As the May Day holiday approaches, are you still scratching your head over planning the perfect Beijing itinerary? The must-visit destinations such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace are undoubtedly on your list! But how do you arrange such vast attractions efficiently and conveniently? What’s the best route for a relaxing yet comprehensive trip with your parents? Relax, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive Beijing travel guide. Let’s embark on this journey together and hope for an exciting and enjoyable May Day holiday!
Recommended 3-Day Classic Beijing Itinerary
Day 1: Tiananmen Square – Mao Zedong Memorial Hall – Forbidden City – Shichahai Lake
Day 2: Flag Raising Ceremony – Badaling Section of the Great Wall – Olympic Park – Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
Day 3: Summer Palace – Old Summer Palace – Exterior of Tsinghua/Peking University – Temple of Heaven Park
Additional Tips:
For independent travelers, it’s crucial to book attractions in advance. If you’re joining a group tour, feel free to skip this step. When visiting the Forbidden City, it’s recommended to enter through the Meridian Gate, which is the only entrance. To reach the Meridian Gate efficiently, head straight from the People’s Cultural Palace.
For the Summer Palace, our personal favorite route starts from the North Auspicious Gate, passing through the Half-Closed Bridge, Suyunyan Fortified Pass, and ending at the New Palace Gate. This route offers scenic views with minimal crowds and steep climbs, making it ideal for a comfortable stroll. The entire route covers approximately 10,000 steps and takes about 3 hours.
The Temple of Heaven’s lighting ceremony, primarily highlighting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, takes place from 7 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and major holidays. However, please note that the Hall closes to visitors at 16:30 and the entire park closes at 10 pm. If you’re exiting the Metro Line 8 at Tianqiao Station, the West Gate of the Temple of Heaven is nearby, but it’s advisable to enter through the North Gate as it’s closer to the Hall of Prayer. And don’t worry if you forget your ID; scanning a QR code is also acceptable for entry.
Beijing is a city of countless attractions and regulations. If you’re visiting for the first time and want to save time and effort, consider joining a local tour group. They’ll take care of your accommodation, transportation, and attraction tickets, ensuring a hassle-free experience. After all, the struggle of booking attractions can be quite daunting!
So, pack your bags, mark your calendar, and let’s embark on this exciting journey through Beijing! We hope you have a thrilling and enjoyable May Day holiday!
