Beijing blog. The ultimate Beijing guide & suggested how to 3 days 2 nights in Beijing

Traveling to Beijing is not only about exploring cultural heritage, but also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in ancient streets and enjoy unique cuisine. So, what to do and where to go in Beijing? Let’s check out our Beijing blog with the ultimate Beijing guide and suggested how to 3 days 2 nights in Beijing in this article!

Beijing – the thousand years old capital city of China – is not only the political and cultural center but also a huge historical treasure with great works such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square. In addition, this place also has a unique culinary culture, bustling shopping districts and unique cultural experiences. If you are planning to explore Beijing, please refer to the detailed itinerary, places to visit, travel experiences and costs below.

When is the best time to travel to Beijing? (#Beijing blog)

If you are wondering when is the ideal time to explore Beijing, the answer will depend on the experience you want. This city changes its appearance with each season, each time has its own charm, but if we had to choose the most beautiful season, it would definitely name autumn!

Autumn in Beijing (September – November) not only fascinates visitors with its clear sky and cool air, but it is also the time when the rows of ginkgo and maple trees turn brilliant red and yellow. Imagine yourself walking in the Summer Palace, enjoying the cool breeze and the poetic scenery that seems to come out of a watercolor painting. Not to mention, the weather at this time is extremely favorable for outdoor tours such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City or Tiananmen.

If you like a vibrant Beijing, brilliant with cherry blossoms, consider going in spring (March – May). This is the ideal time to visit Yuyuantan Park, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Summer (June – August) is for those who don’t mind the heat, as this is when historical heritage areas are less crowded.

And if you want to experience a Beijing covered in snow, try coming in winter (December – February). However, you should prepare yourself for temperatures below -10°C!

How to get to Beijing from Vietnam?

The distance from Vietnam to Beijing is quite far, so flying is always the fastest and most convenient option. Currently, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China and China Eastern Airlines all operate flights to Beijing with many flexible schedules.

• From Hanoi: There are direct flights, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes to get to Beijing.
• From Ho Chi Minh City: There are currently no direct flights, you need to transit in another city such as Guangzhou or Nanning. Total flight time is about 8 – 9 hours (including waiting time).

(*) If you want to optimize costs, book tickets at least 1 – 2 months in advance or choose to fly in the middle of the week, when ticket prices are often lower than on weekends.

Important note: There are two international airports in Beijing, so check carefully before booking:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located near the city center, it is the most convenient choice for travelers.
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): This is a newer and more modern airport, but is located 46 km from the center, taking about 1 hour to travel.

Popular Means of Transportation in Beijing

After arriving in Beijing, you have many options to explore the city, depending on your budget and travel needs. Public transportation in Beijing is extremely developed, so you don’t need to worry about getting around!

Subway: Beijing has more than 20 subway lines, connecting most tourist destinations. Ticket prices range from only 3 – 9 yuan/trip (~10,000 – 30,000 VND), which is extremely reasonable. If you stay in Beijing for more than 3 days, you should buy a Beijing Transportation Smart Card to save more.

Bus: Bus fares in Beijing are extremely cheap, starting from only 2 yuan/trip (~7,000 VND). However, the instructions are usually in Chinese, so if you don’t know the language, use Google Translate or Baidu Maps to determine the route!

Taxi: Taxis in Beijing have an opening price of about 13 yuan (~45,000 VND) for the first 3 km, then charge by km. However, some drivers may refuse to take passengers during rush hour. If you don’t want to waste time waiting, you can call a car through Didi – a ride-hailing app similar to Grab in China.

Bicycle: If you like to wander around the old quarters like Hutong or Houhai Lake, don’t miss the experience of renting a bicycle. Popular apps like Mobike or Ofo will help you easily rent a bike for only about 1 – 2 yuan/hour (~3,000 – 7,000 VND).

Private car rental: If you are traveling with family or a group of friends, renting a private car with a driver can help you be more proactive with your schedule. You can book this service in advance on Klook to avoid being “overcharged”.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Beijing?

Depending on your travel style, the average cost for a 4-day, 3-night trip ranges from 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND/person.

• Chinese Visa: 200,000 – 1,000,000 VND
• Round-trip airfare: 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND
• Accommodation: 500,000 – 2,000,000 VND/night
• Food: 170,000 – 680,000 VND/meal
• Sightseeing tickets: 50,000 – 210,000 VND/location
• Transportation within the city: 10,000 – 45,000 VND/trip
• Additional costs (shopping, 4G sim, insurance, etc.): 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND

Saving tips: Book tickets early, take the subway, eat at local restaurants and buy sightseeing tickets online to avoid queuing.

What to do in Beijing? Famous Beijing Tourist Destinations

Whether you are a history buff, immersed in the art scene, or simply want to experience the bustling nightlife, Beijing has the perfect answer for every travel style. So what are the places you must visit? Let’s explore with us now!

The Great Wall (#Beijing blog)

The Great Wall in Beijing is a historical architectural wonder, set amidst the majestic landscape of China. When visiting, you will have the opportunity to explore many different sections of the wall, each with its own unique features and beauty. Some of the most popular sections of the Great Wall are Badaling, Jiankou and Mutianyu. Exploring the Great Wall will be a memorable experience for you as it offers unique natural landscapes and historical values.

Heshen Mansion (Prince Gong’s Mansion)

As one of the best-preserved royal residences in Beijing, Heshen Mansion includes a 28,000 square meter garden, surrounded by artificial mountains, with an opera stage in the middle. It is not only an important historical and cultural heritage but also a popular tourist attraction, opened to the public in 1996. At Heshen Mansion, you can enjoy performances of Beijing opera as well as various types of Chinese opera.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, is located in the heart of Beijing, and was once the main palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This is an architectural masterpiece with 980 buildings and more than 8,700 rooms, reflecting the wealth and power of the Chinese royal family. The campus is divided into two main parts: the Outer Palace and the Inner Palace.

Visiting the Forbidden City will experience the beauty of the large palaces such as the Palace of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Central Harmony. In addition, the Shangyuan Garden to the north of the palace is also a must-see destination with its peaceful and beautiful space.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is considered an important symbol of China’s politics, history and culture. Famous for its large area, this square can accommodate more than one million people and is the site of many important events. Every morning and afternoon, the square comes alive with the flag-raising ceremony performed by soldiers. The square is open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, due to the political nature and strict security, you need to be prepared for security checks when entering the square such as bringing your passport to ensure safety.

Lama Temple

With a blend of Han and Tibetan architecture, Lama Temple is not only a unique architectural work but also an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in China. When entering the temple through the Zhaotai Gate, you will come to the Devaraja Hall, where the statues of the four Heavenly Kings are located. The most special feature of the temple is probably the 18m high Maitreya Buddha statue, carved from a single block of sandalwood. If you want to explore more about Tibetan Buddhism and unique architecture in temples, Lama Temple is definitely a destination not to be missed when coming to Beijing.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

The Summer Palace is also known as the Summer Palace. As the resting place of Empress Dowager Cixi, this place is a perfect combination of Chinese garden art. Located next to the majestic Wanshou Mountain and the poetic Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace is not only a historical relic, but also a cultural and architectural masterpiece.

Hutong Ancient Street

Beijing is not only known for its great architectural works, but also has quiet alleys and ancient streets associated with the long story of Chinese culture. Hutong Ancient Street is built in the style of four-sided courtyard architecture with houses with large gardens, wells and the surrounding space is built discreetly, creating a quiet and peaceful landscape.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

With its convenient location, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is a convergence of commercial, culinary and entertainment venues, attracting a large number of tourists and locals. This pedestrian street is home to unique shops and eateries, offering a variety of culinary experiences. You can also shop for handicrafts or specialties as gifts at this vibrant market.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest Stadium)

Explore the Beijing Olympic Stadium, you will be impressed by the unique design like a bird’s nest with thousands of steel and tempered glass panels creating an extremely magnificent structure with the sky of the capital Beijing. In addition, this stadium has a capacity of up to 91,000 people and is one of the largest Olympic structures in the world.

Beijing National Grand Theatre

With its unique elliptical architecture, the National Grand Theatre is a place not to be missed when you travel to Beijing. Opened in 2007, this place has become a gathering place for many major cultural events, from drama performances, musicals to art exhibitions. You can visit the Opera House in the evening to admire its beauty when it is lit up with sparkling and splendid lights.

China Central Television Tower

Built in 1992, the China Central Television Tower is an impressive architectural icon located in the capital city of Beijing. Standing at 405 meters tall and possessing a unique and novel architectural style, this tower is a constant source of inspiration for those who love to admire modern architecture. You can enjoy panoramic views of Beijing from the observation deck or enjoy luxurious and delicious meals here.

Universal Studios Beijing

Built on the successful model of Universal Studios parks around the world, Universal Studios Beijing promises to bring you creative experiences. With a variety of entertainment areas, You will have the opportunity to explore the world of movies vividly recreated and experience 37 famous games in this top entertainment area.

Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo is a great destination for animal lovers. Considered the largest zoo in China, this is home to many rare species in China such as pandas, golden monkeys, Siberian tigers, white deer, elk, ponies, red-crowned cranes and many other animals from around the world.

What to Eat When Traveling to Beijing? Delicious Specialties!

When it comes to Beijing cuisine, we cannot ignore the traditional dishes that have captivated many tourists. Let’s explore with us the delicious specialties that you must try when visiting the capital of China.

Peking Duck

Beijing Roast Duck is not only a dish, but also a cultural symbol of this city. With crispy skin, soft and sweet meat, the duck is marinated with special spices and roasted in a closed or open oven. When enjoying, people often roll the duck meat with thin rice paper, add some green onions, cucumbers and dip it in sweet bean sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor.

Black Bean Noodles (Zhajiang Mian)

Beijing black bean noodles are a traditional breakfast dish, attracting diners with their unique preparation and special flavor. Fresh handmade noodles, combined with black bean sauce, minced meat and vegetables such as cucumbers and bean sprouts, create a dish that is harmonious between salty and sweet.

Mongolian Lamb Hotpot

Mongolian lamb hotpot is an ideal dish to enjoy on cold winter days in Beijing. Fresh lamb is thinly sliced, dipped in rich hotpot broth, combined with vegetables and special dipping sauce, bringing a warm and flavorful culinary experience.

Glutinous Rice Rolls with Sweet Bean Flour

Sweet bean rice rolls, also known as donkey rolls, are a favorite dessert in Beijing. With a smooth sticky rice crust and sweet red bean filling, the cake brings an elegant, light flavor, suitable for ending a meal perfectly.

Stir-fried Shredded Pork with Soy Sauce

Shredded pork with soy sauce is a traditional dish, often appearing in family meals or on holidays in Beijing. Lean pork is thinly sliced, stir-fried with rich soy sauce, served with thin rice paper and raw vegetables, creating a harmonious, unforgettable flavor.

Where to stay?

 

From luxury hotels in the city center to cheap hostels for independent travelers, this city has all segments for you to easily find the ideal place to rest. If you are looking for a convenient hotel near major tourist attractions, or simply need a comfortable, economical place to stay overnight, let’s explore the list of suggestions below!

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Eclat Beijing (Agoda, Booking)
• NUO Hotel Beijing (Agoda, Booking)
• Grand Millennium Beijing (Agoda, Booking)
• New World Beijing Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Shangri-La Beijing (Agoda, Booking)
• JEN Beijing by Shangri-La (Agoda, Booking)
• Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (Agoda, Booking)
• The Opposite House (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top & best hotels in Beijing on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Suggested Itinerary for a 3-Day, 2-Night Beijing Trip

Beijing is vast with countless attractive attractions, so planning in detail before the trip will help you not miss any interesting experiences. Below is a 3-day, 2-night (3N2D) itinerary designed for you to explore famous landmarks, enjoy food and experience Beijing culture.

Day 1: Forbidden City – Tiananmen – Wangfujing Walking Street

Morning: Arrive at Tiananmen Square, which preserves many historical landmarks of China. Then, visit the Forbidden City (Forbidden City) – the royal palace with more than 9,000 rooms, one of the greatest structures in the world.

Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant specializing in Beijing roast duck to recharge your batteries before continuing your journey.

Afternoon: Relax at Jingshan Park, which offers a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from above. Then, spend time shopping and exploring Wangfujing Walking Street, a paradise for shopaholics.

Evening: Enjoy Beijing specialties such as dumplings, candied fruit and iron-grilled meat at the night market.

Day 2: Great Wall – Summer Palace (#Beijing guide)

Morning: Depart early to the Great Wall, one of the seven wonders of the world. The Mutianyu section is popular with many tourists because it is both majestic and less crowded than Badaling.

Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant near the Great Wall area.

Afternoon: Return to the city and explore the Summer Palace, home to Kunming Lake and the poetic Seventeen Confucius Bridge.

Evening: Free to stroll around or attend a Beijing Opera performance to learn about traditional Chinese art.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven – Hutong Old Street

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient Chinese emperors prayed for a bountiful harvest.

Noon: Spend time walking around Hutong Old Street, which preserves the features of ancient Beijing. You can rent a bicycle to explore the small alleys and try a cup of chrysanthemum tea at a traditional teahouse.

Afternoon: End the journey and move to the airport.

Important Notes When Traveling to Beijing

Traveling to Beijing will be easier if you prepare carefully. Here are some important notes to help your trip go more smoothly!

How Long Before Should You Apply for a Chinese Visa?

You need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa at least 1 month before your trip. The application includes a passport valid for more than 6 months, a photo, a visa application and some financial documents. If you want to simplify the procedure, you can register for visa services at reputable travel companies.

Which Mode of Transport Should You Choose?

• Subway: The most popular, fast and economical option.
• Bus: Cheap but sometimes difficult to use if you don’t speak Chinese.
• Taxi & Didi: Convenient but check the price before getting on.
• Bike: A great option to explore old neighborhoods like Hutong.

Do Tourists Need to Know Chinese?

English is not widely spoken, especially when hailing a taxi or eating out. Download Baidu Translate or Google Translate to help with communication, or learn a few basic Chinese phrases like:

• Nǐ hǎo (你好) – Hello
• Xièxiè (谢谢) – Thank you
• Zhège duōshǎo qián? (这个多少钱？) – How much is this?

How to Pay in China?

The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the main currency in Beijing. Most transactions here are cashless, instead, Alipay or WeChat Pay are used. You should exchange money in Vietnam in advance and bring some cash with you in case of emergency.

Some Tips

• Buy a 4G SIM card or rent a WiFi hotspot in advance to ensure you always have Internet access.
• Avoid being “overcharged” when shopping at the markets, bargain at least 50% of the original price.
• Download the Beijing subway map in advance to easily navigate the city.

Traveling to Beijing is not only a journey of discovery but also an adventure through time, from the past to the present, from traditional culture to vibrant space.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Beijing you can refer to

• Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)
• [Cool Summer] Universal Beijing Resort Ticket
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour from Beijing (With Pick Up)
• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Admission Ticket in Beijing
• [Up to 20% Off] Private City Transfers for Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
• Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour by Bus with Options
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall-Downtown Beijing Round Trip Bus Pass
• Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
• The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ticket in Beijing
• Beijing Wildlife Park Admission Ticket
• Beijing Happy Valley Ticket
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
• 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Asia
• 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

Read more China guide here.