48 Hours of Cherry Blossom Viewing in Beijing for First-Time Visitors

February 9, 2026

Where to see cherry blossoms in Beijing, how to get there, what to see and experience? Get ready for a spring trip to Beijing to hunt for cherry blossoms with the detailed itinerary below!

Most people think Beijing is only famous for its magnificent historical structures like the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, but when you visit during cherry blossom season, you’ll realize this city also has a very dreamy and vibrant side. Streets and parks overflowing with the pink hues of cherry blossoms create a beautiful natural landscape that you can’t miss.

If you also want to experience a different kind of spring, the moment of cherry blossom viewing in Beijing will surely captivate you. Follow me and explore!

Day 1 – Visiting Historical Sites and Cherry Blossom Viewing

Morning (8:00-11:30) – Cherry Blossom Viewing at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

On my first morning in Beijing, I chose Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to begin my cherry blossom viewing trip, a highlight of this iconic historical site. From the hotel, I took Metro Line 1 and got off at Tiananmen East station, or you can also get off at Tiananmen West. Tiananmen Square is vast, lined with gently blooming spring flowers on both sides, not overly vibrant but enough to create the feeling that spring has arrived.

Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)

I took some time to stroll slowly and take some panoramic photos before entering the Forbidden City. I had booked my Forbidden City tickets in advance on Klook; the spring ticket price was 79 CNY, approximately 297,000 VND.

Inside the Forbidden City, the main sightseeing routes leading through the Wumen Gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony are adorned with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and pear blossoms, blooming sporadically from late March to mid-April. The flowers weren’t planted densely, but they combined with the red walls and yellow tiled roofs to create a very harmonious scene.

Lunch (11:30-13:00) – Lunch and Rest at the Forbidden City

After sightseeing and taking photos, I continued along the central axis and chose Imperial Icehouse for lunch. This restaurant is located in the west wing, operates during lunchtime, and serves simple yet complete Chinese set meals. I chose the Empress Dowager-style braised beef rice set for 58 CNY, approximately 216,936 VND. Each portion includes hot rice, tender beef, vegetables, and side dishes, providing enough energy for the afternoon.

Imperial Palace — aka the Forbidden City interior, architectural masterpieces — Feng Li / Getty

Mutianyu Great Wall & Forbidden City Tour

After the main meal, I walked a few minutes to Wanfu Jinchun Teahouse for a rest. The shop is located east of the palace’s food court and is usually quite crowded at lunchtime. I ordered a fruit drink for about 60 CNY (224,416 VND). If you want a quick meal, the restaurants at the Palace Museum also serve noodles, rice, and steamed buns for an average cost of 40 to 50 CNY, approximately 149,611 to 187,014 VND.

Afternoon (13:00-15:00) – Jingshan Park: Cherry Blossom View and Panoramic View of the Forbidden City

Continuing my journey, I chose Jingshan Park as my next destination, as it’s a great spot for cherry blossom viewing and panoramic views of the Forbidden City. I walked from the North Gate of the Forbidden City, through the pedestrian tunnel to the South Gate of Jingshan. Right at the South Gate, I bought an entrance ticket for 10 CNY (37,403 VND) and began my tour along the main axis.

I walked slowly along the paths up the hill, with rows of cherry blossoms blooming profusely from late March to early April on both sides. The flowers were a pale pink with thin petals, standing out against the red walls and ancient tiled roofs. Along the way, there were plum and peach blossoms, incredibly romantic. I stopped for quite a while around the hillside to take pictures, as this angle offered both flowers and a view of the ancient architecture in the distance.

Half-day tour of the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) and Jingshan Park in Beijing

Afterward, I climbed to Wanxun Pavilion, the highest point of the park. From here, the entire Forbidden City unfolded with a very clear symmetrical composition, and in the distance was the skyline of the modern city. I continued along the hillside to visit small pavilions and peony gardens, the prominent flower of Jingshan in late April to May.

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) – Yuyuantan: A Cherry Blossom Paradise in Beijing

The late afternoon brought soft light and pleasant air, making Yuyuantan the perfect stop for a cherry blossom viewing trip. From Jingshan Park, I took a taxi directly to Yuyuantan, a journey of about nine minutes. The distance wasn’t far, so the taxi fare was around 35 CNY (132,000 VND).

I entered the park through the main gate and bought a ticket during the cherry blossom festival for 10 CNY (37,403 VND). Upon entering, I went straight to the Cherry Garden in the northwest, an area with over three thousand cherry trees originating from Japan. The flowers usually bloom from late March to early April, their pale pink petals covering the pathways and lakeside, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.

Afterward, I visited Liuchun Garden in the east to admire the magnolias and begonias blooming interspersed throughout, as if spring were endless. At the end of the day, I strolled around Zhongshan Island to admire the lake reflecting the cherry blossoms in the afternoon sun. The peaceful scenery and diverse landscape provided many beautiful photo opportunities and a close-to-nature experience in the heart of the city.

Evening – Enjoying Roast Duck and Strolling Through Qianmen Ancient Street

In the evening, I chose Qianmen Old Street to end my first day with the food and the very characteristic spring atmosphere of Beijing. From Yuyuantan, I took a taxi to Qianmen, which took about 12 minutes and cost about 49 CNY (184,000 VND). Qianmen at night had a very different atmosphere; the old shops were lit up, and red lanterns hung high, creating a distinctly festive feeling.

Peking duck, must eat in Beijing | chinahighlights

I visited the Forbidden City’s creative stationery shop to look at New Year-themed gifts such as refrigerator magnets and bookmarks, with prices generally starting from 30 CNY (112,209 VND). Afterwards, I stopped at Wu Yutai Tea House to try tea ice cream, each cone costing about 20 CNY (74,805 VND).

Then I continued walking towards Xianyukou Food Street for dinner. At Fangzhuanchang 69, I ordered a bowl of traditional bean curd noodles for about 30 CNY (112,209 VND). Afterward, I visited Wu Yutai to try the famous green tea ice cream, each costing around 20 CNY (74,805 VND), which is very popular in spring. I continued strolling, sightseeing, and watching the lively street performances.

Day 2 – Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Summer Palace, Beihai Park

Morning (09:00-12:30) – Visiting the Famous Summer Palace to See Cherry Blossoms

Are you curious about what it feels like to stroll through a vast imperial garden as spring arrives in Beijing? On the morning of the second day, I dedicated my time to the Summer Palace, the city’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spot and one of the largest imperial gardens in China.

I took subway line 4, got off at Beigongmen station, and walked about five minutes to the North Gate, which was very convenient and economical. The entrance fee to the Summer Palace in Beijing is 64 CNY (240,000 VND). In spring, the Summer Palace gets a lot of visitors, so remember to book in advance to ensure you get your tickets!

After entering, we followed the main axis along Kunming Lake. The lakeside area in spring has many cherry trees and other early-blooming flowers, perfect for taking photos. Next, we moved towards Longevity Hill, climbing the Incense Burner Pagoda to admire the panoramic view of the garden from above. The entrance fee for this area alone is 10 CNY (37,403 VND), and we bought it right at the entrance.

Summer Palace is the resort of Empress Dowager Cixi

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Ticket

Towards the end of the morning, we returned to the Long Corridor along the lake. This area is shady, less steep, and offers many photo opportunities with flowers and ancient architecture. We finished our visit around noon, just enough time to experience the spring scenery without being overwhelmed by the schedule.

Lunch (12:30-14:00) – Lunch, Tea, and Rest

After a lot of walking in the Summer Palace, lunchtime is a great time to recharge and rest before continuing your exploration. Between 12:30 and 14:00, I found two very reasonable options: eating right in the Summer Palace or going outside to enjoy Beijing specialties.

If staying in the Summer Palace, Xi Jiu Jian Yi He Food Court is a convenient and quick stop. The food court is located right within the grounds and serves traditional Beijing dishes. The Yuanmeng sesame cake is perfect for the spring atmosphere and costs around 40 CNY (149,611 VND).

Or, if you want a light snack and tea, Gong Shi Yi Ting offers a traditional imperial afternoon tea experience with a quiet atmosphere and classic decor. A tea and pastry set costs around 104 CNY (388,988 VND).

If you want to leave the Summer Palace to try more local specialties, the nearby area has many easily accessible local eateries. Familiar Family Feast Roast Duck & Fish Head Soup Cake at 35 North Wu Jiayuan is famous for its fish head soup and roast duck, costing around 91 CNY (340,081 VND). Dehua Jubao Shuanrou at 1 Zhongzhi serves Beijing hot pot with various sliced fresh meats, costing around 94 CNY (351,393 VND).

Mutianyu Great Wall+Summer Palace/Temple of Heaven/Dingling Day Tour

After your meal, Sanyuan Mei Yuan at 208 Yiheyuan is a great suggestion for enjoying custard tarts (shuang pi nai) and almond tofu, costing around 30 CNY (112,209 VND). You can enjoy some sweets and relax before continuing your itinerary.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM) – Relax and Admire Cherry Blossoms at Beihai Park

After a morning visit to the Summer Palace, we continued our afternoon adventure at Beihai Park, a lush green space right in the heart of Beijing. The park, covering approximately 69.1 hectares, is notable for its harmonious blend of ancient imperial architecture and peaceful natural landscapes, making it perfect for relaxing and admiring cherry blossoms in spring.

We traveled by subway on Line 6, getting off at Beihai North station and walking about 5 minutes to the park’s main entrance. Admission for adults is only about 2 CNY (7,480 VND), while children under 120 cm and those over 60 years old are free. The park is open from 6 AM to 9 PM, convenient for your sightseeing itinerary.

One Day Tour: Temple of Heaven + Prince Gong’s Mansion + Shichahai + Beihai Park

I spent time strolling around Qionghua Island, home to many cherry trees in full bloom, with a picturesque setting next to the ancient White Pagoda. I also explored other highlights such as the Nine-Dragon Wall, Circular City, and Five-Dragon Pavilion. I rented a small boat to paddle on Taiye Lake, enjoying the scenery and the fresh air of the park. The boat rental cost about 20 CNY (74,805 VND) for 30 minutes.

After the outdoor activities, I visited Fangshan Tea House within the park to enjoy spring pastries and traditional tea. The price for a tea and pastry set ranges from 30 to 50 CNY (112,208 – 187,013 VND), a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before ending the afternoon.

Evening – Nighttime Hutong Stroll and End of Trip

The cool spring weather is ideal for strolling and enjoying the food in the Hutong streets, a characteristic feature of Beijing. I took the subway Line 6 to Nanluoguxiang station, then walked into the old town with its narrow alleys and characteristic grey tiled roofs. This is an ideal spot for taking photos and exploring unique cafes and handicraft shops.

I enjoyed the famous Peking duck at a local restaurant in the area, costing around 120 CNY (448,832 VND) for a full serving. In addition, the street food stalls served jianbing (egg pancakes), tanghulu (fruit candy), and delicious dumplings, which I tried for about 10-20 CNY (37,403-74,805 VND).

Next, I strolled along Yandaixiejie, a neighborhood filled with traditional craft shops and small tea houses that retain their old-world charm. I stopped at a tea house to enjoy jasmine tea, priced at around 30 CNY (112,208 VND). The lively atmosphere and warm yellow lights created a rich cultural experience.

To conclude my journey, I walked to Shichahai Lake to admire the lake’s night view. The area has many lakeside bars and cafes, perfect for relaxing. Wandering around the Hutong and the lake area allowed me to clearly feel the daily rhythm of Beijing life, and concluded my cherry blossom viewing day with an authentic cultural experience.

Tips for Visiting Beijing During Cherry Blossom Season

The cherry blossom season in Beijing usually takes place from the end of March to the beginning of April, attracting many nature and culture lovers. For a complete and economical experience, you should prepare thoroughly before your trip. Here are some helpful tips to help you explore Beijing during cherry blossom season smoothly and enjoyably:

Choose the right time: Cherry blossoms usually bloom for about 7-10 days, from the end of March to the beginning of April. Check the flower forecast to avoid missing the best time.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon: Avoid crowds during peak hours, enjoy the quiet atmosphere, and get beautiful light for photos.

Use public transportation: The subway and buses help you get around quickly, avoid traffic jams, and save money.

Bring snacks and drinks: Cherry blossom viewing areas may have few food stalls, so bringing your own will give you more flexibility.

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes: Since you will be doing a lot of walking, prioritize comfortable shoes and wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Book your tickets early: Many popular tourist attractions in Beijing limit the number of visitors during peak season, so you should book your tickets in advance on platforms like Klook to avoid sold-out tickets or high prices.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to See Cherry Blossoms in Beijing

1. When do cherry blossoms usually bloom in Beijing?

Cherry blossoms in Beijing usually begin to bloom from mid-March to mid-April, with many varieties blooming consecutively during this period.

2. What is the most famous place to see cherry blossoms in Beijing?

Yuyuantan Park is considered the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the city, with thousands of trees and an annual cherry blossom festival.

3. When does the cherry blossom festival at Yuyuantan Park take place?

The cherry blossom festival is usually held from the end of March to mid-May, lasting about a month and a half with separate peak season entrance fees.

4. What other flowers bloom alongside cherry blossoms in Beijing?

Besides cherry blossoms, many other spring flowers such as apricot blossoms, magnolias, and other local peach blossoms also bloom in Beijing’s parks.

5. What time of day is best for photographing cherry blossoms?

Early mornings, just as the parks open, and late afternoons usually offer warm light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for photography.

Viewing cherry blossoms in Beijing truly opens up a different perspective on the city. The parks are spacious and tranquil, allowing you to stop and take photos, admire the flowers, or even enjoy a cup of tea amidst nature. The combination of traditional architecture and cherry blossom scenery creates beautiful pictures and a space to savor every moment.

With your cherry blossom viewing itinerary in Beijing already planned, let’s go on a spring trip!

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

Yiheyuan, a masterpiece of Chinese classical forest garden design.

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