Beijing 5-Day Mad Dash! Shichahai – Drum Tower – Badaling Great Wall – Summer Palace – Universal Studios – Forbidden City – Tiananmen Square – Temple of Heaven

A 5-day mad dash itinerary! Witnessed the first snowfall of 2023 inside the Forbidden City (wow~)

Travel dates: February 6–10

Transport: round-trip flight (Guangzhou–Beijing)

Cost: 5,200 CNY per person

City transport: metro

Accommodation: Xana Deluxe Hotel (Zhushikou Metro Station)

Must-have app: Yitongxing (for all buses & metro)

Day 1: Shichahai – Yandaixie Street – Drum Tower – Bell Tower

Right out of the metro, the whole street oozes Beijing hutong vibes. Shichahai, Yandaixie Street and the Drum Tower are all super close—you'll wander into them without even needing a map.

Insider tip: my flight landed around noon, and since I figured there wasn't much open, I set this itinerary. Honestly, it wasn't breathtaking, so if your time is tight, you could skip these.

The lake was still frozen in February, but sadly ice skating was already over because spring had started (T-T). If you want to skate, be sure to come before Lichun!

As I circled the lake, lots of rickshaw drivers eagerly touted rides, but I passed. The area is small enough to walk, and though they say the lakeside is lined with celebrity mansions, none of them belong to me anyway (hahaha…).

Following the crowd, it's easy to drift from Shichahai into Yandaixie Street. This kind of street is like every city's “ancient-style street turned commercial strip”—think Chengdu’s Kuanzhai Alley (you know what I mean). Snacks, trinkets, handmade crafts... yeah, that's the whole street.

I thought about buying a postcard, then saw the price: 15 CNY each. Totally shell-shocked by Beijing prices (T-T). Guess I'm just too broke to afford a postcard… sob…

Once you spot the Yandaixie Street archway, the Drum Tower is basically there. And it was packed, oh my god—T-T.

The Drum Tower’s red walls were crowded with guys and girls posing for photos. And yes, it's super photogenic (compared to the grey, dusty hutongs). I didn't buy a ticket to go up; just walked around the outside and left. Behind the Drum Tower you'll find the Bell Tower, which was surprisingly quiet—just a square full of uncles and aunties exercising (isn’t that my dream retirement life?!).

Fangzhuanchang No. 69 (Zhajiang Noodles)

TIP: 25 CNY per bowl. They'll serve you whatever comes out; you don't get to choose.

I’ve always wanted to try authentic Beijing zhajiang noodles, so the moment I landed I dashed to Nanluoguxiang for a bowl.

I thought arriving at 2–3 pm would mean no queue… boy did I underestimate the power of an internet-famous shop. So naive. There was a 40-minute wait even at a non-meal time. Nearly starved to death… If you can't handle hunger, go early!!!

And the shocker—Beijing zhajiang noodles are made with thick, udon-like noodles and are seriously plain. The zhajiang sauce only had a few scattered crispy fried bits—maybe pork fat? Totally different from Cantonese zhajiang noodles!!! Cantonese friends, order with caution!!!

When the bowl arrived, I almost cried. Waited so long for a plain noodle dish (T-T), barely touched it after two bites. Also, you must mix patiently and don't dump all the sauce in at once—it gets super salty!

Yaoji Chaogan Restaurant (Drum Tower branch)

On the way to the Bell Tower, you'll pass this place, which a colleague recommended. Since the noodles hadn't filled me, I decided to try some snacks...

Result: … nearly threw up (T-T). Non-locals beware! Beware! Beware!

I ordered those classic Beijing snacks you always see in eating shows: chaogan (liver stew), douzhi (fermented bean juice), jiaoquan (fried ring), and fried guanchang.

- Chaogan: a thick, gooey broth like hot and sour soup, filled with offal. If the intestines were thoroughly cleaned, I could accept it. But there was a distinct primal funk that made me wanna heave (T-T).

- Douzhi: need I say more? Yes, it tastes exactly as awful as you imagine—sour and slightly gone-off. I dipped my chopsticks for a tiny taste, then chugged two glasses of water (T-T).

- Fried guanchang: the name sounds like stuffed intestine, right? I thought so too. Plot twist—it's actually made from sweet potato starch or something! Surprise! Dipped in garlic water, it's weird but more bearable than the previous two.

- Jiaoquan: who knew a simple deep-fried dough ring would be the best (most normal) thing on the table. Supposed to be eaten dipped in douzhi… I just can’t.

I barely touched anything. Definitely not suited to an outsider's palate (T-T). Such a waste—I’ll penalize myself two drinks!

Jubaoyuan (Houhai branch)

Right at the Shichahai entrance/exit is this famous hotpot place. I got there around 5 pm, and there was no queue yet—bliss! Staff said lines usually start forming around 5–6 pm, so go early if you hate waiting.

They have split hotpot and clear broth pots. I went with clear broth. And surprise again! Clear broth really means just plain water (T-T), and it still costs 20 CNY. Why?! I honestly don't get it! Dipping sauces: garlic-sesame oil or sesame paste. As a Southerner, I chose the garlic-sesame oil.

Traditional copper pot charcoal hotpot. Portions were decent, not stingy. Meat was regular frozen slices, but the lamb had no gamey taste. Worth a try.

Day 2: Badaling Great Wall – Summer Palace

Tour booking: Booked a day trip to Badaling Great Wall & Summer Palace online the day before.

Tour cost: around 120 CNY per person, excluding ground cable car (round trip) + dome cinema ticket: 200 CNY per person.

What to wear: scarf, gloves, hat are MUSTS!!!

Because Badaling is quite far and tricky to reach on your own, I booked a 1-day group tour the night before. Gather at 7:30 am at the meeting point and depart.

Great Wall 9D Dome Cinema

On the bus, the guide kept saying the 9D dome cinema was a must-do, showing the Great Wall's past, present, and future. I thought, "I'm here, might as well see what 9D dome means." Turns out it's basically a 4D cinema with moving seats and a sky-dome shaped screen. But my body failed me!!! Within minutes I felt dizzy and nauseous!!! If you get VR motion sickness, skip it (T-T), or you'll end up like me—eyes shut the whole time, money wasted.

After the cinema, it was Great Wall climbing time! Nervous! Excited! And truly freezing (T-T). Much colder than the city center. In winter, layer up! Gloves, hat, scarf are essential! The guide said the Great Wall has two sections: the North is usually for foreign visitors with better scenery, while the South is steep enough to require hands and knees. Too bad the South was closed when I visited, so only the North was open.

I took the ground cable car up (energetic folks can hike on your own—I'm lazy, so round-trip cable car, wahaha…). Succumbing to Instagram temptation, I splurged over 20 CNY on a Great Wall-shaped ice cream! Took two pics and instantly regretted it (T-T). Didn't even taste good.

Though the North isn't as steep as the South, there were still spots where I had to grab the handrails. I even saw a girl in high heels—bowing down in utter respect. I took photos and videos while climbing, so after over two hours I'd only covered two watchtowers (haha). Leave extra time and try to hike both sides if you can.

After the Great Wall, rushed to the Summer Palace in the afternoon (a real marathon day). If possible, hire a guide! Listening to the historical tales is way better than aimlessly wandering.

I freeloaded off other people's guides (smart, I know) and made a loop. Due to time, I missed the Tower of Buddhist Incense. But the Seventeen-Arch Bridge! Please, I beg you, go at dusk (4–5 pm)! The golden sunset falling on the bridge and lake is so breathtakingly beautiful! And photos on the lakeside benches in the sunset glow are just stunning!

There's a commercial street in the Badaling area where you can grab lunch—plenty of choices.

Liu Ji Grilled Meat (Hufangqiao branch)

So many people! Another hour-plus wait at a famous old spot, but it was so worth it!!! Very reasonably priced too!!

Charcoal-grilled, and most meats are freshly cut—not frozen (go for those, they grill better and taste great!). Super satisfied with that. Lots of locals eating here. Highly recommended! (Thumbs up)

Day 3: Universal Studios Beijing

Tickets: Booked on Taobao 3 days before departure!!!

Costume props: Harry Potter robe + magic wand set~. Remember to rent on Taobao in advance. You can pick up at a designated metro station or same-city express delivery. DO NOT LOSE ANYTHING!!! Especially protect thy wand! Lost items get charged at full park retail price… T-T. Don't ask how I know.

Mini-program: Beijing Universal Resort Official. Check ride wait times, park map—essential for the day.

On the day, I picked up the Harry Potter gear at the metro station, then headed straight to the park. Arrived just after 9 am (park opens at 10 am) and it was already a sea of people. Two security checks. Be sure to leave early!!! Once inside, if you have lots of stuff, you can rent a locker. Large lockers 80 CNY/day, small ones 60 CNY/day, unlimited access.

The park isn't huge. If you're not stopping for photos, I think you can hit most rides.

Thrill seekers must not miss the Decepticoaster—absolutely thrilling!

Flight of the Hippogriff is also great!

Sadly, Jurassic Flyers was out of time for me—so disappointed (T-T).

And if you love roller coasters, please, do NOT queue for the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride! It's for kids, totally boring, a waste of time.

Also, if VR makes you sick, avoid Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! On my visit, someone actually threw up after riding!!!

I only stayed for the Harry Potter light show, and it was magical, romantic!!! Multiple shows per evening, so no worry about missing out.

Harry Potter area

Most crowded zone in the park, no matter what time. Even the most obscure corner has a photo queue (T-T). But the photos are totally worth the wait.

If your budget allows, rent a photographer for a couple of hours—many girls did just that.

Butterbeer: if it's only for the photo, don't buy it!!! There are plenty of barely touched cups sitting on trash cans. Just grab one, hahaha.

Lunch at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop in Kung Fu Panda Land: 60 CNY for a small bowl of beef noodles. Not filling, just mediocre. Expensive! (Eating in-park is a trap!!!). Regretted not finding a meaty meal elsewhere (T-T).

Day 4: Forbidden City

Tickets: Book 7 days in advance via the WeChat mini-program "Palace Museum." Without a reservation, you can't enter, even if you show up at the gate!!!

Snacks: Bring snacks. If not, you’ll end up like me—starving in the palace.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes. The place is enormous; please, wear comfy shoes.

I got incredibly lucky this time—I saw the Forbidden City in the snow! So beautiful, a rare treat~ Hope all you readers will be just as blessed~~~

Super-fast entry route

I dug up a legendary route before the trip that supposedly skips one or two security checks. Tested and proven! Ta-da!

Take the metro to "Jinyu Hutong" station, Exit C. Walk straight 500m to "Donghuamen." Enter, then follow the red palace wall until you reach the Meridian Gate (Wumen). So quick and easy!!!

I repeat, do NOT go via Tiananmen! It's a nightmare.

About the electronic guide:

You can rent audio guides at the Meridian Gate, 20 CNY each. It's best to bring cash—that line is the shortest, haha.

Maybe I had bad luck, but mine was a waste. The first one didn't work even at the rental spot; the second went silent right after passing the gate. Lost 20 CNY (T-T). Make sure it works before you walk away!!!

As with the Summer Palace, if you can, hire a real guide. Without the stories (and gossip), the palaces are just buildings.

About the Treasure Gallery & Clock Gallery:

Tickets for these cost extra, 10 CNY each. "Since you're already here," they're well worth a visit. Not every object inside is ordinary.

If you bought tickets but run out of time, they'll refund you after closing.

About cultural souvenirs:

There are many gift shops inside the Forbidden City. Stock varies slightly between them (maybe due to sold-out items), but overall similar. I love browsing them, so I hit several. Prices are all the same.

The entire site closes at 4:30 pm, so plan your palace time carefully. The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery stop entry at 4 pm (T-T).

I'd hoped to eat at the "Ice Cellar" restaurant inside, but around 1–2 pm it was crazy crowded, so I just bought a coffee at the café next door and called it lunch (T-T). Definitely bring some snacks—snack-and-stroll is a happy way to go.

Siji Minfu (Xidan branch)

I'm guessing many of you, like me, feel you must have Peking duck once in Beijing. I heard Siji Minfu is trendy now? Not sure. After the Palace, I tried two nearby branches—more than 200 tables waiting!!! Fainted at the door. Checked the queuing app "Meiwei Buyongdeng" and discovered the Xidan branch had NO WAIT!!! Jumped on the metro immediately. By the time I'd finished eating and come out, those Forbidden City branches were still queuing. Terrifying!!!

We ordered for two: the duck skin was crispy, not too greasy, with a 9-grid condiment tray—must-order!!!

Watching the chefs roast and slice in the open kitchen (the ducks looked like baby ducks ^^) was clean and bright.

A dish of cumin lamb, generous portion, no gamey taste, thin slices mixed with fragrant veggies—order it!

A dry-pot cauliflower dish, ordinary and a bit oily.

Oh!!! That soft, mochi-like texture… the red bean paste filling moderately sweet, the bitter cocoa powder… I adore this texture!!! Fans of chewy desserts must try!!!

The only downside: too small, too little, not enough! T-T sobbing…

Bamboo Fungus & Morel Braised Vegetable Soup

For a soup-loving Cantonese like me, this was basically dishwater. A purely vegetarian soup—order at your own risk!!! No salt, no umami whatsoever. I honestly think they forgot the salt; I had to ask for salt from the kitchen. Not worth the price…

Day 5: Tiananmen Square – Temple of Heaven

Tiananmen Square reservation: Search the mini-program "Tiananmen Square Reservation & Visit" and book ahead.

Temple of Heaven tickets: Follow "Tiantan Park Official Ticketing" on WeChat to buy. Combo ticket: 28 CNY, includes Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, Circular Mound.

With only half a day to explore, I had to rush through. Such a pity (T-T). I'll definitely come back to Beijing.

The metro is said to be the most convenient. There are security checks right from the metro exit to the square—super strict!!! I arrived around 8:30 am, and the crowd wasn't huge, but still the queue took at least 40 minutes. So don't bring too much stuff!

Given my limited time, I just speed-visited every landmark in the square for quick tourist photos. All the memorial halls—zero time (T-T). Not much insight to share, I'm afraid.

The most iconic part of Tiantan Park is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—you know, the blue-and-red magnificent hall from every picture book!! If you're short on time like me, head straight there. Take the metro to Tiantan East Gate; entering from there is the quickest way to reach the hall.

I heard Tiantan is even larger than the Forbidden City. You could easily spend a whole day sauntering around.

Xiewangfu Yangxiezi (Lamb Spine Hotpot, Huqiaofang branch)

For my final meal in Beijing, I hit up a lamb spine hotpot joint, "Xiewangfu."

Ordered a combo of lamb spine and lamb ribs. Aromatic, no gamey smell, huge portion. I personally prefer the ribs—more meat, hahaha. The spine has little meat and lots of bones… Worth a try~