Travel with Tammy: A 4-Day Beijing Trip Through History and Flavor

Beijing is often the first stop for international travelers exploring China—and for good reason. As the nation’s capital, it offers a deep dive into Chinese history, culture, and food. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to vibrant neighborhoods and world-class cuisine, the city is a dynamic blend of the ancient and the modern.

My friend and I visited in October, which brought crisp autumn weather and golden leaves across the parks. However, if your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid the first week of the month. It’s China’s National Day holiday, a peak travel period when millions of domestic tourists flood the city. Hotels fill quickly, tickets sold out easily, and popular attractions like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall can get extremely crowded. Mid to late October is generally more comfortable and less hectic.

⋙ Beijing Travel Guide 2025
⋙ Chinese Public Holidays Schedule 2025

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)

Itinerary: Beijing
Highlights: Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, Local Family Visit

Day 1: From Qingdao to Beijing – A Classic Start

Our journey began the old-fashioned way, with an overnight ride on a classic green train from Qingdao. While high-speed trains now run frequently between the two cities, taking around 3 to 4.5 hours, we chose this nostalgic option for the experience. It brought us straight into the capital just after sunrise.

⋙ Qingdao to Beijing High-Speed Train Schedules

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight for breakfast at Yin San Douzhi, a local eatery near the Temple of Heaven. The signature item here is Douzhi, a fermented mung bean drink that’s both iconic and divisive. Locals usually pair it with Jiaoquan (crispy fried dough rings) and pickled vegetables. It’s a strong, sour taste, not for everyone, but worth trying if you want something truly traditional. For contrasting textures, we tried it with sesame cakes and pea flour pastries.

Douzhi, Traditional Beijing Breakfast

Next up was the Temple of Heaven, once used by emperors for ceremonies to pray for good harvests. It’s now a public park and a beautiful example of Ming Dynasty architecture. Early mornings here are especially lively. We saw seniors practicing tai chi, dancing, and even singing opera beneath the trees. The combination of grand history and local life gave the place a uniquely grounded feel.

Afterward, we explored the nearby Hutongs, narrow alleyways full of character and hidden gems. One of our favorite finds was a tiny courtyard café tucked away behind a gray brick wall, a peaceful escape from the busy streets.

As the sun set, we treated ourselves to a classic Peking duck dinner at a restaurant near the Forbidden City. The duck was expertly carved at our table, the skin golden and crisp, served with thin pancakes and a rich bean sauce. A perfect end to our first day.

Temple of Heaven (Left), Hutong Building (Upper Right) & Peking Duck (Lower Right)

Day 2: Summer Palace and City Views

Our second day was all about the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It’s located a bit outside the city center, but easy to reach by subway or car.

Soon after entering, we came across the Marble Boat, a lakeside pavilion that blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. Yet the true highlight was what the Chinese call “Strolling Through A Painting.” Wandering through this living masterpiece, we finally understood the phrase. With winding paths, arched bridges, and changing views at every turn, it truly felt like walking inside a traditional scroll painting.

Various Architectural Styles in Summer Palace

Later that day, we headed back into the city and had dinner at Nanmen Shuanrou, a beloved hot pot spot located right across from the distinctive CCTV Headquarters, better known by locals as “The Big Pants.” The thinly sliced lamb, paired with sesame sauce and chili oil, made for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Lamb Hot Pot (Left) & CCTV Headquarters (Right)

4 Days Beijing Food Hunting Tour

Itinerary: Beijing
Highlights: Peking Roasted Duck Dinner, Local Snacks, Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City

Day 3: The Forbidden City and Hutong Nights

On our third day, we explored the Forbidden City, one of the most iconic landmarks in China. Tickets can sell out quickly, especially on weekends or holidays, so it’s best to book online ahead of time. Passport information is required for entry.

⋙ How to Book Forbidden City (Palace Museum) Tickets from Official Website
⋙ 25 Things to Know Before Visiting Forbidden City

Even after spending the whole day inside, we felt like we’d only scratched the surface. From towering gates and vast courtyards to delicate artworks and porcelain exhibits, the scale and detail are astonishing. If you’re visiting, I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes—there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

That evening, we made our way to Nanluoguxiang, a livelier hutong filled with street snacks, boutique shops, and music bars. We grabbed bowls of Zhajiangmian (noodles with fried soybean paste), simple, filling, and packed with flavor. It was the perfect way to end a day steeped in history.

Delicious Zhajiangmian with Toppings

Day 4: A Foodie’s Farewell

For our final morning, we headed to Niujie, a historic Muslim neighborhood known for its traditional snacks. We tried sizzling lamb skewers, fluffy steamed buns, sweet Lüdagun (glutinous rice rolls with bean paste), and crunchy Tangyoubing (sugar-glazed fried dough). This street is a great place to try many flavors in one visit, just come hungry.

Later that afternoon, we boarded our flight back to Chengdu, full, happy, and already missing Beijing.

All Kinds of Snacks We Tried at Niujie

Don't Miss the Great Wall of China

Since both of us had visited the Great Wall with our families, we chose to skip it this time. But for first-time visitors to China or Beijing, the Great Wall is truly a must-see. Whether you hike along the restored paths of Mutianyu section or the wilder stretches of Jinshanling section, standing atop the Wall and looking out over the mountains is an unforgettable experience.

⋙ Best Sections of Great Wall to Visit
⋙ Top Great Wall of China Tours

Beijing always has something new to offer, no matter how many times you visit. The city’s rich history and vibrant daily life create a unique experience blending old and new, inviting every traveler to discover its many layers. And of course, Beijing is just the beginning—starting here, China’s vast and varied regions offer countless other adventures waiting to be explored.

4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

Itinerary: Beijing / Jinshanling / Simatai / Gubeikou Water Town / Beijing
Highlights: Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall Evening Sightseeing, Gubei Water Town

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Hi, I'm Tammy. Are you interested in my exploration of Beijing? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Tammy

Travel Consultant

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