Beijing Itinerary for 3, 5 & 7 Days – Travel Guide for Malaysians

If you’re heading to Beijing and want a travel experience that blends history, food, culture, and hidden gems, this itinerary is made just for you. 🌸

I recently spent a week in Beijing, and let me tell you — this city feels both ancient and futuristic at once. You’re sipping jasmine tea in a 500-year-old courtyard one moment and snapping photos next to giant neon-lit malls the next. What I loved most? The ability to build your day like a playlist: mix a little imperial history with an art fix, wrap it up with dumplings and jazz by a lake. 🎶🥟🏯

In this post, I’ve created a modular itinerary that works whether you have 3, 5, or 7 days in Beijing. You’ll find ideas for morning, afternoon, and evening, plus food tips and pro travel hacks along the way.

🗓️ Suggested Beijing Itineraries

✅ 3-Day Beijing Itinerary

Best for: Short holidays, weekend trips, or stopovers

✅ Tip: Book a Great Wall tour early in the morning to avoid crowds and traffic.

✅ 5-Day Beijing Itinerary

Best for: Deeper exploration, first-time visitors

✅ Tip: Visit Wangfujing with an empty stomach — it’s Beijing’s snack paradise (look out for halal beef skewers and tanghulu).

✅ 7-Day Beijing Itinerary

Best for: Cultural deep dive, relaxed pace, or mixing city with nature

✅ Tip: Download DiDi (China’s version of Grab) and get a China eSIM for instant internet.

🌄 Morning Experiences in Beijing: Pick Your Perfect Start

Mornings in Beijing have a special vibe. You can feel cooler air, calmer streets, and the perfect pace to start exploring. I’ve pulled together some half-day morning experiences that fit different travel styles. Pick what suits your vibe!

1. Imperial Heritage Morning

Start your day with a deep dive into Beijing’s rich imperial history. Early mornings mean fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. It’s a perfect time for wandering the grand landmarks. By late morning, you’ll have a rich sense of Beijing’s imperial past and city views from Jingshan Park.

2. Scenic Great Wall Climb

Leave the city early and head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Mornings here are misty, cool, and perfect for a peaceful climb. You’ll walk along ancient stone paths with epic views and maybe even have a watchtower to yourself. Finish with a toboggan ride down — fun and unforgettable!

3. Temple Walk & Tranquility

Ease into your day with a calming stroll through Beijing’s most spiritual landmarks. Visit the Lama Temple, one of the most beautiful Tibetan temples in China, then walk over to White Cloud Temple. It’s peaceful, less touristy, and deeply rooted in Beijing’s spiritual traditions.

4. Temple of Heaven Morning Rhythm

Locals gather here to do tai chi, dance, and sing — it feels like a community ritual. Walk through the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and along the Echo Wall. This is one of the few places where you feel like you’re walking through living history.

5. Hutong Wander & Local Life

There’s something magical about Beijing’s historic alleyways in the early morning. Stroll through the Nanluoguxiang Hutongs, stop by a local market, and catch a glimpse of daily life before the crowds arrive. It’s charming, photogenic, and totally local.

🌇 Afternoon Adventures in Beijing: Pick What Moves You

Afternoons in Beijing are perfect for wandering, discovering hidden beauty, and soaking up culture. Whether you want lakeside calm, creative inspiration, or quirky markets, these handpicked half-day ideas let you explore at your own pace.

1. Nature & Imperial Escape – Summer Palace

Leave the noise behind and step into lakes, gardens, and classical architecture. The Long Corridor walk, Kunming Lake views, and a peaceful boat ride make this a dreamy escape — especially in golden afternoon light.

2. Classic Gardens & City Views – Jingshan & Beihai Park

After lunch, head to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City, then wander to nearby Beihai Park — willow trees, pagodas, and boat rentals await. A golden-hour dream spot!

3. Artsy Vibes & Coffee Break – 798 Art District

Old factory buildings turned modern art galleries. 798 Art District is Beijing’s hub for creative energy, street art, indie fashion, and amazing coffee. Great spot for people-watching and finding unique souvenirs.

4. National Museum Treasures – History in Every Room

Right across from Tiananmen Square, the National Museum holds thousands of years of Chinese history — from jade carvings to revolutionary art. It’s massive, so pick a few sections to explore.

5. Treasure Hunting at Panjiayuan Antique Market

Panjiayuan is full of quirky charm — vintage trinkets, scrolls, old books, jade jewelry, and cultural oddities. Great for people who love markets and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

🌆 Evening Experiences in Beijing: Explore & Enjoy

When the sun sets and the lanterns glow, Beijing transforms. Whether you’re into vibrant nightlife, lakeside strolls, food feasts, or quiet cultural evenings, there’s a perfect night experience waiting for you. Choose your vibe, and let the city light up your evening.

1. Sanlitun Nightlife & Dining

Trendy, international, and buzzing — Sanlitun is Beijing’s social hotspot. Lively bars, global restaurants, and stylish rooftop lounges make it a favorite for locals and travelers alike.

2. Houhai Lakeside Leisure

Gentle reflections, soft music, and lazy breezes — Houhai is perfect for a relaxing night walk or lakeside drink. Some bars have live music, others feel like secret hideaways.

3. Night Market Feast at Guijie

This iconic food street comes alive with fiery woks, glowing signs, and the scent of Sichuan pepper. Come hungry — this is Beijing’s after-dark flavor explosion!

4. Old Charm After Dark on Qianmen Street

Soft lanterns, traditional storefronts, and a vintage tram gliding by — Qianmen at night feels like walking through history. A quiet way to end your day.

5. Lights, Bites & Bustle at Wangfujing

Chaotic but unforgettable — Wangfujing’s snack street is the place to try the weird, the tasty, and the just-plain-fun. Expect big crowds and wild bites!

✈️ Final Thoughts on Exploring Beijing

After spending a week in Beijing, I can honestly say it’s one of those cities that leaves a mark on you. One moment you’re standing in the middle of the Forbidden City surrounded by ancient history, and the next you’re sipping bubble tea in a hipster café at 798 Art District. It’s a city that balances the old and new so effortlessly — and that’s what makes it magical.

As a Malaysian traveler, I found Beijing incredibly rewarding: easy to navigate with the MRT, full of halal-friendly options, and surprisingly budget-friendly if you plan right. The best part? You can tailor your trip to your mood — whether you want a chill lakeside walk, a history-filled morning, or a late-night food crawl at Guijie Street.

If you’re already dreaming of your next trip, I say go for it. Beijing is just a few hours' flight away and packed with unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.

✅ Ready to plan your Beijing adventure?

👉 Book your Beijing flights from Malaysia on Trip.com for the best deals

👉 Compare and reserve Beijing hotels near top attractions

👉 Stay connected from the moment you land with a preloaded China eSIM for Malaysian travelers

👉 Get Trip.com Exclusive Offers

👉Download the Trip.com App Now!

Don’t just visit Beijing — experience it your way. Whether you have 3, 5, or 7 days, I hope this flexible itinerary helps you create a trip that fits your style, pace, and must-see list.

See you in Beijing lah! 🧳