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Beijing and Its Treasures: Urban Exploration in 10 Days
An explosive blend of millennia-old history and rapidly expanding modernity, Beijing is a true paradise for urban explorers. The city harmoniously combines ancient temples, futuristic skyscrapers, bustling markets, and traditional neighborhoods. Additionally, within an hour's radius, two other small towns or sites await you: Tianjin and the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section). These three destinations offer you a unique journey, at the crossroads of history and the future. Get ready to lose track of time amidst centuries-old hutongs and state-of-the-art buildings.
1. Itinerary for a 10-Day Stay
Day 1 - Arrival in Beijing: Getting the Pulse of the City
Welcome to China! Your plane lands at Beijing International Airport, a gigantic hub mirroring the Chinese capital: vast, dynamic, and breathtaking. Take the first day to acclimate to this immense and multifaceted city.
First Cultural Contact:
- Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City (2 to 3 hours)
The political and historical heart of Imperial China, Tian’anmen Square is both vast and solemn. Right next door, enter the Forbidden City, a palace complex where Chinese emperors lived. Lose yourself in its majestic courtyards and admire its impressive architecture.
Practical Info: Entry to the Forbidden City: around 60 CNY (approx. 8€), check if it's open as it sometimes closes on Mondays. - Gourmet Adventure: Wangfujing Street (Night Market)
Let your taste buds accompany you on this urban adventure. Grilled insects, spicy skewers, dragon fruit, and surprising candies, Wangfujing Street is a treat for the curious and allows you to taste Chinese food while soaking up the local atmosphere.
Practical Info: Free to stroll the market but plan between 30 and 100 CNY (4 to 12€) for a full tasting.
Where to Stay:
- Mid-range Budget: Novotel Beijing Peace - around 95€/night for a double room.
- Budget: Peking Yard Hostel - starting at 35€/night – perfect for meeting other explorers.
What to Eat?
- Recommended Restaurant:Siji Minfu (near the Forbidden City), famous for its Peking duck, a must-try!
Budget: 100 to 150 CNY pp (about 13-20 €). - Alternative:Dali Courtyard, for a Yunnan cuisine experience in an intimate hutong setting.
Budget: around 80-100 CNY per person (10-13 €).
Day 2 - Beijing: Between History and Legends
On this second day, delve even deeper into Beijing culture and explore one of China's most sacred iconic sites.
Activity 1: Temple of Heaven (2 hours)
A masterpiece of Ming architecture. This temple was once a place where emperors prayed for good harvests. Its park is vast, and its tranquility contrasts with the hustle and bustle of downtown. Ideal for practicing tai chi with locals in the early morning if you wish.
Practical Info: Entry around 35 CNY (4€).
Activity 2: Summer Palace (3-4 hours)
Once the emperor's summer residence, this complex is a clever mix of palaces, gardens, and lakes of incomparable beauty, designed to escape the harsh Beijing summers. Stroll through the landscaped gardens, climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for the panoramic view, and enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Practical Info: 60 CNY (7-8€) for full access.
Where to Stay: (Same choices as Day 1)
What to Eat?
- Recommended Restaurant:Jing Yaa Tang, for sophisticated Cantonese cuisine. Don't miss their dim sums! Budget around 200-300 CNY per person (26€-40€).
- More Economical Alternative:Din Tai Fung, a chain known for its Xiaolongbao, succulent Chinese dumplings. Average cost: 80-120 CNY (10-15€).
Day 3 - Beijing: Hutongs and Urban Art
Beijing is not just about its iconic monuments; the city is evolving. Discover the artistic districts of the capital.
Activity 1: Hutong Exploration (2-3 hours)
Hutongs are traditional alleys lined with low houses, offering a glimpse into lifestyles of another era. Visit the Nanluoguxiang district, which offers a beautiful balance between history, artisanal shops, and art galleries. Rent a bike or stroll on foot!
Practical Info: Accessible on foot throughout Beijing. Bike rental: about 20 CNY (2.5 €) for a few hours.
Activity 2: 798 District, Open-Air Gallery (2-3 hours)
This district is the epicenter of Beijing's art scene. It's a former industrial area transformed into an avant-garde collection of galleries, trendy cafes, and shops. Street art, imposing sculptures, and exhibitions await you at every corner.
Practical Info: Free entry to stroll the area, some galleries charge 15 to 30 CNY for access to temporary exhibitions.
Where to Stay: (Same choices as Day 1)
What to Eat?
- Recommended Restaurant:Mosto in Sanlitun, offers modern fusion cuisine perfect after a day of artistic exploration. Around 150-200 CNY per person (approx. 20€-30 €).
- Alternative:Mr. Shi’s Dumplings, known for its hearty dumplings (Chinese dumplings), economical and delicious! Budget around 60-100 CNY (7-12€).
Day 4 - Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
Today, an excursion to the Great Wall! The Mutianyu section is less crowded than Badaling and offers sublime views. Located less than an hour from Beijing, this section is imbued with a mystical atmosphere, surrounded by greenery.
Activity 1: Hiking on the Wall (3 hours)
Walk along this incredible UNESCO World Heritage fortification. Take the chairlift up and slide down on a toboggan for a touch of fun.
Practical Info: Entry tickets for Mutianyu around 45-65 CNY (5-8€). Additional chairlift: 100 CNY round trip.
Activity 2: Mutianyu Village (1-2 hours)
Discover this picturesque village near the Great Wall. Enjoy the authenticity of the place and savor a lunch with locals in a rural and peaceful setting.
Where to Eat? Rustic tables offering local service, like The Schoolhouse, a restaurant in an old building with refined Chinese cuisine. Budget: 100-150 CNY (approx. 15€-20€).
Return to Beijing
Transport options: Tourist shuttles or local buses. Plan your return well to avoid crowds.
Days 5 to 7 - Tianjin: The New Lung of the Region
Located just an hour by train from Beijing, Tianjin is a port city where European colonial influences blend with futuristic skyscrapers. It's the ideal city to continue this urban adventure.
Day 5 - Exploration of Concessions and Haihe River
Activity 1: Stroll through Tianjin's Former European Concessions (2-3 hours)
Start the day exploring the colonial neighborhoods where Western architectural styles predominate. The cobblestone streets and old buildings will transport you centuries back, to the heart of modern Chinese history. Don't miss a walk on the “Five Great Avenues” (Wu Da Dao), where you'll observe renovated British villas and French embassies.
Why is it worth it? The urban explorer will be fascinated by the contrast between this architecture and China's modern skyline.
Practical Info: Free walk but plan good shoes!
Activity 2: Cruise on the Haihe River (1-2 hours)
In the evening, take part in a cruise on the Haihe River. This activity will allow you to admire Tianjin's towering skyscrapers illuminated at nightfall, while feeling the fresh river breeze.
Why is it interesting? The river is symbolic, it crosses the city linking modern districts to historic neighborhoods. The contrast of city lights at night is breathtaking.
Practical Info: Book your cruise in advance. Average price: 80-100 CNY (approx. 10-13€).
Where to Stay:
- Mid-range Budget:Renaissance Tianjin Lakeview Hotel, elegant hotel with lake views, around 90-120€/night.
- Budget:Tianjin Urban Cruise Hostel, located near the historic district, starting at 25€/night.
Where to Eat:
- Recommended Restaurant:Tianjin Gou Bu Li, renowned for its baozi (stuffed buns), one of the signature dishes of local cuisine. Count around 60-120 CNY (8-15€).
- Alternative:Riverside 66, a shopping center with a wide selection of local and international restaurants, budget: 50-80 CNY (6-10€) depending on dishes.
Day 6 - Temple and Culture in Tianjin
Activity 1: Visit the Temple of Confucius (1-2 hours)
Spend the morning visiting the famous Temple of Confucius in Tianjin, one of the best-preserved in China. The millennial heritage and teachings of Confucius are still highly revered here, and strolling through its gardens, you'll find tranquility before diving into the city's modernity.
Why is it worth it? This sacramental place breathes spirituality and wisdom, being an integral part of the urban cultural experience.
Practical Info: Entry 20 CNY (approx. 3€). Perfect for culture and history enthusiasts.
Activity 2: Tianjin Porcelain Museum (2 hours)
In the afternoon, discover this fascinating museum showcasing the millennial art of Chinese porcelain. The museum's architecture itself is a work of art, entirely covered in porcelain mosaics. Inside, you'll dive into the country's history through absolutely unique collections.
Why is it worth it? It's a tribute to one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese culture – porcelain – which remains a key artistic export product over the centuries.
Practical Info: Entry 50 CNY (6-7€).
Where to Eat:
- Recommended Restaurant:Da Ren Jia, renowned for its fish dishes with Sichuan pepper. Budget around 80-120 CNY (10-15 €).
- Alternative:Hai Di Lao, famous chain specializing in hot pot with a variety of meats and vegetables to cook yourself in a spicy broth. Around 60-90 CNY per person (approx. 8-12€).
Day 7 - Merchant Street and "Eye of Tianjin"
Activity 1: Merchant Street (Ancient Culture Street) (2-3 hours)
This ancient district is a must-see for all lovers of traditional Chinese crafts and urban exploration. Located near the river, this street is lined with Qing-style houses, where there are shops of ancient objects, artist workshops, and numerous temples. Strolling here has a scent of adventure and a return to the past.
Why is it worth it? You can observe shops selling calligraphy, Chinese paintings, or even artisanal jewelry.
Practical Info: Free to stroll, but prepare a small budget for your purchases (souvenirs).
Activity 2: "Eye of Tianjin" (Ferris Wheel) (1-2 hours)
In the afternoon, head to one of the most popular attractions: the Ferris wheel "Eye of Tianjin". Located on the Haihe River, this Ferris wheel is almost 120 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially at sunset.
Why is it interesting? It is installed directly on a bridge, making it a unique structure. A must for urban explorers seeking the best views.
Practical Info: Ticket for the Ferris wheel: approx. 70-90 CNY (approx. 9-12€) per person.
Return to Beijing in the Evening: Fast train between Tianjin and Beijing, about 30 minutes.
Day 8 and 9 - Return to Beijing: Immersion in Modernity
Back in the capital, it's time to explore modern Beijing.
Day 8: Central Business District and CBD
Discover the business district with its modern skyscrapers and elegant shopping centers. The China World Mall or the legendary CCTV Tower await urban adventurers eager to photograph contemporary architecture. After that, why not explore the Parkview Green Mall, a shopping area that is part museum, part ultra-modern urban gallery.
Activity 1: View from the China World Summit Wing
Go up to the observatory of Beijing's tallest tower for a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Budget: around 100-150 CNY (approx. 13-19 €).
Day 9: Chaoyang District and Sanlitun
Explore the Sanlitun district, where fashion boutiques, trendy bars, and art galleries mingle. Ideal place for shopping and discovering Beijing's avant-garde and artistic side. The urban explorer will be fascinated by this hyper-dynamic district where life buzzes day and night. End the evening in a rooftop bar such as TopHouse 360 toasting to the beauty of Beijing's illuminated skyline.
Where to Stay in Beijing: (same as days 1-3).
Where to Eat: (same as days 1-3).
Day 10 - Departure from Beijing
After these incredible nine days of urban exploration, it's time to end your tour. Depending on your departure schedule, perhaps allow yourself one last morning to stroll in a park or a quiet alley and take one last breath of Beijing's unique energy.
3. Booking Your Trip
a. Flights
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights:
- Search on flight comparison sites like SkyScanner or Google Flights as early as possible.
- Be flexible with dates! Ticket prices fluctuate significantly depending on the period. Traveling during less touristy periods (January-February or September) often allows savings of 10 to 15%.
b. Accommodation
Opt for platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Hostelworld to maximize your accommodation choices according to your budget (from luxury to more affordable).
c. Transport
Use public transport: subways, fast regional trains (Beijing-Tianjin) for maximum comfort. China Railway offers tickets at an affordable price (around 20-30 CNY for short-distance trips).
Conclusion
This urban road trip in China will have allowed you to explore the many faces of the country: imperial history in Beijing, the avant-garde aspect of modern megacities, and a more authentic incursion via the Great Wall of China or the hutongs. What is certain is that Beijing and its surroundings will not leave you indifferent. Whatever your pace, the proposed program mixes cultural discoveries, picturesque getaways, and above all, urban adventures worthy of great modern explorers.
Ready to go? Don't forget to check your papers, plan your stay, and above all, let yourself be guided by your desires!
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