Discover Beijing in Four Days: A Practical and Enjoyable Travel Plan

When I first planned my Beijing 4-day itinerary, I wanted something that felt rich in culture but also manageable—not too rushed or packed. After testing out this route myself, I can say it strikes the perfect balance between must-see landmarks and moments to soak it all in. If you’re looking for a Beijing attractions guide that feels both practical and enjoyable, this is it.

Day 1: From the Tiananmen Flag Raising to Dashilan

The excitement began early with the iconic flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. Just a heads-up—watching the flag raising requires a special appointment, and security checkpoints 01 and 02 offer side views of the honor guard, while gates 3, 4, and 7 face Tiananmen directly for the ceremony. I found the atmosphere deeply moving, and it’s worth planning ahead to secure your spot.

After that, I visited the Great Hall of the People, where bags are allowed but liquids like water aren’t—though there’s a water station on the first floor. Don’t forget your phone and ID at Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, as that’s all that’s permitted inside. The Forbidden City is vast but surprisingly easy to navigate; I took the central axis and spent around two hours immersed in history. Right across the north gate is Jingshan Park, perfect for a breather and great views.

To wrap up, I explored Dashilan and Qianmen—two lively pedestrian streets packed with local snacks and cultural souvenirs. I highly recommend trying the copper pot hot pot for a real taste of Beijing’s culinary charm.

Day 2: A Cultural Deep Dive with the National Museum and Temple of Heaven

Booking your National Museum tickets about a week in advance is crucial—it’s in high demand! I snapped up a combined ticket for the Temple of Heaven, which gave me access to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the Round Mound, making it a real value deal.

Wandering through Nanluoguxiang felt like stepping into a mix of traditional and modern Beijing. It’s filled with quirky shops and creative cultural goods, different but just as vibrant as Yandaixie Street nearby. From there, it’s a short walk to the Drum Tower—an excellent photo spot—before heading to Shichahai to watch a stunning sunset over the lake. That moment felt like pure magic, a calm contrast after busy sightseeing.

Day 3: Palaces and Prestigious Campuses

The Summer Palace sprawls across a huge area, and I preferred buying tickets separately for different sites to focus on spots like Picture in the Picture and Zhichun Pavilion. For the Old Summer Palace, the combined ticket includes the Western Building Ruins, and I found taking the sightseeing electric car from the West Gate a real time-saver.

Later, I visited two of China’s most famous universities—Peking University and Tsinghua University. They’re close to each other and the Summer Palace. If you want to enter, make sure to reserve in advance, though just snapping photos at the gates also carries a lot of charm.

Day 4: An Adventurous Visit to Badaling Great Wall

This day was all about embracing the grandeur of the Badaling Great Wall visit. I took the subway early to Qinghe Station, then hopped on the high-speed rail to the Wall—about 23 minutes. The Wall’s North City has twelve floors, with the steep and challenging Hero Slope between the seventh and eighth floors, not to be underestimated even if you’re an experienced hiker. The South City’s peak sits at the fourth floor, easier but equally rewarding. The Hero Wall and a bustling commercial food street on the way back gave an unexpected chance to relax and recharge.

Helpful Beijing Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Make reservations well in advance for popular attractions like the National Museum and university visits.
• Use combined tickets where available to save money and time, especially for the Temple of Heaven and Old Summer Palace.
• Check security and item restrictions before heading to politically sensitive sites, such as the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.
• Take advantage of Beijing’s efficient subway and high-speed rail system to reach farther spots like Badaling Great Wall comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes—especially for the Great Wall hike—and bring a camera to capture unforgettable views.

For a practical example of a well-curated Beijing 4-day travel itinerary, I also found this Explore Beijing: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary video inspiring. Although it’s just for three days, the suggestions complement mine well, making it a great resource for travel planners.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Beijing through this four-day journey was fulfilling without leaving me drained. The city’s attractions are densely packed with history and culture but can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace with some planning. Whether you’re here for the grandeur of ancient palaces, the buzz of cultural streets, or the breathtaking climb of the Great Wall, this itinerary has you covered.

Save this itinerary for your next China trip and get ready to dive into the heart of Beijing with confidence and curiosity!