Beijing Travel Guide 5-Day Itinerary and Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Center

Upon arrival in Beijing, the first day is best spent exploring the city center. Start with Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entrance fee for the Forbidden City is approximately 60 RMB. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, which typically costs around 150 RMB per person.

Day 2: Great Wall of China

On the second day, visit the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The Mutianyu section is a popular choice due to its well-preserved condition and fewer crowds. The entrance fee is around 40 RMB, and a round-trip cable car ride costs approximately 120 RMB. Return to the city in the evening and relax with a traditional Chinese massage, costing about 100 RMB per hour.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

The third day can be dedicated to exploring the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. The Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage site, has an entrance fee of 15 RMB. The Summer Palace, known for its beautiful gardens and Kunming Lake, charges around 30 RMB for admission. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Wangfujing Street, famous for its food stalls and shopping.

Day 4: Hutong Tour and Lama Temple

On the fourth day, experience the traditional side of Beijing with a Hutong tour. These narrow alleyways offer a glimpse into old Beijing life. A guided tour typically costs around 100 RMB. In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with an entrance fee of 25 RMB. In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese opera or acrobatics, with tickets starting from 200 RMB.

Day 5: Olympic Park and Departure

The final day is reserved for visiting the Olympic Park, home to the Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube. Entrance to the park is free, but visiting the inside of the stadium may incur an additional cost of 50 RMB. After a final exploration of the park, return to the city center for some last-minute shopping or dining before departing.

Total Estimated Cost

The total estimated cost for a 5-day trip to Beijing, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and entrance fees, ranges from 3000 to 5000 RMB per person, depending on the level of comfort and choice of activities.