Beijing Five-Day, Four-Night Nanny-Level Guide: Avoiding Tourist Traps

Foreword Beijing is a city that blends historical charm and modern vibes. The red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City speak to its glorious past, while the bustling Sanlitun area showcases the city's modern vitality. When you come to Beijing, these are the must-see spots! Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Beijing → Sanlitun Taikoo Li → Tongying Center → Workers' Stadium - Upon arrival, head to your hotel to drop off your luggage and take a short break. - Sanlitun Taikoo Li is a trendy spot with many fashion brands and unique boutiques, perfect for taking photos. - Tongying Center is nearby and offers a variety of dining options. - In the evening, experience Beijing's nightlife at Workers' Stadium. Day 2: Tiananmen Square → Chairman Mao Memorial Hall → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park - Get up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square (remember to book in advance), then visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (dress respectfully). - Purchase Forbidden City tickets online in advance. The Treasure Gallery and the Clock Gallery are worth visiting. - Jingshan Park is located opposite the Forbidden City's north gate (Shenwu Gate). Climb to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Day 3: Beihai Park → Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai → Yandai Xiejie - Beihai Park offers beautiful scenery. The lyrics of the famous song "Let Us Row the Oars" were written here. - Nanluoguxiang is full of snacks and unique handicraft shops. - Explore the Shichahai area, admire the old Beijing hutongs, and relax in a bar. - Yandai Xiejie, adjacent to Shichahai, is home to many interesting small shops. Day 4: Summer Palace → Old Summer Palace → Tsinghua University (or Peking University) - The Summer Palace is vast; set aside ample time. Kunming Lake and the Tower of Buddhist Incense are must-see spots. - The ruins of the Old Summer Palace serve as a reminder of history. The ruins of the Western-style palaces are particularly striking. - Book online in advance to visit Tsinghua University or Peking University (special regulations may apply during the pandemic) and experience the atmosphere of these prestigious universities. Day 5: Badaling Great Wall → Departure - Take the subway and transfer to a bus or join a day trip to the Badaling Great Wall. Wear comfortable shoes, as climbing the Great Wall is physically demanding. - Return to the city in the afternoon, pack your bags, and prepare for your departure. Food Recommendations Peking Duck: Quanjude, Da Dong, Siji Minfu, etc. Snacks: Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), Lu Zhu (offal stew), Douzhi'er Jiaoquan (fermented mung bean milk with fried dough rings), Chao Gan (fried liver), Ma Doufu (fermented bean curd), etc. Recommended places: Huguosi Snacks, Jinfang Snacks. Unique Restaurants: Juqi (traditional Beijing cuisine in a unique setting), Tidu (creative fusion cuisine). Accommodation Recommendations Wangfujing Area: Convenient transportation, close to attractions, and great for shopping. Nanluoguxiang Area: Experience the charm of old Beijing hutongs, with plenty of food options nearby. Qianmen Street Area: Close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with easy access to transportation. Transportation Subway: Beijing's subway system is extensive, with direct access to most attractions. Download the "Beijing Yikatong" app for easy travel. Bus: Some bus routes offer scenic views, but traffic can be heavy during rush hour. Taxi: Convenient, but difficult to hail during rush hour. Things to Note Book tickets for most Beijing attractions in advance. Plan ahead. The weather is dry, so stay hydrated. Keep your belongings safe on public transportation. Observe the rules and regulations when visiting places like the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.