Beijing's Must-Snap List: Don't You DARE Leave Without Them! (Your 'Nanny' Guide to the City!)

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

Wow! I explored 11 amazing scenic spots in Beijing over three days, and I am sharing my itinerary and impressions here in the hope of helping fellow travel enthusiasts!

(Pro Tip: Tickets to popular attractions such as the Temple of Heaven Park, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace can be reserved online in advance, which could relieve unnecessary hassle at the venue, such as queuing up and scrambling around!)

• The Temple of Heaven Park (Temple of Heaven) - Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

  • The park opens from 6:30 am, but the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests opens at 8:00 am.
  • Recommended by heart - plan to get here early for a better shot! Not only is there better lighting, but your shooting angles would be more flexible in the morning as well.
  • In the afternoon, people rush here and it will become busy!

• Tiananmen Square

  • Pay attention! Bring your passport! (Chinese residents require their ID card and foreigners must present their passports to enter.)
  • Note: if possible, don't bring any bags. I went without a backpack and was able to breeze through the security with no hassle!

• The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Paint in Pictures (a scenic spot inside)

  • You can just buy the palace admissions ticket if you wish to visit “Paint in Pictures”.
  • It’s suggested to enter from the North Ruyi Gate for the most convenient path.
  • The Summer Palace is truly grandiose and beautiful and a great place to spend time and take a leisurely visit and stroll around!
  • There are so many good spots where you can take pictures!

… (additional sites omitted due to space limitations, but described similarly in the original post).

• About Traffic:

  • Choose your travel method according to your agenda and time available.
  • Be prepared! Beijing traffic jams still make sense a little scary and nerve-jangling, especially during peak hours!
  • Traveling by subway is a good alternative, this could also be done while taking chances on Beijing flavored names such as station boards!

• What I Ate:

  • 1. Bean Juice (Douzhir – Fermented Mung Bean Milk) at Yin San Douzhir:
    • Tried and tasted one, unique and sour smell of fermented mung bean milk makes me feel like the taste of smelly socks. However, taste better with side dishes.
  • 2. Tripe Vermicelli, Millet Porridge, Chilled Cabbage Salad:
    • The cuisine served at these places is also rather surprising! Since you've made the trip to Beijing anyway, try some with your friends.
  • 3. Milk Skin (Curd):
    • Truly love this dish! Local friend recommended the Purple Light Park version though I didn’t get to try it this time as I got it from Yin San.
  • 4. Liumian Shou Noodles Restaurant:
    • Large portion size with affordable price, delicious taste!
  • 5. Dehua Jubao Hot Pot Restaurant (Traditional Beijing Copper Pot Hot Pot style):
    • The food here is decent and normal without any particular stand out features, hope your local friends can recommend us some better hot pot options in Beijing!

Enjoy your journey to make unforgettable memories in this unique city, both beautiful and historical!

[Lorraine Rau]

Outfit inspo, please!

[Ethel Morissette]

Which one?

[Morris Schneider]

Hi, do I need to make a reservation for the Temple of Heaven?

[Florence Stark]

It's best to make a reservation.

[Arnold Predovic]

Which do you recommend more, Jingshui or Tangfang, sis?

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

If the weather's good, go to Tangfang. If it's just okay, Jingshui. If the weather's really bad, you won't see much at Tangfang...

[Tanya Bogisich IV]

Where are the good photo spots at the Temple of Heaven?

[Morris Schneider]

I have an article specifically about the Temple of Heaven; you can check it out.

[Andrea Hand]

Quick question: if I visit Universal Studios on day one and stay nearby, would I need a different hotel for day two to visit places like the Temple of Heaven? Are hotels near Universal far from these other attractions?

[Mrs. Beverly Glover-Crist]

Universal Studios is about 20-something kilometers away from those places, just so you're aware.

[Lewis Larkin]

I'm arriving in Beijing around 8 PM. Any recommendations for a place to wander around? I don't want to waste my time in Beijing.

[Bonnie Beatty]

You could go photograph the Drum Tower at night.

[Sadie Ortiz-Waelchi]

Sis, any hotel recommendations for where to stay?

[Joseph Thompson]

It depends on where you plan to visit; Beijing is huge!

[Orville DuBuque]

I wouldn't have known you weren't a local if you hadn't posted photos.

[Kristi Doyle]

Well, I am an out-of-towner...

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

Excuse me, how did you create the 14th picture?!

[Pamela Miller]

Meitu app.

[Wayne Marvin]

How many days did you visit for?