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 Beijing
Stroll 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 Masterpiece
Beyond 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 Bites
After 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. 📸🍢
Temple of Heaven Park
A 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 Elegance
Crafted 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 Haven
Hand-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 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.
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