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3 days in Beijing

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3 days in Beijing
This is a selection of Beijing's main highlights that one can see in three full days. The ancient and the modern combine perfectly and there is sure to be a surprise around every corner. From contemporary architecture, old hutong areas, green parks, a wide selection of museums and sights, this amazing city has it all.
Good for: Families, Groups, Seniors, Individuals
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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Day 1
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)

Located in the heart of modern China and the site for massive parades and rallies, this was the site when in 1949, from a rostrum on the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)
Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)

Consisting of more than 9,000 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Jingshan Park (Yingshan Gongyuan)
Jingshan Park (Yingshan Gongyuan)

On Sundays particularly this park is full of community activities. You are welcome to join in if you wish. There are community singing groups (You... more »

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)
Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)

Kubla Khan in 1260 took up residence in this palace, which today is a 168-acre park filled with historic buildings, restaurants and a lake.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

This area of Beijing contains some of the most extensive old hutong neighborhoods and the three lakes of Xihai, Houhai and Oianhai.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Day 2
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Great Wall at Mutianyu

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a little further from Beijing than the most popular section at Badaling, but it doesn't get as crowded.  This section... more »

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

A series of beautiful pavilions comprise this Mongolian-Tibetan yellow-sect temple, which features an impressive fifty-four-foot (25m) high Buddha... more »

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang

With a history of more than 700 years, Nan Luo Gu Xiang (南 锣 鼓 巷) is one of Beijing's oldest hutongs and has been one of the capital's 25 cultural... more »

Fee: No      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Day 3
Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)
Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)

Built in 1420 with a total area of 270 acres, this is the largest building for religious worship in China, which was originally used by the Ming and Qing emperors to pay homage to Heaven and to pray for a year of rich harvest.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 290-acre park is still a retreat for the crowd-weary tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Qianmen
Qianmen

Qianmen Dajie is a recently restored pedestrian street in the architectural style of old Peking with little shops & restaurants. Connected to Qianmen, the Dashilar area is a vibrant mix of historic shops and hutong streets.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.