4 days in Timeless Beijing

DAY 1 – Serenity & Imperial Flavors 🏞️ Summer Palace (3h visit) We spent the afternoon exploring the #summerpalace, wandering along peaceful lakesides, majestic pavilions, and the famous Long Corridor. 🦆 Dinner – Peking Duck Experience In the evening, we indulged in a classic Peking Duck dinner, savoring the crisp skin and delicate flavors of this iconic Beijing dish. __________ DAY 2 – Imperial Beijing: From Palaces to Hutongs (this day is quite intense, so make sure to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and wake up early to make the most of it!) 🏛️ Tian’anmen Square We began the day with a walk through Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. We admired the imposing Great Hall of the People from the outside. 🏯 The Forbidden City We entered the legendary #forbiddencity, immersing ourselves in centuries of imperial history, grand halls, and intricately designed courtyards. A must-see when in #beijing. 🌳 Jingshan Park Climbing to the top of Jingshan Park, we were rewarded with panoramic views over the Forbidden City’s rooftops. 🍜 Lunch break We paused for a quick lunch in a nearby local spot. 🛕 Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) After lunch, we visited the Lama Temple, a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist site known for its incense, colorful architecture, and the massive statue of Maitreya Buddha. 📖 Confucius Temple & Imperial Academy Just a short walk away, we entered the tranquil Confucius Temple and the adjacent Imperial Academy, where scholars once studied the classics for centuries. 🔔 Drum & Bell Towers (exterior view) 🏘️ Afternoon Stroll through Beijing’s Historic Hutongs We explored several of Beijing’s most atmospheric hutongs, including: Cangjingguang Hutong, Wu Dao Ying Hutong, Ju’er Alley, Yandai Byway & Houhai Bar Street. __________ DAY 3 – Great Wall Day Trip & Historic Quarters 🧱 Great Wall of China – Mutianyu Section (Half-day trip) We took a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its scenic views and fewer crowds. We hiked along the restored sections and took in the breathtaking mountain landscapes. Had fun descending the hill by toboggan! 🏘️ Afternoon – Dashilar & Qianmen Street Back in Beijing, we walked through Dashilar, a historic neighborhood filled with character, and Qianmen Street. __________ DAY 4 – Heaven & Modern Contrasts ⛩️ Temple of Heaven (2h visit) We began the morning at the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture set within a vast imperial park. We watched locals practicing tai chi and enjoyed the peaceful rhythm of the space. 🏙️ Afternoon in Sanlitun Area We ended our time in Beijing with a walk through the modern Sanlitun area, known for its sleek shopping malls, bars, and a great view of the futuristic CCTV Headquarters.