This 4D3N Beijing itinerary covers both iconic attractions and lesser-known gems for first-timers looking to experience the best of the city!
When it comes to must-visit cities in China, it’s hard not to mention Beijing. As the nation’s capital, it puts forth a pretty compelling claim as one of the most popular destinations for first-time travellers.
I had never been there before, so I never quite understood the hype. But on our most recent trip, I realised there’s so much more to the city than meets the eye. Beyond iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square, we also uncovered plenty of unexpected gems like Gubei Water Town and 798 Art District!
Here’s how we spent 4D3N in Beijing as first-timers under S$400!
Beijing Itinerary Budget Breakdown
| Items | Cost (per pax) |
| Accommodation | ~S$86 |
| Transport | ~S$41 |
| Activities | ~S$165 |
| Food | ~S$70 |
| Miscellaneous | ~S$30 |
| Total | ~S$392 |
(detailed budget breakdown for 1 pax here)
*Note: The budget for flights is excluded as prices fluctuate depending on the season.
Psst…Beijing is mainly a cashless city, so it’ll be useful to use banking cards like MariBank. Most places accept terminal payments, and for QR payments, you can easily link your card to Alipay or Weixin (WeChat). You’ll enjoy exclusive travel perks to make your trip even smoother, including zero FX fees on foreign currency spending and up to 1.5% cashback (in foreign currency) when you use their debit or credit card overseas!
Day 1: Beijing’s Must-See Attractions
Temple of Heaven 天坛公园
Day 1 was all about ticking off Beijing’s most iconic sights, starting with the Temple of Heaven! This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1400s during the Ming Dynasty, and was built as a grand ceremonial complex where emperors prayed for good harvests.
It’s no surprise that this heritage site draws large crowds of both locals and tourists, which can make capturing that perfect photo a little tricky. We’d recommend reaching around 6AM – 7AM when the park opens to enjoy quieter surroundings and better photo opportunities.
Entrance fee: From RMB34/pax (~S$6)
Opening hours: 6AM – 9PM
Address: No. 7 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
How to get there: Alight at Tiantan Dongmen Station (East Gate of Temple of Heaven), take exit A, and enter from Temple of Heaven East Gate entrance (Amap)
*Note: Amap (高德地图) is best viewed on the mobile app (iOS | Android) as it’s more accurate.
Yin San Dou Zhi 尹三豆汁
About a 10-minute walk from the North Exit of the Temple of Heaven is Yin San Dou Zhi, a Michelin-recommended spot known for its traditional fermented mung bean drink, a.k.a dou zhi.
We’d heard plenty of mixed reviews, so I went in slightly nervous. This mung bean (RMB3) is said to have a pungent, sour profile and is famously considered an “acquired taste,” especially for first-timers.
Reactions in our group said it all: Suhada gagged after her first sip, while Brina finished the entire bowl in under a minute. My final verdict? Worth trying once for the experience and memories — because who knows, you might actually love it!
Opening hours: 5:30AM – 12:30PM
Address: No. 7 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 4min walk from Temple of Heaven North Entrance (Amap)
Beijing 798 Art District 798 艺术区
Next, we headed to the 798 Art District, a former military factory complex from the 1950s that has since been transformed into one of Beijing’s trendiest and GenZified creative spaces.
Thanks to its popularity on Xiaohongshu (think Instagram, but local), we had high expectations — and it completely delivered. True to its name, this district is filled with striking murals, contemporary installations, and quirky storefronts, making it a dream for aesthetic photos.
This horse statue was one that particularly fascinated me 🐴. Let’s just say, this place ended up being one of our favourite stops of the trip.
Don’t miss out on visiting speciality stores like this instant photography shop, where you can snap a mini polaroid for around RMB20–30, that’s ~S$4! It’s a fun little memory to remember your time here.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 2 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100102
How to get there: 45min DiDi ride from Yin San Dou Zhi (Amap)
Florist Cafe 花间 taste
We stopped for a late lunch at Florist Cafe, a place which caught our attention on Xiaohongshu. Known for its colourful floral decor, it was a no-brainer must-visit for us aesthetic cafe lovers.
We ordered their curry udon (RMB58) and souffle pancakes (RMB68). The mains were hearty and flavourful, while the pancakes were light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced with a sweet strawberry sauce!
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM
Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
How to get there: 8min walk from 798 Art District (Amap)
Summer Palace 颐和园
Our final stop for the day was the breathtaking Summer Palace. Built in the 1700s during the Qing dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage site consists of a sprawling landscape of lakes, gardens, and ornate pavilions — the kind of place that feels straight out of a painting.
That said, its beauty comes with crowds. When we arrived around 5PM, we were astounded by the sheer number of people we encountered — not quite the peaceful escape we had imagined.
Thankfully, with a bit of wandering, we found quieter corners to soak in the scenery and take scenic photos against the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense.
As the sun began to set, golden light spilled across the temples, walls, and lake, creating a soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
I really wish we had more time to explore Summer Palace, because this park is enormous and absolutely breathtaking. I can only hope that I’ll find another chance to return, just to uncover more of its hidden beauty.
Entrance fee: From RMB20/pax (~S$4)
Opening hours: 6AM – 8PM (Peak Season), 6:30AM – 7PM (Off-Season)
Address: No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
How to get there: 55min DiDi ride from Florist Cafe (Amap)
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Manqu Hotel (Beijing Jianguomen Capital Children’s Research Institute) 漫曲酒店（北京建国门首都儿研所店）
We stayed in the Manqu Hotel (Beijing Jianguomen Capital Children’s Research Institute) for this entire trip. While the room was a tad snug for the three of us, it was comfortable enough with cosy beds and a decent shower area.
It’s also located in a neighbourhood near popular tourist areas like Wangfujing Street, with numerous local eateries and convenience stores nearby.
Do note that the nearest station, Chaoyangmen Metro Station (朝阳门地铁站), is about an 18-minute walk away. Because of that, we mostly relied on DiDi to get around, especially for longer day trips.
Cost: From ~S$87/night for Executive Twin Room (up to 3 pax)
Address: No. 10, Wanbang Commercial Building, 1st Floor, Waidangbu South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Sanlitun Bar St. & Embassy Area, Beijing, China
How to get there: 40min DiDi ride from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) (Amap)
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Day 2: Day Trips from Beijing
Gubei Water Town 古北水镇
Our second day began with an exhilarating day trip out of the city, to the beautiful Gubei Water Town. We booked a day package via Klook, which included a private charter and an English-speaking tour guide, who helped us in purchasing attraction tickets there too!
To fully soak in the scenery, we hopped on the sightseeing cruise (from RMB80/pax). Perhaps it’s the influence of playing too much Pokemon as a kid, but I found the water town resembling something out of a tranquil town from the games.
There’s always a tendency for city dwellers like me to romanticise the rustic village life. Walking along the cobbled paths, I was really enamoured by the charming stone cottages and river boats gliding gently along the river canals.
Hidden within Gubei Water Town is Yongshun Dyehouse, a historic traditional printing and dyeing workshop established in 1900. It features a large courtyard with vibrant fabrics hanging in the wind. Plus, we even got to watch a short performance by the locals showcasing the history behind the dye-making process!
Simatai Great Wall of China
No Beijing itinerary is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. Spanning over 21,000km, there are multiple sections you can choose to explore, each offering a different experience.
While many travellers head to the popular Mutianyu Great Wall, it can get extremely crowded. We turned to Xiaohongshu for alternatives, and that’s how we discovered the lesser-known Simatai Great Wall.
To get there, we took a cable car (from RMB120/pax round trip) from Gubei Water Town up to the mountains.
*Note: The cable car operating hours are 9AM – 3PM and 5:30PM – 8PM uphill.
We’d heard warnings of how notorious the Simatai Great Wall is for being beautiful yet dangerous at the same time. Say real, the steps were incredibly steep, and there were literally no walls on the sides. It was genuinely… concerning 🤯
But as we stood high on the Great Wall, admiring the misty mountains bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, we felt like we were on top of the world! It was nothing short of spectacular, making the climb up all worth it.
Eventually, we had to make our way down via the cable car before the sun fully set to catch our bus back. We later learnt that Simatai is the only location open for night tours along the Great Wall, a dope experience you could consider for your future visit!
Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall 1-Day Tour
Cost: From ~S$62/pax
Tour timing: 9AM – 10PM
Meeting point: Pick-up at Guomao Subway Station or Shaoyaoju Subway Station
*Pro-tip: Book a tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall for a more convenient and fuss-free trip! Use your Mari Credit Card for payment online or on-site, and enjoy 1.5% cashback (in foreign currency) on your first S$1,500 overseas spend (T&Cs apply).
Day 3: Universal Studios Beijing
As a first-timer at Universal Studios Beijing (USB), I was super pumped! While it may not be a hidden gem, it’s absolutely worth visiting at least once — if only to relive that sense of wonder and reconnect with your inner child.
With USB being the largest Universal park in the world with several exclusive themed zones, it’s no surprise that every colleague we spoke to had the same warning: expect massive crowds and long waiting times.
So to make the most of your time here, check out our top highlights at USB that you definitely shouldn’t miss:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If it wasn’t obvious enough, we loved The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We even showed up in full Harry Potter fits just to fully embrace the magic. Bonus points for coming early when the gates open — you could get great pictures without a massive crowd behind you!
A big part of what makes this zone so legendary is its incredible attention to detail at Hogwarts Castle, home to the main ride inside. Even while queuing, you’ll see moving portraits and intricately designed interiors that feel straight out of the films!
For those with a little extra budget, don’t miss out on trying a Butterbeer, a fan-favourite non-alcoholic beverage inspired by the series.
Transformers Metrobase
As one of the park’s most intense rides, the Decepticoaster at Transformers Metrobase is packed with high-speed twists, loops, and drops! I’d be lying if I said this ride didn’t get me yelping several times.
A surprising highlight was the Bumblebee Boogie, a lighter ride where you spin along to retro tracks from Bumblebee’s playlist. Fair warning though — it can get really dizzy as the cars speed up!
There’s also Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark, a 3D dark ride where you join the Autobots on a mission to protect the AllSpark. We’d recommend skipping this one if you’ve been to the same ride in Universal Studios Singapore.
Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness
Relive your childhood nostalgia at Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness! This zone leans towards family-friendly attractions and immersive storytelling, set within the charming Valley of Peace. It’s a great place to slow down and recharge after a hectic day navigating the crowds.
One highlight was the relaxing indoor boat ride, Kung Fu Panda: Journey of the Dragon Warrior, which takes you through beautifully designed scenes featuring characters from the series.
Our teammate Suhada was especially insistent on trying Mr. Ping’s Noodle House, so that’s where we headed for lunch.
And honestly, it did not disappoint. The Hand Pulled Noodles with Beef Stock (RMB70/bowl) was delicious with a satisfying bite, a fun nod to Po and his father from the Kung Fu Panda series!
They also serve a Kung Fu Panda–themed mochi dessert (RMB45) that was almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Pro-tips Before Visiting Universal Studios Beijing
One of the biggest tips for visiting USB is to arrive at least an hour before the gates open at 9AM. Much like Universal Studios Japan, both locals and tourists can be very kiasu when it comes to queuing. If you want a head start on the rides and better photo ops, it’s worth the early wake-up call!
Also, do note that opening hours vary depending on the day, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit.
Before heading in, download the official park app to map out your route. You can check real-time queue timings for each attraction and adjust your plans accordingly to maximise your time!
Here’s what we’d recommend bringing during your visit to USB:
– Passport: Required for entry verification
– Water bottle: Hydrate especially when it’s hot — there are free water refill stations around the park too!
– Cash/Credit Card: Mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat are the most convenient, but it’s always good to have backups!
Oh yes, selfie sticks and tripods are strictly prohibited! They’ll be confiscated during security checks (we learned this the hard way…). If needed, lockers are available at around RMB20 (small) and RMB40 (large) before you enter the park.
Here’s another tip just for MariBank Card holders — pay for your USB tickets online or on-site with your Mari Credit Card and earn 1.5% cashback on the first S$1,500 overseas spend (T&Cs apply)! Successfully refer a friend and get S$15 cash credited instantly to your Mari Savings Account before 31 May 2026.
Entrance fee: From S$90/pax
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: Li Yuan Zhen, Tongzhou District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 30min DiDi ride from Manqu Hotel (Beijing Jianguomen Capital Children’s Research Institute) (Amap)
Day 4: Shopping and Wellness in Beijing
Breakfast at Yin Ji Men Ding Rou Bing 尹記門釘肉餅
Before diving headfirst into the final day of our Beijing trip, we thought it wise to fill our stomachs at Yin Ji Men Ding Rou Bing. We treated ourselves to their meat pies (RMB7/piece), alongside their stuffed meat pancakes (RMB28).
The standout for us was definitely the meat pie, which was almost like an upsized xiao long bao! It contained a rich, savoury broth and a generous chunk of meat inside. Dip it in a little vinegar, and it balances out nicely with a hint of acidity.
Even for a glutton like me, this meal was incredibly filling! I definitely got my tum tum stuffed perfectly for a very packed day ahead 🐷
Opening hours: 6AM – 8:30PM
Address: 106, 1st Floor, Building 34, Fahuananli, Tiyuguan West Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 15min DiDi ride from Manqu Hotel (Beijing Jianguomen Capital Children’s Research Institute) (Amap)
Yuyuantan Park 玉渊潭公园
Moving on from our hearty breakfast, we next visited Yuyuantan Park. One of the highlights of spring in this park is the Cherry Blossom Festival, held from mid-March to April!
We had high hopes of catching the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but alas, we were a tad too late. They had withered just a week ago, so we only managed to catch a glimpse of the remaining petals. Man oh man… 😭
That said, it wasn’t a wasted trip. The park hosts a variety of seasonal blooms throughout the year, and during our visit, the wisteria were in full display! It was a slightly different, but equally charming experience.
Beyond admiring the flowers, you can also try cherry blossom-inspired drinks around the park. We gave the cherry blossom coffee a try, and it was surprisingly delightful with its unique mix of floral notes and coffee that made for a sweet little treat!
Entrance fee: From RMB10/pax (~S$2)
Opening hours: 6AM – 8:30PM
Address: Xisanhuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 30min DiDi ride from Yin Ji Men Ding Rou Bing (Amap)
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Wudaoying Hu Tong 五道营胡同
After our scenic stroll, we made our way to Wudaoying Hutong, a hidden gem city walk we discovered on Xiaohongshu!
Unlike its more crowded counterparts like Nanluoguxiang hutong, this hutong a.k.a narrow street, is compact and peaceful, with each storefront carrying its own unique style and charm.
One store that stood out was Qing Zhi Hand Cream (青稚护手霜), which offered a lovely range of floral-inspired hand creams!
We also stopped by a cafe along the way, called Egg Coffee. Their egg coffee (RMB22) was rich and flavourful, and their Hong Kong-style milk tea (RMB18) was equally satisfying too.
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 30min DiDi ride from YuYuanTan Garden (Amap)
Siji Minfu 四季民福
Located along Wangfujing Street, patrons flock to Siji Minfu for their iconic Peking duck. For this meal, we made a slight exception to our budget and visited this Michelin Guide restaurant to prove its hype.
Be prepared for the queues — they can be atrociously long, with waiting times stretching up to 3 hours. It’s worth heading down right when they open at 10AM, or grab a queue number early and return when your number is called.
Wrap the perfectly roasted duck in a thin wheat pancake (RMB6), together with some shredded spring onions and cucumber for a flavour-packed bite! We agreed that this combination of ingredients contrasts wonderfully with its soft pancake exterior.
We can confirm that Siji Minfu is absolutely bussin’, as the young ones would say. While it’s not the cheapest option, costing RMB118 (~S$21) for half a duck, I’d say it’s worth it for at least one try if you’re a first-timer here in Beijing!
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 11PM
Address: 1/F, Donghua Restaurant, No. 32 Dengshikou West Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 25min DiDi ride from Wudaoying Hu Tong (Amap)
Wangfujing Shopping Street 王府井北京
Right in the heart of Beijing city is Wangfujing Shopping Street, our final stop to grab any last-minute souvenirs before leaving for the airport!
You’ll find all kinds of stores here — from international luxury brands to local traditional shops selling perfume, art and crafts, and even traditional snacks!
If you have time to spare, be sure to stop by the iconic Wangfujing Bookstore. This massive 10-storey bookstore houses an impressive range of titles, including unique books by local authors you can’t find elsewhere. You can even sit in and enjoy a quiet reading session if you’d like.
Our visit to Wangfujing Street was marked by a strange mix of excitement and melancholy. Excitement, because of the incredible range of goods to shop for and see. Melancholy, because we had a flight to catch and couldn’t fully explore it all.
For MariBank Card holders, here’s a handy money-saving tip while shopping: enjoy 0.5% cashback on overseas spend when you use your Mari Debit Card, along with zero FX fees on all foreign currency transactions!
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
How to get there: 5min walk from Siji Minfu (Amap)
Essential tips for your first trip to Beijing
The past four days in Beijing left a deep impression on me. What I thought was going to be a journey of relentless sightseeing revealed to be one of beauty — of the grandeur of its iconic landmarks and the quiet serenity of its lesser-known sides like Gubei Water Town.
So for the rest of you dear readers planning your next Beijing itinerary, here’s some essential travel tips for you:
1) Save more with travel deals and promotions
Costs of travelling overseas add up, we get it. Thankfully, if you’re a MariBank Cardholder, you’ll get to enjoy a range of travel deals for even more savings including:
– Zero FX fees on ALL foreign currency spend
– Some of the best FX rates in top travel destinations
– 1.5% cashback on first S$1,500 overseas spend on your Mari Credit Card
– 0.5% cashback overseas when you use your Mari Debit Card
If you don’t have the card, sign up now for Mari Credit Card and enjoy up to S$80 in rewards plus an additional S$8 when using our TTI code <MCCTTN26> (T&Cs apply)!
2) Take the Beijing Metro to get around the city
One of the biggest challenges we faced during our trip was traffic congestion, as we spent quite a bit of time stuck in jams. A helpful tip from our DiDi driver was to switch to the metro instead, which turned out to be a game-changer.
Beijing’s metro system is extensive, well-connected, and surprisingly affordable. Fares can start from as low as RMB3 (~S$0.60), making it both a time-saving and budget-friendly option for getting around the city.
To take the metro, you can either:
1) Buy tickets at the machines
2) Link your Mari Credit Card or Mari Debit Card to Alipay or WeChat. Then, open your Alipay app > Click on Transport > Tap “Metro” > Tap “Beijing Rail Transit Ride” > Select “Agree and obtain card” > A QR code will be saved on the Alipay home page for you to use when entering and exiting the metro.
3) Directly tap your Mari Credit Card or Mari Debit Card at the metro gantry!
Psst… from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, enjoy up to a 100% rebate when you tap your Mastercard card to pay on Beijing Metro, with cashback capped at RMB20 (T&Cs apply)!
3) Download essential China applications before flying
China operates on its own digital ecosystem, which means familiar apps like Google and Google Maps won’t work as expected. To make your trip smoother and cheaper, we’d recommend downloading a few essential local apps before you go:
| Purpose | App |
| Navigation | Amap (高德地图) |
| Ride-hailing | DiDi (滴滴) |
| Payments *Pro-tip: Keep each payment below RMB200 to avoid additional transaction fees. For purchases above RMB200, check if the merchant accepts contactless payments and use your Mari Credit Card or Mari Debit Card instead. | WeChat (微信)* Alipay (支付宝)* |
| Lifestyle (incl. attraction tickets, local vouchers, restaurant discounts, food delivery) | Dianping (大众点评) Meituan (美团)* *For Meituan, a Chinese number is needed for registration. It’s more applicable for long-term visitors who plan on getting a Chinese SIM card. |
| Language | Google Translate (only works with VPN) Pleco |
We will miss Beijing — there’s no doubt about that. But there’s so much more to explore in China, so check out our other itineraries for more travel inspiration:
– 7-Day Chongqing Itinerary for First-timers — Futuristic Cityscapes, Mountain Treks and Hotpot Foot Massages
– The Ultimate First-timer’s Guide to China — Budget Tips, Mistakes to Avoid & More
– Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing
Which places do you want to visit in this Beijing itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by MariBank Singapore.
