How many days do you need in Beijing and Is 4 days enough in Beijing? A 4-day, 3-night Beijing itinerary (Beijing Itinerary 4 Days) promises to bring you the most complete experience of the Chinese capital. Check out the 4-day, 3-night Beijing itinerary below.
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A 4-day, 3-night Beijing itinerary is an exciting and memorable experience. With a carefully arranged itinerary so you can explore the most important and unique destinations, Klook will give you the opportunity to deeply experience the culture, history and architecture of this city.
Beijing Itinerary 4 Days — Day 1: Vietnam – Beijing: Temple of Heaven, Wangfujing Street at Night
After landing in Beijing, check in at the hotel, rest and have a snack to have the energy to start exploring the capital of this billion-people country!
Temple of Heaven (Altar of Heaven)
The Temple of Heaven offers visitors a solemn yet intimate experience, where the grand ceremonies of the Ming and Qing emperors took place to pray for a good harvest. The vast grounds are covered with trees, creating a sense of serenity, making it easy for you to walk around and admire the ancient architecture.
The most impressive stop is definitely the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its three-tiered blue dome standing out against the sky, a familiar symbol of Beijing. In addition, the Yuanqiu Temple and the Huangqiu Wu Pavilion are equally attractive, reminiscent of ancient sacred ceremonies.
Temple of Heaven Admission Ticket in Beijing
If you visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, you will see a more lively scene as locals practice tai chi, dance or simply sit and chat. The feeling of being immersed in the rhythm of daily life makes the tour much more authentic and interesting. Combining a visit early in the day and an evening stroll on Wangfujing Street will create a neat schedule, with both traditional culture and a vibrant modern atmosphere.
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is considered the most famous shopping paradise in Beijing, always bustling with lights and crowds of people all day long. On this nearly 1km long pedestrian street, visitors can easily come across modern shopping centers, international fashion stores mixed with small shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Not only for shopping, this place also brings a lively feeling when watching the hustle and bustle of the city.
Beijing Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum Experience
Beijing Private Transfer to/from PEK Airport
When night falls, Wangfujing becomes even more vibrant with the famous night market. Shops open close together, from fragrant grilled meat skewers, bright red candied fruit to “challenging” dishes such as fried scorpions, bringing a strange and interesting experience. The bustling atmosphere and the scents spreading throughout the streets make anyone want to stay longer to fully explore Beijing’s cuisine.
Day 2: Great Wall – National Stadium – Houhai Lake
Beijing Itinerary 4 Days: Badaling Section of the Great Wall
When visiting the Great Wall, you will be immersed in the space of one of the most magnificent architectural works in the world. With thousands of years of history and eternal attraction, the Great Wall is an indispensable symbol when coming to Beijing. If you are going for the first time, we suggest that you choose the Badaling section because it is quite easy to walk and not too far from the center.
The towering, immense stone walls stretch across hills and valleys, creating an impressive picture of the resilience and strength of the Chinese people. Your footsteps on the ancient stones will take you back to the past, feeling the greatness and majesty of this work.
Badaling Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
During the tour, you can climb the towers to see the panoramic view of the Great Wall, see the distant land of China under the sunlight or under the sparkling light of the lights in the evening. You can also participate in activities such as taking photos or buying souvenirs at the markets on the wall.
Bird’s Nest Stadium
Returning from the Great Wall, the afternoon is the ideal time to visit the Beijing National Stadium, which is often affectionately called the Bird’s Nest. This unique architectural work made a strong impression during the 2008 Olympic Games, and to this day still holds a special attraction for visitors.
Beijing Downtown Private Car Charter
From the outside, the interwoven steel frames look like a giant bird’s nest, giving a feeling of both modernity and sophistication. When stepping inside, the vast space and lively sports atmosphere make people imagine the glorious moments on the international arena. This is also a place that regularly hosts large-scale performances and art events, contributing to keeping this place vibrant.
Mutianyu Great Wall & Bird’s Nest Day Tour by Bus with Transfer
Stroll Around Houhai Lake
After a day of visiting Beijing’s iconic structures, stopping at Houhai Lake offers a slower pace, very suitable to end the schedule. Houhai Lake is famous for its romantic space, both the peacefulness of the calm water surface and the bustle of shops and bars along the lake shore.
[Private customized tour] 3-day private tour of Beijing (full Chinese)
In the summer, many people row boats to relax, while in the winter the frozen lake becomes a natural roller skating rink, providing a very different experience. When the sun sets, the light reflects on the water surface, creating a shimmering scene, making everyone’s steps slow down.
[Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall-Downtown Beijing Round Trip Bus Pass
Strolling around the old street near the lake, visitors can find small teahouses, traditional restaurants and lovely souvenir shops. This is also a great place to enjoy local cuisine in an atmosphere that is both ancient and modern, before returning to the hotel to rest.
Day 3: Tiananmen – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Pixiu Shop
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square has an area of up to 440,000 square meters, and is one of the special architectural and cultural wonders of China. The attraction of this place comes not only from its outstanding scale and magnificent architecture, but also from its long history of more than 600 years of existence.
Tiananmen has witnessed many important historical events, from the coronation of emperors to protests and political events. Coming here, you will be able to admire the monuments, temples and unique historical architectures, as well as discover the heroic and profound historical stories of this country.
Explore Beijing’s scenic spots on a chartered one-day tour (Tiananmen, Forbidden City…)
Despite experiencing many historical events, from prosperous times to difficult times and wars, Tiananmen still shows steadfastness and pride, becoming a solid symbol of China.
Forbidden City
5G eSIM China | China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
The Forbidden City, is one of the most important historical sites in China, located in the center of Beijing. With an area of up to 72 hectares, the Forbidden City is one of the oldest and largest palaces in the world.
The Forbidden City was once the residence and workplace of the Chinese emperors and royal families from the Qing Dynasty to the end of the feudal period. The architecture of the Forbidden City reflects the prosperity and power of the Qing Dynasty, with large gates, magnificent buildings and large terraces.
Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)
Walking in the Forbidden City, you will admire important historical architectural works such as the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Qianqing, the Palace of Kunning, the Palace of Yangxin, along with gardens and lakes. Not only that, the Forbidden City also preserves many precious relics and artifacts, from bronze statues to historical treasures and paintings.
Jingshan Park
Located right behind the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park was once considered a protective screen for the imperial palace, and also a place for emperors to relax. The most prominent here is the artificial hill about 45 meters high, created from soil dug up during the construction of the Forbidden City and the surrounding canal.
Beijing Forbidden City + Jingshan Park Half Day Tour
From the top of the hill, the entire golden tiled roof of the Forbidden City appears before your eyes, blending with the breath of the vast city of Beijing. This is one of the most beautiful panoramic views, especially when the sunset falls, the orange-pink sky reflects on each tiled roof, making the scene both majestic and romantic.
In addition to the breathtaking view, the park also offers fresh air and tranquility, with winding tree-lined paths, colorful flower gardens in spring, or the sight of red maple leaves in autumn. Many locals still come here to practice tai chi, dance or simply take a walk, giving visitors the opportunity to feel the daily life of Beijing.
Beijing Pixiu Shop
Shopping at the Pixiu shop is an experience not to be missed when you travel to Beijing. Pixiu is a symbol in Chinese feng shui, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. This object is often placed in shops and houses to bring luck and fortune to the owner.
At the Pixiu shop, you can find a variety of Pixiu-related products, from compact home decorations to large statues and feng shui paintings. The products are made from high-quality materials such as ceramics, jade, precious stones, etc. and are crafted by talented and skilled artisans.
Forbidden City 4-Hour Small Group Tour with Entry Ticket
With a luxurious display space and professional service, Pixiu store is not only a place to shop but also a unique and interesting cultural experience for visitors who want to explore more deeply about Chinese culture and traditions.
Day 4: Beijing – Vietnam
On the last day in Beijing, your schedule will be devoted to an extremely impressive destination, the Summer Palace. Not only is it the summer palace of Empress Dowager Cixi, it is also a symbol of the prosperity and power of the Qing Dynasty.
One-Day Tour: Summer Palace + Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) + Temple of Heaven
Coming to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), you will be immersed in the space of royalty, where each architectural line is attached to a profound historical story. Kunming Lake, with its clear but deep waters, creates a quiet but majestic picture of the king.
Wanshou Mountain, with its lush green lawns and stone paths, is a place where royalty often come to enjoy the fresh air and escape the summer heat. Here, you will also have the opportunity to walk on the longest walking corridor in the world and feel the sophistication and contrast between the past and the present.
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Ticket
After visiting the Summer Palace, you will prepare to return to Vietnam. Make sure you have arranged your travel schedule from your hotel to the airport and have time for luggage check and check-in. Plan to return to the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure to avoid the rush and chaos.
Estimated Cost of Beijing Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights
| Category | Estimated cost (USD/person) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round trip airfare Vietnam – Beijing | 247.43 - 304.53 | Reference price Vietnam Airlines / China Southern, direct flight 4 hours |
| 3–4 star hotel (3 nights) | 95.17 - 121.81 | Central area near Wangfujing or Qianmen, convenient for walking & dining |
| Food | 68.52 - 83.75 | 3 meals/day, average 150k-200k/meal, with Beijing roast duck as a specialty meal |
| Tickets | 57.10 - 68.52 | Tickets to visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace,… and other small tourist attractions |
| Shuttle & city transfer | 57.10 - 76.13 | Group tour bus or taxi + metro combination, including trip to the Great Wall |
| Shopping and extra fees | 76.13 - 114.20 | Souvenirs, specialties, jade/pixiu shops, light shopping |
| Estimated total cost | 601.45 - 768.94 | Not including tour guide tips, visa (about $60.91) |
Famous Hotels in Beijing
DoubleTree By Hilton Beijing Badaling: Located near the Badaling area of the famous Chinese Great Wall, DoubleTree by Hilton offers luxurious and comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving a variety of cuisines and a fitness center. With its convenient location near important tourist attractions, this is a great accommodation option for you to explore this historic land. (klook, agoda)
NUO Resort Hotel: NUO Resort Hotel offers you a quiet and relaxing space with luxurious rooms and modern facilities. The hotel also has a restaurant serving a variety of dishes and spa services for you to relax after a long day of sightseeing in Beijing. (klook, agoda)
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Yizhuang Tongmenghui: The rooms at Holiday Inn Express Beijing Yizhuang Tongmenghui are modern and comfortable, with spacious and comfortable spaces. Each room is fully equipped with amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free wifi internet access, tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom with shower and toiletries. (klook, agoda)
Fairfield By Marriott Beijing Daxing Airport: Near Beijing Daxing International Airport, Fairfield by Marriott is a convenient choice for those with early flights or who want to avoid traffic jams from the city center. The hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, along with a restaurant serving international cuisine. (klook, agoda)
Beijing Guangdong Hotel: Located in the heart of Beijing and close to major tourist attractions, Beijing Guangdong Hotel is an ideal choice for you to explore this city. With comfortable and convenient rooms, along with facilities such as a restaurant and a fitness center, this hotel promises to bring you a memorable experience. (klook, agoda)
With the 4-day, 3-night Beijing travel itinerary as suggested by Living Nomads, we hope you will have memorable and meaningful experiences.
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
- 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)
- [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.
