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

Overture on the Central Axis — Tiananmen to Jingshan

Our journey begins at the heart of Beijing’s central axis.

• Morning: Arrive at Tiananmen Square. From Guomao, take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East station and 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 through the official mini-program seven days in advance.
• Evening: Exit through Shenwumen and walk across to Jingshan Park. Climb to Wanchun Pavilion for sunset and a panoramic view over the Forbidden City.

Walking these stone paths worn smooth by time, the red walls still stand and the halls remain 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.

My favorite was the roast duck. The skin was glossy and crisp, the meat tender without being dry.

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 to Shichahai. Rent a rowboat on Houhai, or stroll along the lakeshore past willow trees and the bar street.

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

Imperial Gardens — Summer Palace & Old Summer Palace

Today we head to Beijing’s northwest to explore two celebrated Qing-dynasty imperial gardens.

• Summer Palace: Take Subway Line 4 directly to Beigongmen station. This is the largest surviving imperial garden in China.
• Old Summer Palace: Stay on Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan station, where history and ruins intertwine.

The Summer Palace deserves five stars—China’s best-preserved Qing imperial garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Great Wall — Badaling

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

• Transport: From Guomao, take the subway to Beijing North or Qinghe Railway Station, then a high-speed train to Badaling Great Wall Station.
• Climbing: Start from North Tower 1, continue to North Tower 8, then return along the same route for the most classic scenery.

Came down from the wall around 3 PM and went straight up to the rooftop garden terrace—the view is genuinely unbeatable.

Olympic Memories — Bird's Nest & Water Cube

Today we visit the architectural 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: Get close to the enormous steel structure and appreciate its scale.
• Water Cube: Its bubble-textured exterior is especially striking after dark.

Heaven Worship — Temple of Heaven & Qianmen

• Morning: Take Line 5 to Tiantandongmen station. Walk through the Echo Wall and Circular Mound Altar.
• Afternoon: Exit through the north gate and walk or take a bus to Qianmen Street for long-established Beijing food shops.

The broth is amber, savory with soy and fermented black bean—clean, without coating your mouth, and you can taste the bone broth underneath.

Guomao & Farewell to the City

Spend some time around Guomao picking up souvenirs. Depending on your flight time, take Line 10, transfer to the Airport Express, and head to the airport.