72 Hours in Beijing: An Imperial Journey from the Forbidden City to the Hutong Night Market

Day 1: A Royal Experience Through Time and Space

Morning

Start your journey from Tiananmen Square (remember to make an appointment in advance!). When you pass through the Meridian Gate and enter the Forbidden City, it is recommended to rent an English guide - the stories behind the gilded bronze lions and the Nine Dragon Wall will make the floor tiles of the Palace of Heavenly Purity come alive. Tips to avoid the crowds: After walking along the central axis to the Imperial Garden, turn back to explore the six palaces in the east and west. The sophisticated 18th-century Western clocks in the Clock and Watch Museum are absolutely amazing.

Afternoon

After overlooking the panoramic view of the Forbidden City at the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park, take a taxi directly to Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (Gongti Branch). Ordering tips: Order half a roast duck + hawthorn cake to relieve greasiness, and don't forget to try the palace way of eating duck skin dipped in white sugar.

Night

The night tour of Shichahai by rowing boat (the last one at 19:30) is worth experiencing. The boatman will point out the former residences of celebrities on the shore with the tip of the oar. After getting off the boat, we went into Yandaixie Street. I recommend the candied haws yogurt at "Qingyunlou" - a wonderful combination of Chinese and Western tastes.

Day2: Soul Exploration in Old Beijing

Morning

At 6:30, we rushed to the Temple of Heaven Park to watch the locals doing morning exercises: the old man playing diabolo and the old woman writing on the ground were more lively than the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Remember to buy a combined ticket to enter the Echo Wall. The acoustic miracle of whispering with your companions 50 meters apart has not been solved yet.

Afternoon

The literary shops on Yangmeizhuxie Street are more authentic than Nanluoguxiang: buy an English version of "Journey to the West" at "Model Bookstore" and go to "Suzuki Canteen" to eat Japanese-style modified noodles. The shouting of scissors sharpeners that suddenly appeared in the alley was an unexpected background sound.

Late at night

The crayfish feast on Guijie Street (recommend the garlic flavor of "Hu Da Restaurant") lasts until 2 a.m. After eating, take a walk to Beixinqiao. The 24-hour "Longfu Temple Snacks" can drink freshly ground soy milk with fried dough rings.

Day3: The collision of modernity and tradition

Special experience

Forbidden City Corner Tower Coffee: Take a photo with "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" latte art

Guozijian Street: Browse the English history of China on the basement floor of Sanlian Taofen Bookstore

798 Art District: Pace Gallery's AI interactive exhibition often has limited projects

Transportation TIP

Download the "Yi Tongxing" APP to scan the code to take the subway. Attractions such as the Forbidden City/National Museum must be booked on the official website 3 days in advance. Encountering smog? The "Qi Sheng Cha Shi" glass teahouse in the hutong is a perfect refuge.

This guide has helped more than 2,000 foreign tourists avoid the crowds of tour groups. Now click on the official China Tour website to get the PDF version and hidden version of the hutong map!