Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
by flight or high-speed train
Morning/Afternoon: Flight from Kunming to Beijing.
After arriving: Check into your hotel and visit Santitun. Sanlitun represents a cosmopolitan side of Beijing, contrasting with the historical and traditional aspects of the city. It’s a place where the city’s modern pulse is felt most strongly, with a youthful energy that attracts people from all walks of life.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant and prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 2
The Heart of Beijing
by subway
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the surrounding monuments, including the People’s Heroes Monument and Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall.
Late Morning: Tour the Great Hall of the People (if open to the public).
Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to appreciate its historic architecture and vast collection of artifacts.
Evening: Stroll along Qianmen Street, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the vibrant night market.
Day 3
Historical and Cultural Exploration
by subway
Morning: Visit the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) and explore its gardens, pavilions, and the famous Marble Boat.
Noon: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, with local or international cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit the ruins of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and then head to the Olympic Park to see the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
Evening: Return to your hotel or enjoy a casual dinner near your accommodations.
Day 4
Old Beijing and Lakes
by subway
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Beihai Park, enjoy the scenic views and visit landmarks within the park such as the White Pagoda.
Noon: Have lunch in the area, perhaps trying out some traditional Beijing snacks.
Afternoon: Explore Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gongwangfu) followed by a leisurely walk around Shichahai and a visit to Nanluoguxiang Alley for shopping and snacking.
Evening: Experience a traditional Peking Opera performance or enjoy a quiet evening at a local teahouse.
Day 5
Great Wall Adventure and Temple of Heaven
by car
Early Morning: Depart for a day trip to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Spend the morning hiking and taking in the views.
Afternoon: Return to Beijing and have lunch en route.
Late Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven Park, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant serving specialties such as Peking duck.
Day 6
Cultural Heritage Sites
by subway
Morning: Visit Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in the world.
Late Morning: Continue to the Confucius Temple and the adjacent Imperial College (Guozijian) Museum.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at the National Museum of China, exploring China’s vast history through its exhibitions.
Evening: Visit the Panjiayuan Flea Market.
Day 7
Departure
by flight
Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Departure: Head to Beijing airport for your flight back to Kunming to continue your lessons or onward to your next destination.