![Exploring Beijing, China: A 3-Day Itinerary [Activities, Culinary Adventures]](/en/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/20250912060035_beijing-skyline-forbidden-city.jpeg)
Spending Three Days in Beijing, China: Activities to Explore and Food to Savor
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is a city steeped in history, boasting over 3,000 years of recorded history. This historically significant city is a must-visit for anyone seeking a glimpse into China's rich past.
The city is home to numerous cultural landmarks, one of which is the Lama Temple. Here, you'll find the largest wooden Buddha in the world - a 26-meter (85-foot) Maitreya Buddha statue carved out of a single white sandalwood tree trunk. Another cultural gem is the Temple of Confucius, the second-largest Confucian temple in China, originally built in 1302 for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors.
For those interested in imperial history, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are must-sees. The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed between 1406 and 1420 by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. It houses nearly 1,000 buildings and 9,999 rooms and was the home of the emperors for almost 500 years. The Temple of Heaven, on the other hand, was built in 1420 as a place for emperors to perform rituals to pray for good harvests and heaven's blessings.
Beijing is also home to two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Nonstop flights between several U.S. airports and Beijing are available on 3 airlines: Air China, Hainan Airlines, and United Airlines.
For those seeking a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park offers just that. This historic public park and garden, created in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty, is open daily and tickets cost ¥10 ($1.40).
Beijing's nightlife and entertainment district can be found in Sanlitun, a neighbourhood in the Chaoyang District. Here, you'll find numerous bars, beer gardens, lounges, and nightclubs.
When it comes to food, Beijing offers a variety of delicious dishes. Arguably the city's most iconic dish is Beijing roast duck, or Peking duck, known for its tender meat and thin, crispy skin. Another popular dish is Mongolian hot pot, featuring lamb, thinly sliced to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly, in a soup that is less spicy than it would be in most of the rest of the country.
For luxury accommodations, the Wangfujing area offers a range of high-end hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Peninsula Beijing, Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Regent Beijing, and Grand Hyatt Beijing.
Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Beijing promises a journey filled with culture, history, and culinary delights. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this remarkable city!
Note: The author's next trip to China with his wife took place in March 2025, with the specific date mentioned as March 5, 2025.
