, fewer crowds, and clear skies. Summers are hot and busy, winters are cold but less crowded and more budget friendly.

Is Beijing safe?

Crazy safe. I mean, there’s cameras and cops everywhere for a reason. The “safety” aspect is definitely something that shocked me as well. Especially coming from San Francisco. So yes, Beijing is pretty safe, even for solo travelers. Just watch out for tourist scams around major sights and always use official booking platforms for tours and transportation.

3 Days in Beijing: Final Thoughts

Well…were you as surprised with your visit to Beijing as I was? I hope so! Was 3 days in Beijing enough for you? Or are you feeling like you could’ve stayed for 5? Or even longer?

I definitely think three whole days in Beijing is just the right amount of time to scratch the surface. From ancient wonders like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to sizzling hot pot and hidden hutong gems, this city is the perfect mix of old-meets-new.

Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just trying to make the most of that visa-free window like I was, Beijing delivers in a biiiiig way. I left surprised, inspired, and genuinely felt like my worldview had shifted ever so slightly.

Did you get a chance to spend three days in Beijing? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting other places in China?

Check out my other travel guides on China here.

Visiting other parts of Asia?

Check out my other travel guides on Asia here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!