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How to Spend 72 Hours in Beijing Have a good trip In Beijing, this millennia-old capital, there are too many places worth pausing at and savoring. The towering, winding palace walls, the hutongs alive with the smoke and steam of daily life, the solemn imperial temples and altars, and the ceaselessly emerging landmarks of innovation make one feel as if traversing through time itself. Faced with such profound history and vibrant vitality, how do you choose what to experience in a city like Beijing? Here’s my whirlwind 72 hours in Beijing! Where to Stay To truly savor authentic Beijing, staying in a traditional courtyard residence is a must. At Fuxue Qiuguo Courtyard in Nanluoguxiang, blue bricks and grey tiles conceal breathtaking garden vignettes—koi glide through stone vats, cockatiels chirp from bamboo cages, and the most delightful surprise is the cozy cat nook tucked around a corner. Nestled in the city’s heart, the hotel offers effortless access to the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Shichahai, and the Drum Tower. Step outside to Nanluoguxiang’s lively street food galore, with surrounding hutongs radiating unique character. After a day of exploration, unwind in your room’s spacious soaking tub—pure bliss. The hotel is steps away from the metro, making everywhere easily accessible. Even walking to nearby attractions is a breeze! Things to Do Beijing is absolutely packed with incredible things to see and do – with just three days, you’ll need to focus on the absolute essentials! No trip to China is complete without the Great Wall. It’s the ultimate symbol of Chinese civilization – a testament to ingenuity, perseverance, and sheer scale. Witnessing this UNESCO World Heritage site firsthand is a profound experience. Walk where emperors commanded and armies marched. See why it’s considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Mutianyu Great Wall boasts stunning scenery, a well-preserved ecology, and remarkably intact walls. It’s generally less crowded than other sections, offers more relatively level sections, and provides a more comfortable hiking experience. Plus, it’s incredibly photogenic! Qianmen: At the Historic Heart of BeijingStroll down Qianmen Street—a 600-year-old thoroughfare along Beijing’s Central Axis—where countless local snacks await discovery. As you wander, listen for the gentle clang-clang of vintage trams rolling past. Turn into Dashilan, established in 1420 (Ming Dynasty). Here, time stands still: Ming and Qing-era architecture houses century-old Beijing brands, transporting you to ancient China. Sanlihe Park: Gray-tiled roofs, stone bridges arching over murmuring streams, and cobblestone paths winding into quiet alleys. Life here unfolds like an ink-wash painting—serene and untouched by the modern world. Rest at a riverside café, sip coffee while watching ducklings paddle by, and lose track of time. Every corner is a photogenic dream. The Forbidden City: Beijing’s Unmissable Imperial MasterpieceBeyond the Great Wall, this palace of Ming and Qing emperors stuns with equally majestic grandeur. Crimson walls and golden roofs radiate imperial glory. Rent Qing-era robes for photos inside—live out your royal fantasy as a prince or princess! Pro tip: Chase sunset at the corner towers! Watch the moat ignite in molten orange, while golden light ripples straight into your camera roll. Seriously photogenic～ Gulou & Shichahai: Sunset Paddles and BitesAfter exploring the Forbidden City, refuel just nearby! Stroll to Gulou (Drum Tower) and Shichahai for local eats or street snacks. If you time it right, rent a paddle boat at sunset—glide across the lake as golden light washes over the water. Pure magic. 🛶✨ f you’ve still got energy after a full day of exploring, wander through Beijing’s hidden-gem route: Beixinqiao → Confucius Temple → Wudaoying Hutong.This walk serves up delicious eats at every turn and is pure Instagram gold—especially around the ancient courtyards of the Confucius Temple and the artsy lanes of Wudaoying. Stroll, snap photos, and snack your way through… pure bliss. 📸🍢   READ MORE: TOP5  THINGS TO DO IN BEIJING  Temple of Heaven ParkA sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors performed rituals to pray for harvests, rain, and heavenly blessings. Home to the world’s largest, best-preserved, and most representative ancient altar complex—a masterpiece since its construction under Emperor Yongle (1420 AD). Don’t miss:Circular Mound Altar – Ancient cosmic symbolism，Echo Wall – Whisper across 65 meters!Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests – The iconic triple-gabled blue roof. The Summer Palace: A Masterpiece of Imperial EleganceCrafted during Emperor Qianlong’s reign, this UNESCO World Heritage site blends art and nature. Kunming Lake shimmers with jade-green clarity, while the Seventeen-Arch Bridge—adorned with lifelike stone lions—arches gracefully across its waters. Wander the Long Corridor, where painted ceilings unfold like scrolls, and gaze upon the Marble Boat (Qingyan Fang) anchored in the lake’s embrace. Here, every step feels like walking through a living landscape painting. Restaurants Siji Minfu: With multiple branches across Beijing, this is my top duck pick! Search for the nearest location when the craving hits. If you snag a reservation at their Forbidden City branch, try your luck for a window seat—savor crispy duck while gazing at palace walls. Beyond duck, their chef-recommended dishes won’t disappoint.. 🦆👑 Hongyuan Nanmen Shuanrou ：Beijing’s iconic mutton hot pot experience! Founded in 1994 near the Temple of Heaven’s south gate, this institution masters the art of copper-pot instant-boiled lamb.Ultra-fresh hand-cut mutton – Tender, no gaminess. Signature sesame dip – Nutty, herb-flecked perfection. Crisp mountain veggies – Balance the richness.💡 Pro tip: Go early! No reservations, queues peak at 6PM. Fangzhuangchang 69: Beijing’s Iconic Zhajiang Noodle HavenHand-pulled noodles draped in umami-rich fermented bean paste, topped with crunchy cucumber slivers and tender pork belly. Go early—queues snake down the alley by noon! Yaoji Chaogan姚记炒肝 ： Don’t miss their steamed buns—juicy pork filling bursting with umami, wrapped in cloud-soft dough fragrant with wheat. One bite releases an irresistible aroma. I can devour 4-5 in one go—how many can you tackle? Pair them with chaogan (liver stew) if you’re game for offal. That’s how locals roll   Hi! I’m Yoyo, a traveler with adventure in my blood and taste buds forever hunting for the next feast. My mission? To live off the beaten…

How to plan your first travel to beijing Have a good trip Visiting China and Beijing for the first time? You might feel unsure about preparations or local customs. A little advance insight can turn your journey into a smoother, more rewarding adventure. Apply for a Visa First, check if your passport qualifies for China’s 72 or 144-hour transit visa waiver, or if you’re from a visa-exemption country. If yes—congrats! No tourist visa needed. If not, apply for that L Visa 6-8 weeks early. Oh, and make sure your passport has over 6 months’ validity! Pro tip: Avoid visiting Beijing during National Day (Oct 1-8) and Spring Festival (dates change yearly—double-check!). These holidays turn attractions into human oceans. Seriously, you’ll be packed like sardines!   Find more detailed visa policies and step-by-step application guides here Digital Survival Kit for China Seriously, just wave your phone in China—money, meals, rides, all sorted!What to do? First，grab a VPN before landing—you’ll need it for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, all that good stuff. Get Alipay or WeChat Pay hooked up to your Visa/Mastercard—that’s how 90% of payments work here, but stash ¥200 cash just in case. Oh, and snag a Chinese SIM card—makes app sign-ups and calling hotels way easier. Order one from ‘Nihao Mobile’ (ship to your hotel—just warn the front desk) or grab it at the airport.  How to use the Internet in China? How to Pay Easily in China？ How do I Get a Chinese Phone Card? Where to stay for easy exploring? Prioritize hotels near subway lines (Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts recommended) over those near attractions. Avoid areas around Beijing South/North Railway Stations—major transport hubs get chaotic. Delve into Beijing Cuisine Beijing is a culinary hub of China—featuring not just local delicacies but regional classics from across the nation.When in Beijing, dig into the local flavors—it’s your ticket to a whole new culinary world. Must-Try Local Bites:Peking Duck ，Copper Pot Hotpot (mutton + sesame sauce)，Sizzling Zhazi BBQ (grilled meats on iron plate)，Douzhi & Jiaoquan (fermented mung bean soup + crispy rings).These are truly iconic Beijing dishes—tastes that define the city. Foolproof Ordering:Use Dianping App to:① Scan menu photos → auto-translate② Order “Recommended Dishes” with one tap How to Order Food in China About China Food Safety Practice the Language Many younger Chinese do speak English, but there’s a fair-sized population who that doesn’t! Learn a few words to break the ice with the locals. Mandarin is the default language in most parts of China, so try to pick up the basics- nihao (hello/goodbye), xiexie (thank you), dui buqi (sorry), ganbei (cheers)- and try them out at a restaurant, on the street asking for directions, or in a taxicab! Safety Essentials Guard your phone: Hold it in hand—never in back pockets (pickpocket hotspots!).Avoid scams: Say NO to “drink-pushing traps” (common in Houhai bars) Ignore street hawkers selling overpriced trinkets/snacks! Remember to claim your tax refund before your leaving 1️⃣ Find “Instant Refund” Shops→ Look for stores with “Instant Tax Refund on Departure” signs (e.g., SKP, China World Mall, WF CENTRAL). 2️⃣ Shop & Sign Agreement• Single receipt ≥¥500• Show passport/Taiwan Compatriot Permit• Sign the “Terms Agreement”• Pre-authorize credit card (amount = refund) 3️⃣ Get Cash Immediately!Staff verifies documents → Receive RMB cash refund via:✓ WeChat/Alipay ✓ Bank card ✓ Cash 4️⃣ Departure CheckAt customs:• Use “Tax Refund” lane• Show:✔️ Unused goods✔️ Original invoices✔️ Refund forms⚠️ Fail to depart on time? Pre-authorized amount will be charged! 5️⃣ Non-Refundable ItemsFood, alcohol, cigarettes, cars.✅ Refund allowed for 21 categories:Luxury goods, cosmetics, electronics, etc. Beijing Survival Musts ① Carry your ORIGINAL PASSPORT daily (checked at attractions/hotels)② Enter top sights like Forbidden City EXACTLY during booked time slots—late arrivals get denied!③ Use Amap (Gaode) for buses—real-time English updates ✓ Toilet TipPublic restrooms are everywhere—BUT always carry tissues! (none provided inside) 💰 Smart Saving Move▶ Bike + subway combo = Avoid traffic jams + save money! Hi! I’m Yoyo, a traveler with adventure in my blood and taste buds forever hunting for the next feast. My mission? To live off the beaten path and constantly seek out the new and exciting.I want to share all my experiences and hard-earned practical knowledge with you, to help you discover the wonders of this ancient yet vibrantly alive country. READ MORE