5 Days in Beijing, China
China

5 Days in Beijing: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

A real plan from a traveler, day by day, with times. Follow it or make it yours.

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Here is how a real traveler spent 5 days in Beijing. Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City. Day 2: Summer Palace, Lama Temple. Day 3: National Museum of China, Shichahai. The full plan below has times, ticket prices and travel time between stops.

Built from 1 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

The itinerary

5 days in Beijing, day by day

A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.

Map of the route in Beijing
Beijing

Day 1: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

  1. Tiananmen Square

    The world's largest public square, rich in history, is surrounded by stunning structures and is vital to China's revolutionary past.

    60 minsFree
  2. Forbidden City

    Once the imperial palace, this UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts breathtaking architecture and vast collections of art and artifacts.

    180 mins¥60
  3. Jingshan Park

    A tranquil park offering stunning panoramic views of the Forbidden City, ideal for a leisurely stroll and some history.

    60 mins¥2
  4. Beihai Park

    An exquisite imperial garden with a beautiful lake, charming pavilions, and cultural relics, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

    120 mins¥10
  5. Temple of Heaven

    A sacred complex where emperors prayed for good harvests, renowned for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

    120 mins¥15

Day 2: Summer Palace and Lama Temple

  1. Summer Palace

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, combining gardens, lakes, and historical structures, offering a peaceful escape from the city hustle.

    240 mins¥30
  2. Lama Temple

    A vibrant Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and exquisite sculptures, offering a glimpse into spiritual life in Beijing.

    90 mins¥25
  3. Wangfujingxiaochi Street

    Experience Beijing's street food culture by sampling a diverse array of local delicacies, from skewers to sweet treats.

    120 mins¥50
  4. Beijing 798 Art Zone

    A bustling creative hub featuring contemporary art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for discovering Beijing's modern artistic side.

    180 minsFree
  5. Beijing Zoo

    Home to over 14,000 animals, including giant pandas, the zoo offers a fun day out for families and animal lovers.

    120 mins¥15

Day 3: National Museum of China and Shichahai

  1. National Museum of China

    Explore China’s history through fascinating exhibits, from prehistoric times to the modern era, a must-visit for history buffs.

    180 minsFree
  2. Shichahai

    A picturesque area of lakes and traditional hutongs, perfect for leisurely walks, boating, and soaking in local culture.

    120 minsFree
  3. Central Radio & TV Tower

    Enjoy panoramic views of Beijing from the observation deck of this iconic tower, which also houses a revolving restaurant.

    120 mins¥60
  4. National Stadium

    Known as the Bird's Nest, this architectural marvel is iconic from the 2008 Olympics and offers a glimpse into modern design.

    90 minsFree
  5. Hongqiao Market

    A famous market where you can bargain for souvenirs, jewelry, and clothing, perfect for finding unique gifts.

    120 minsFree

Day 4: Ming Dynasty Tombs and 玉渊潭公园

  1. Ming Dynasty Tombs

    Explore the burial grounds of 13 Ming dynasty emperors amidst stunning natural landscapes and ancient architecture.

    120 mins¥45
  2. 玉渊潭公园

    Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, this park is perfect for picnics, walking, and enjoying tranquil lakes.

    90 minsFree
  3. Nine Dragon Screen

    A beautiful and intricately designed wall showcasing nine dragons, reflecting imperial art and Beijing’s rich heritage.

    30 minsFree
  4. CCTV Headquarters

    This architectural wonder is a symbol of modern Beijing, known for its unique structure and significance in contemporary urban design.

    60 minsFree
  5. Beijing Botanical Garden

    Explore a diverse collection of plants, beautiful landscapes, and themed gardens.

    120 mins¥10

Day 5: Beihai Park and Beijing Ancient Observatory

  1. Beihai Park

    Enjoy stunning lakes, historic temples, and a serene environment just a short walk from the Forbidden City.

    90 mins¥10
  2. Beijing Ancient Observatory

    Discover ancient astronomical instruments and learn about China's history in astronomy.

    60 mins¥15
  3. Ditan Park (West Gate)

    A peaceful urban park that hosts beautiful gardens and is known for its historical significance.

    90 minsFree
  4. Haidian Park

    Experience a mix of greenery, lakes, and walking trails in a surprisingly tranquil setting.

    120 minsFree
  5. Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

    Gain insight into the historical and future development of Beijing with interactive displays.

    90 mins¥20

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spending 5 days in Beijing

Yes. The plan on this page fits 25 stops into 5 days, about 5 a day. Travelers on Packy have planned Beijing trips from 2 to 14 days.

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