15 Days Exploring Beijing, Harbin, and More Itinerary

Begin your day at Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), where you can marvel at ancient Chinese architecture and even join locals practicing Tai Chi in the park. Then visit Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan), one of China's oldest and most beautiful gardens.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant like TRB Hutong, head to Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning lakeside views, beautiful pavilions, and lush gardens. Spend your afternoon exploring this imperial retreat.

For dinner, try some local flavors at Hua's Restaurant. Later in the evening, stroll through Wangfujing Street (Wangfujing Dajie), one of Beijing's most famous shopping streets known for its vibrant atmosphere and street food.

Visit CCTV Headquarters to admire its unique modern architecture. Then head over to 798 Art District, a contemporary art hub housed in former factory buildings showcasing galleries, cafes, and boutiques.

Enjoy lunch at one of 798 Art District's trendy cafes like AT Cafe before heading to Lama Temple (Yonghegong). This beautifully preserved temple is an important Tibetan Buddhist site with stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Dine at Black Sesame Kitchen for an intimate dining experience featuring traditional Chinese dishes. Conclude your day with a visit to Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, which is beautifully illuminated at night.

Start your day with a peaceful walk through Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) offering panoramic views of Beijing from its hilltop pagoda. Then explore the historic hutongs on a self-guided tour using an audio guide like Beijing's Old Hutongs A Self-Guided Audio Tour. These narrow alleys give you a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.

Have lunch at Courtyard 7 Restaurant nestled within one of these hutongs before visiting Confucius Temple. This tranquil temple dedicated to Confucius provides insight into Chinese philosophy and education.

For dinner, enjoy fine dining at King's Joy known for its vegetarian cuisine. End your evening by visiting Shichahai area (Shichahai), where you can take a leisurely boat ride or simply enjoy the lively nightlife around Houhai Lake.

Begin your day with a visit to Meridian Gate (Wumen), the main entrance to the Forbidden City. This grand gate sets the tone for the imperial splendor that lies within. Afterward, explore Nine Dragon Screen at the Palace Museum, an exquisite example of Chinese art and craftsmanship.

For lunch, head to TRB Forbidden City, offering a blend of European and Asian cuisine with stunning views of the Forbidden City. Post-lunch, visit National Museum of China (NAMOC) to delve into China's rich history and culture through its extensive collections.

Dine at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant for an authentic Peking duck experience. After dinner, take a stroll around Beijing Olympic Park, where you can admire the modern architecture of venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube illuminated at night.

Start your day with a visit to Drum Tower (Gulou). Climb to the top for panoramic views of Beijing and learn about its historical significance. Then, head over to Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace), another iconic landmark steeped in history.

Enjoy lunch at Capital M, known for its delicious food and great views over Tiananmen Square. In the afternoon, explore Great Hall of the People, an architectural marvel that serves as China's legislative building.

For dinner, try some local delicacies at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant. End your evening with a visit to National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA). Catch a performance or simply admire this architectural gem often referred to as 'The Giant Egg'.

Begin your day exploring 798 Art District again if you missed any galleries or cafes on Day 3. This vibrant area is perfect for art lovers looking to immerse themselves in contemporary Chinese art.

Have lunch at one of 798 Art District's trendy cafes like UCCA Café before heading out to explore more spiritual sites such as Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest within Temple of Heaven complex which was visited on Day 2 but this specific hall might have been missed out due its vastness.

Dine at Din Tai Fung renowned for its dumplings before concluding your day with a serene evening walk through Back Lakes (Hou Hai). This area is known for its picturesque lakeside scenery and lively nightlife.

Start your day with a visit to Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan) if not fully explored on Day 2 due its vastness or revisit favorite spots within this ancient garden park featuring beautiful pavilions & temples along serene lake setting perfect morning relaxation spot . Then proceed towards exploring nearby historical site like St Joseph’s Church (St Joseph's Church) showcasing unique blend western architecture amidst traditional Chinese surroundings .

Enjoy lunch nearby Beihai Park area at Fangshan Restaurant famous imperial cuisine followed by visiting another significant landmark Monument People’s Heroes ({ A-Monument People’s Heroes[18684]}) situated centrally within Tiananmen Square offering insights into revolutionary history through intricate carvings sculptures commemorating fallen heroes .

For dinner head towards Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant legendary establishment serving iconic Peking duck since 1864 after enjoying sumptuous meal conclude evening relaxing stroll around Shichahai area revisiting previously explored spots soaking vibrant atmosphere once again.

Begin your journey to Harbin with a comfortable train ride from Beijing. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel northward.

Upon arrival in Harbin, check into your hotel and have lunch at LaoChang Spring Pancake. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Zhongyang Street, a historic pedestrian street known for its European architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, head to Dongfang Jiaozi Wang to enjoy some of the best dumplings in Harbin. Spend the evening exploring the nearby Songhua River and enjoy the city's nightscape.

Start your day with a visit to Saint Sophia Cathedral, an architectural marvel that showcases Harbin's Russian influence. The cathedral now serves as a museum of local history and culture.

Have lunch at Modern Hotel Dining Hall, known for its historic charm and delicious cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Harbin Jewish New Synagogue, which offers insights into the city's Jewish heritage.

Huamei Western Restaurant is an excellent choice for dinner, offering a blend of Chinese and Western dishes. After dinner, take a walk through Stalin Park along the Songhua River for some fresh air and beautiful views.

Harbin Ice Festival (if visiting during winter) is a must-see attraction featuring stunning ice sculptures and activities. Spend your morning marveling at these incredible works of art.

Lao Ding Feng is perfect for lunch with its traditional Chinese dishes. In the afternoon, visit Sun Island Park where you can see more ice sculptures or simply enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic area.

Dine at Tatoc, known for its elegant ambiance and delicious food. End your day with a visit to Zhaolin Park to see even more ice sculptures illuminated beautifully at night.

Take an early train from Harbin to Tianjin. Upon arrival check-in hotel then start exploring by visiting Five Great Avenues (Wudadao), famous area filled colonial-era buildings reflecting diverse architectural styles including Renaissance Greek Gothic etc .

Lunch nearby Five Great Avenues area try local specialties Goubuli Baozi restaurant serving iconic steamed buns since Qing Dynasty followed by visiting Ancient Culture Street showcasing traditional Chinese crafts souvenirs temples amidst bustling marketplace atmosphere .

For dinner head towards South Beauty restaurant offering Sichuan cuisine after enjoying sumptuous meal conclude evening relaxing stroll around Italian Style Town unique district blending Italian architecture cultural elements creating picturesque setting perfect end day exploration .

Start your day with a visit to the Shenyang Imperial Palace, also known as the Mukden Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a smaller version of Beijing's Forbidden City and offers a fascinating glimpse into the early Qing Dynasty.

Have lunch at a local restaurant like Laobian Dumpling Restaurant, known for its delicious dumplings. Afterward, head to Beiling Park, where you can explore the Zhaoling Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the tomb of the second Qing emperor.

For dinner, try Dongbei Ren Restaurant for authentic northeastern Chinese cuisine. End your evening with a stroll around Zhongshan Square, one of Shenyang's most vibrant areas.

Beijing One-Way Private Transfer to Beijing Airport will take you from Shenyang to Changchun. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to the Puppet Emperor's Palace (Wei Huang Gong), which offers insights into the history of Manchukuo and its last emperor Puyi.

Shangri-La Hotel Changchun - Shen Cafe is perfect for lunch with its wide variety of international dishes. In the afternoon, visit Jingyuetan National Forest Park, where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities like hiking or boating.

Kempinski Hotel Changchun - Paulaner Brauhaus is an excellent choice for dinner, offering German cuisine and freshly brewed beer. After dinner, take a relaxing walk around Nanhu Park to enjoy the serene lakeside views.

Beijing The forbidden city admission will allow you to revisit any missed spots or favorite areas within Forbidden City before departure from Changchun . Start day exploring Museum Imperial Palace showcasing rich collection artifacts relics spanning various dynasties .

Lunch nearby Museum Imperial Palace area at Jinjiang International Hotel Chinese Restaurant renowned traditional dishes followed by visiting another significant landmark Eight Departments Government Office Site historical complex featuring well-preserved buildings reflecting architectural styles different eras .

For dinner head towards Dongfang Hotpot City famous hotpot experience after enjoying sumptuous meal conclude evening relaxing stroll around Chongqing Road bustling commercial district perfect end trip exploration .