Itinerary Design Concept

Centered around the theme of “Ancient Capital Charm · Imperial Grandeur,” this itinerary integrates imperial architecture, hutong culture, modern art, and urban vibrancy, creating an immersive experience where “history is tangible and culture has warmth.”

Day 1: Echoes of Millennia at the Imperial Roots
Theme: Imperial Codes Along the Central Axis
Keywords: World Cultural Heritage | Imperial Architecture | Imperial Rituals

Morning
Tian’anmen Square & Palace Museum (08:30-12:00)

• Highlights:
  
  • Tian’anmen Rostrum: Ascend to overlook Chang’an Avenue and spot the 1949 Founding Ceremony loudspeaker relic.
    
  • Palace Museum:
    
    • Hall of Supreme Harmony: Observe the only roof in China with ten mythical beasts (a symbol of imperial supremacy). The “golden bricks” beneath your feet were actually crafted in Suzhou.
      
    • Treasure Gallery: Marvel at Emperor Qianlong’s jade mountain (the world’s largest jade carving) and the gold-inlaid pearl celestial globe.
      
    • Corner Towers: A masterpiece of mortise-tenon joints; winter offers “snow-clad towers” photographic opportunities.
      
  • Hidden Gem: The ruins of Yanxi Palace’s “Crystal Palace,” a late-Qing experimental Western-style structure.

Noon
Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Forbidden City Branch)

• Must-Try:
  
  • Honey-Glazed Crispy Shrimp: Edible shells with a sweet-savory glaze.
    
  • Beile Grilled Mutton: Copper-pot-roasted lamb, a noble court tradition.
    
• Bonus: Secure a lakeside view seat 2 hours in advance; snap photos of the Forbidden City’s East Glorious Gate while waiting.

Afternoon
Jingshan Park (13:30-15:00)

• Core Experience:
  
  • Climb Wanchun Pavilion for panoramic Forbidden City views and symmetrical central axis photography.
    
  • Locate the “leaning tree” where Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself (a replica; the original tree has withered).

Evening
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street & Heping Fruit Bureau (15:30-17:30)

• Cultural Landmarks:
  
  • Heping Fruit Bureau: An underground retro space recreating 1980s Beijing grocery stores and green train carriages.
    
  • Foreign Language Bookstore: The best-preserved Soviet-style building, offering “Beijing Central Axis” pop-up books on the second floor.

Dinner
Da Dong Roast Duck (Wangfujing Branch)

• Innovative Dishes:
  
  • “Crispy-but-not-greasy” Roast Duck: Lower fat content than traditional recipes.
    
  • Dong’s Braised Sea Cucumber: Michelin-starred masterpiece.

Day 2: Dialogue Between Imperial and Folk History
Theme: From Imperial Gardens to Hutong Alleys
Keywords: Garden Artistry | Modern History | Intangible Heritage

Morning
Summer Palace (08:30-11:30)

• Architectural Codes:
  
  • Long Corridor: 14,000+ painted panels—hunt for Romance of the Three Kingdoms murals.
    
  • Tower of Buddhist Incense: Climb for Kunming Lake’s “S”-shaped views; winter captures ice-covered lake and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge’s “golden light piercing” phenomenon.
    
  • Garden of Harmonious Interests: A miniature Jiangnan-style garden emulating Wuxi’s Jichang Garden.

Noon
Tingli Guan (Summer Palace Branch)

• Imperial Cuisine:
  
  • Stir-Fried Fish Slices: One of Empress Cixi’s “Four Great Stir-Fries.”
    
  • Pea Yellow Cake: Confirm if freshly made (some dishes are pre-packaged).

Afternoon
Old Summer Palace Ruins (13:00-15:00)

• Must-See:
  
  • Grand Waterwork: Remnant marble columns contrast with historic photos of the “Garden of Gardens’” destruction.
    
  • Western Mansions Ruins: Explore the “Yellow Flower Maze” (lantern festivals during Mid-Autumn).
    
  • Interactive Experience: Scan QR codes for expert commentary on the “Forty Scenes of Yuanmingyuan.”

Evening
Nanluoguxiang & Yuer Hutong (15:30-18:00)

• Cultural Exploration:
  
  • Qi Baishi’s Former Residence: Beijing’s only open-to-public siheyuan, displaying the master’s paintings and inkstones.
    
  • Wenyu Cheese Shop: 15-year-old institution; must-try almond tofu.
    
  • Intangible Heritage Workshops:
    
    • Beijing Swallow Kite-Making (Yuer Hutong 33): Hands-on lessons with masters.
      
    • Hairy Monkey Crafting (Maoer Hutong): Miniature scenes using cicada shells and magnolia buds.

Dinner
Fangzhuanchang 69 Fried Sauce Noodles (Nanluoguxiang Branch)

• Specialties:
  
  • 25 RMB/bowl fried sauce noodles with seasonal toppings (spring adds Chinese toon sprouts).
    
  • Free noodle refills; experience the old Beijing “guotiaoer” style (undrained noodles).

Day 3: Great Wall Grandeur & Imperial Nightscapes
Theme: From Frontier Defense to Modern Metropolis
Keywords: World Wonder | Nightscape Lighting | Teahouse Culture

Morning
Badaling Great Wall (07:30-11:30)

• Core Experience:
  
  • North Eighth Tower Watchtowers: Summit “Brave Men’s Slope” for sweeping mountain-curving shots.
    
  • Great Wall Museum: View the Yuan Dynasty “Juyongguan Cloud Platform” stone carvings (separate booking required).
    
  • Transport Tip: Take the “Great Wall Direct Bus” from Qianmen (50 RMB/person, includes guide).

Noon
Badaling Food Plaza

• Recommendations:
  
  • Rainbow Trout: Freshly caught and grilled, served with corn pancakes.
    
  • Donkey Meat Stuffed in Crispy Bread: Baoding-style, flaky pastry with savory filling.

Afternoon
798 Art Zone (13:30-16:00)

• Must-See:
  
  • UCCA Center: Current international exhibitions (e.g., Yayoi Kusama, Banksy).
    
  • Industrial Relics: Hunt for East German-built sawtooth factories for retro photography.
    
  • Cultural Gems:
    
    • 798 Post Office: Collect art-themed stamps and send postcards.
      
    • M Woods Museum: Rooftop terrace for panoramic art district views.

Evening
Qianmen Street & Dashilan (16:30-18:30)

• Historic Landmarks:
  
  • Neiliansheng Cloth Shoes: Inspect the “Sheng” character sole patterns; try traditional shoemaking.
    
  • Ruifuxiang Silk Store: One of the “Eight Great Xiang” shops; custom qipaos require 1-month advance booking.

Dinner & Nightlife
Donglaishun Hotpot (Qianmen Branch)

• Must-Order:
  
  • Hand-Sliced Lamb: “Standing plate” freshness, paired with sesame-paste dip (chive flower + fermented bean curd + chili oil).
    
  • Sugar-Glazed Garlic: A hotpot essential for balancing richness.

Post-Dinner Activity
Deyunshe Crosstalk (Qianmen Theater)

• Showtime: 19:30-22:00 (book 3 days in advance).
  
• Bonus: Backstage photo ops with performers during intermission (teahouse purchase required).

Itinerary Highlights

• Timeline Design: Spanning Ming-Qing imperial power, Republican-era transitions, and contemporary art for cohesive storytelling.
  
• Culinary Map: Blends imperial cuisine, century-old brands, and street snacks—traditional meets innovative.
  
• Architectural Codes: Unveils “cold knowledge” like Forbidden City brick-making and Summer Palace mural techniques.
  
• Seasonal Flexibility: Winter adds ice activities (e.g., Kunming Lake skating); spring highlights floral trails.

Transport Tips

• Metro: Use “Yitongxing” APP for seamless rides.
  
• Chartered Cars: Great Wall day trips (~300 RMB/person, includes tickets).
  
• Shared Bikes: Ideal for hutong exploration; avoid no-entry zones.

Tailored For: History buffs, photography enthusiasts, and foodies. Modules like Forbidden City night lights or Temple of Heaven rituals can be added.