3 Days in Beijing: Everything You Should Know

Three days in Beijing may not seem long enough to explore this 800-year-old metropolis in depth, but it’s enough to see the highlights of Beijing. This 3-day Beijing travel guide covers the essential things to do in Beijing within 3 days and includes the details of a 3-day Beijing itinerary plus travel tips for those who want to stay in Beijing for 3 days. Explore the renowned Forbidden City, have an exciting hiking trip on the Great Wall, and wander in the narrow but interesting Beijing hutongs. You can do many things in Beijing in 3 days that will be beyond your imagination. However, a well-planned itinerary is the key to experiencing the highlights of Beijing in 3 days. According to our most popular 3-day Beijing tour, we have detailed some popular visiting routes and tips for you below.

What to See in Beijing in 3 Days

1. Must-do activity in Beijing: Conquer the longest ancient man-made project in the world — the Great Wall.
2. See Chinese imperial palaces: explore the Forbidden City, which is the best-preserved ancient palace complex in the world.
3. An ancient luxurious pastime: have a stroll in the Summer Palace, which was used as a beautiful royal garden.
4. Explore Chinese people’s mysterious beliefs: visit the Temple of Heaven to find out more.
5. Experience the largest city square in the world — Tian’anmen Square.
6. Ramble along the interesting Beijing hutongs to explore the most authentic local lifestyle.
7. Watch a splendid sunset and enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City on the hilltop of Jingshan Park.
8. Enjoy the beautiful Beijing nighttime view at the Beijing 2008 Olympic sites — the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
9. Visit an important ancient palace as well as a Buddhist temple — the Lama Temple.
10. See one of the most famous ancient Chinese saints — Confucius.

Beijing Travel List

Day 1 in Beijing

It’s an exciting start to arrange the most popular attractions on your first day: Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Get up early, have a Beijing-style breakfast, and then go out to enjoy your first day in Beijing. Here is our detailed itinerary for your first day in Beijing.  

Day 2 in Beijing

You will explore Beijing more in-depth by visiting many ancient architectural structures during your second day, such as Jingshan Park, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Slow your pace and listen to stories about Beijing’s past from local people or your guide. Here, we have detailed the itinerary for your second day in Beijing.

Day 3 in Beijing

How can you arrange the third day in Beijing? During the past 2 days, you have visited the most famous attractions in Beijing. However, you are still a common tourist at this stage rather than an explorer. As one of the most interesting aspects of travel, trying to experience the most authentic local lifestyles, people’s beliefs, and delicious food is impressive. On the third day, you will visit the Lama Temple, the Temple of Confucius, and the local hutongs.

8am to 9am: Have Breakfast

A good sleep makes you feel relaxed when you are traveling. After the first 2 days of your trip, you can get up later on the third day and enjoy a lazy day. Sleep until the warm sunshine pouring through the window wakes you up. Have a nice breakfast in an establishment you’ve encountered during the previous 2 days.

9am to 12pm: Learn about Beijing’s Culture at the Lama Temple and the Temple of Confucius

The Lama Temple is near the Temple of Confucius. Spend 3 hours exploring these two ancient architectural structures and you’ll learn more about Beijing’s culture. The Lama Temple is a Buddhist Temple and it was China’s Buddhist center during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). It was the residence for Emperor Yongzheng before he took the crown and his son, Emperor Qianlong, was born there. Due to its honorable history, the Lama Temple became a high-grade Buddhist temple and attracted numerous believers. Walk a few meters from the Lama Temple and you’ll arrive at the Temple of Confucius. Confucius was one of the greatest sages and philosophers of ancient China. He was not just a common celebrity. In China’s history, he played an important role due to his infusive thoughts. In order to publicize Chinese culture and language, Confucius Institutes were built all over the world, in over 140 countries.

12pm to 1:30pm: Have Lunch at a Local Chinese Restaurant

Have you tasted the most famous Beijing dishes in the last 2 days? If not, you can’t miss an authentic local lunch during the third day of your trip. Follow your nose and the local people — you will find a popular Chinese restaurant in no time. Try to ‘ask your guide for recommendations on what to order.

1:30pm to 5pm: Take a Rickshaw and Ride Through Beijing’s Hutongs

The most authentic Beijing lifestyle is hidden in the hutongs. Hutongs are the main type of residence in old Beijing. Beijing’s modern face may dazzle you but it’s hard to believe that there are many small hutongs decorating the corner of Beijing. The hutongs are different in length, width, construction time, number of residents, and stories. Take a local rickshaw and travel through the hutongs one by one. You’ll encounter a peaceful picture, such as people chatting with their neighbors or playing chess. It’s totally different from the bustling Beijing lifestyle.

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