8 Days in Beijing - Hidden Gems and Relaxation Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to 798 Art District, an area filled with contemporary art galleries, studios, and cafes housed in repurposed industrial buildings. This district is perfect for leisurely exploration and discovering unique artworks. Have breakfast at Café Flatwhite, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

Continue your artistic journey by visiting the nearby National Museum of China (NAMOC). This museum offers extensive exhibits on Chinese history and culture, providing deep insights into China's rich heritage. For lunch, head to Susu, a charming Vietnamese restaurant located in a hidden courtyard that offers fresh and flavorful dishes.

In the evening, explore Beijing's nightlife with a visit to one of its speakeasy bars. Start with drinks at No Name Bar, located near Houhai Lake, offering great views and an intimate atmosphere. Then enjoy dinner at Hulu by TRB, which serves modern European cuisine with an Asian twist. Conclude your night with another speakeasy experience at Peel Street Whiskey Bar, known for its extensive whiskey selection.

Kick off your day by visiting Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), one of Beijing's most important historical sites where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The park surrounding the temple is also worth exploring as it offers peaceful walking paths among ancient trees. Have breakfast at The Rug Café, which offers healthy breakfast options including smoothies, avocado toast, and more.

Next up is a visit to the tranquil surroundings of Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan). Rent a boat on Beihai Lake or simply enjoy walking through this beautiful park filled with historical structures like pagodas and temples. For lunch, dine at Bellagio Café, which serves Taiwanese cuisine in an elegant setting.

In the evening, delve into Beijing's hutong culture with Beijing's Old Hutongs A Self-Guided Audio Tour. Wander through these narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses while learning about their history via audio guide. For dinner, try out some local snacks during your hutong exploration or head over to{ R-Dali Courtyard} for Yunnan-style cuisine served in an atmospheric courtyard setting.

Start your day with a visit to Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet. This beautifully preserved temple complex is filled with intricate carvings, statues, and incense-filled halls. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Veggie Table, a cozy vegetarian café offering healthy and delicious options.

After exploring the Lama Temple, head over to Confucius Temple, located nearby. This temple is dedicated to Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, and offers a serene environment for reflection. For lunch, visit Capital M, which offers stunning views of Tiananmen Square along with a menu of modern European dishes.

In the evening, marvel at Beijing's modern architecture by visiting CCTV Headquarters. This iconic building is an architectural wonder and provides great photo opportunities. For dinner, dine at Slow Boat Brewery Taproom, known for its craft beers and delicious pub food. End your night with drinks at Hidden House, a speakeasy bar tucked away in an unassuming location.

Begin your day with a visit to Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), an expansive imperial garden that offers beautiful landscapes, historical buildings, and serene lakeside views. Take your time exploring the various pavilions and corridors while enjoying the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Have breakfast at The Orchard, a charming restaurant set in an apple orchard offering farm-to-table cuisine.

Continue your exploration by visiting Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. This iconic structure was built for the 2008 Olympics and remains an impressive feat of modern engineering. For lunch, head to TRB Hutong, which serves exquisite French cuisine in a historic courtyard setting.

In the evening, delve into Beijing's vibrant art scene by attending The Legend of Kung Fu Show. This spectacular performance combines martial arts, acrobatics, and dance to tell an inspiring story. For dinner, visit Mr Shi's Dumplings, famous for its wide variety of dumplings made fresh to order. Conclude your night with drinks at Mao Mao Chong Bar, known for its creative cocktails.

Start your day with a visit to one of Beijing's most famous landmarks: Great Wall Jinshanling To Simatai West Hiking Private Tour. This section of the Great Wall offers stunning views and fewer crowds compared to other parts of the wall. Enjoy breakfast before you leave at{ R-Breakfast Club} which serves hearty Western-style breakfasts.

After returning from your Great Wall adventure, spend some time relaxing at{ A-Back Lakes (Hou Hai) [10130]}. Rent a paddleboat or simply stroll around this scenic area filled with cafes and shops. For lunch, dine at{ R-Kao Rou Ji} which specializes in traditional Beijing-style barbecue.

In the evening explore more local culture by taking part in{ A-Chinese Tea ceremony in Beijing Hutong courtyard [557894]}. Learn about different types of tea while enjoying this traditional practice within an authentic hutong setting .For dinner try out some local snacks during hutong exploration or head over to{ R-Dali Courtyard} for Yunnan-style cuisine served in atmospheric courtyard setting.

Begin your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), the largest public square in the world. This historical site is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jinian Tang). For breakfast, head to Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, famous for its Peking duck and other traditional Chinese dishes.

After exploring Tiananmen Square, take a short walk to National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA). This modern architectural marvel is also known as 'The Giant Egg' due to its distinctive shape. Enjoy lunch at Black Sesame Kitchen, which offers a unique dining experience with a set menu of gourmet Chinese dishes prepared in an open kitchen.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Beijing's vibrant nightlife with a visit to Shichahai. This area is known for its lively bars, cafes, and restaurants along the waterfront. For dinner, dine at Red Capital Club, which offers a nostalgic atmosphere with decor reminiscent of old Beijing. End your night with drinks at Salud Bar, a popular speakeasy bar known for its creative cocktails and live music.

Start your final day in Beijing with a visit to Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan), one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China. Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around the lake and explore historical structures like pagodas and temples. Have breakfast at The Bridge Café, which offers Western-style breakfast options in a cozy setting.

Continue your cultural exploration by visiting Drum Tower (Gulou), an ancient structure that once served as Beijing's official timekeeper. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. For lunch, head to{ R-Jing-A Taproom} which serves craft beers brewed on-site along with delicious pub food.

Conclude your trip with an evening visit to{ A-Wangfujing Street (Wangfujing Dajie) [10145]}, one of Beijing's most famous shopping streets. Explore various shops selling everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion while enjoying street food from local vendors .For dinner try out some local snacks during hutong exploration or head over to{ R-Dali Courtyard} for Yunnan-style cuisine served in atmospheric courtyard setting.