Beijing in 7 Days by Subway: The Complete China Tourist Guide Itinerary

This itinerary lays out 7 themed routes covering Beijing’s most iconic historical, cultural, and modern landmarks. Getting around is almost entirely by subway, so you can experience the city’s efficient pulse firsthand while covering all the essentials.

“Everything’s great, except the crowds — so, so many crowds.”

Before You Go: Subway & Payments

Getting around Beijing by subway is remarkably easy, especially for foreign visitors.

• Fares: Priced by distance. The base fare is ¥3 (covers up to 6 km), increasing with distance. A typical single ride costs ¥3–6 RMB.
• How to pay: The easiest option is tapping a contactless Visa/Mastercard directly at the turnstile — no ticket needed, completely seamless. Alternatively, you can use the Alipay or WeChat “transit code” mini-program, which requires a quick one-time setup.

Day 1: Overture on the Central Axis — Tiananmen to Jingshan

Our journey begins at the heart of the central axis.

• Morning: Arrive at Tiananmen Square. From Guomao, take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East station. This is the symbolic heart of China — take in the vastness and solemnity of the square.
• Afternoon: Walk through the Tiananmen Gate Tower into the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City). Book tickets on the official mini-program 7 days in advance.
• Evening: Exit through the Forbidden City’s Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Might) and walk across to Jingshan Park. Climb to Wanchun Pavilion and wait for sunset — the view over the Forbidden City bathed in golden light is spectacular.

“Walking these stone paths worn smooth by time, the red walls still stand, the halls unchanged. What’s different is you — what remains is six hundred years of quiet, settled weight.”

“Looking down from Wanchun Pavilion, the whole Forbidden City spreads out before you — red walls and yellow tiles stretching layer after layer. That moment genuinely took my breath away.”

Day 2: Hutong Wandering — Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai

Today we experience the rhythm of old Beijing life.

• Morning: Take Subway Line 8 to Nanluoguxiang station. Wander through the maze of hutongs and courtyard homes, where old and new blend into everyday street life.
• Afternoon: Walk from Nanluoguxiang to Shichahai. Rent a rowboat on Houhai, or simply stroll along the lakeshore past willow trees and the bar street that captures Beijing’s local flavor.

“Grey brick and tile hide the gentleness of old Beijing; the winding hutongs are full of everyday warmth.”

“The night view here is honestly unbeatable — everyone’s out taking photos, and every shot turns out great.”

Day 3: Imperial Gardens — Summer Palace & Old Summer Palace

Today we head to Beijing’s northwest to explore the finest examples of Qing-dynasty imperial gardens.

• Summer Palace: Take Subway Line 4 directly to Beigongmen station. This is the largest surviving imperial garden in China — the views of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill will make you want to linger.
• Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): From the Summer Palace, stay on Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan station. Here, history and ruins intertwine — feel the faded grandeur of what was once called the “Garden of Gardens.”

“The Summer Palace deserves five stars — if you visit Beijing, you have to see it. China’s best-preserved Qing imperial garden, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

“Half sigh, half wonder. Footprints of history, layers of time — a conversation with the past, and a sense of both its ruin and its glory.”

Day 4: The Great Wall — Badaling

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.” The best way to get there is by high-speed rail — fast and comfortable.

• Transport: From Guomao, take the subway to Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station, then board a high-speed train to Badaling Great Wall Station. Book tickets in advance.
• Climbing: Start from North Tower 1 and push through to North Tower 8, then return the same way — this stretch has the best scenery and is the most classic route.

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero — and once you’re actually there, it hits even harder. In that moment, I finally understood what people mean by ‘the mountains and rivers remain unshaken.’”

Day 5: Olympic Memories — Bird’s Nest & Water Cube

Today we visit the lasting legacy of the 2008 Olympics.

• Transport: From Guomao, take Subway Line 10, transfer to Line 8, and get off at Olympic Green station.
• Bird’s Nest (National Stadium): Get up close to this massive steel structure — genuinely impressive in scale.
• Water Cube (National Aquatics Center): Right next to the Bird’s Nest, its distinctive bubble-textured exterior is especially striking after dark.

“That crisscrossing steel structure — imposing by day, stunning at night. Standing in Olympic Green looking up at it, you feel an odd swell of pride.”

“Walked into the National Aquatics Center building — still just as beautiful, still just as grand as I remembered.”

Day 6: Heaven Worship at the Temple of Heaven — & Flavors of Qianmen

As the trip winds down, experience the ancient Chinese philosophy of “Heaven.”

• Morning: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantandongmen station. Walk the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar — an ancient architectural marvel of both acoustics and geometry.
• Afternoon: Exit through the Temple of Heaven’s north gate and walk (or take a bus) to Qianmen Street. This is where the old established food brands cluster — try Quanjude roast duck or Douyichu shaomai for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

“Magnificent palaces, weathered red walls — history everywhere you look. Putting together a simple route here for anyone who wants to visit.”

Day 7: Guomao & Farewell to the City

On your final day, spend some time around Guomao picking up souvenirs. Depending on your flight time, take Subway Line 10, transfer to the Airport Express, and head to the airport to wrap up an unforgettable trip.

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💡 Travel Tips

• Book ahead: Tickets to popular sites like the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Gate Tower sell out fast — reserve them on the official mini-program 7 days in advance.
• Payments: Bring a contactless credit card, or set up Alipay/WeChat Pay — either will make getting around the subway effortless.