Experience Beijing in Winter: A Local’s Guide to the Snowy Capital – Must-Visit Spots & Travel Tips!
🚗 Beijing Transportation Guide:
✔ Driving: If you’re driving with a non-Beijing license plate, you must apply for a Beijing Entry Permit in advance via the “Beijing Traffic Police” app. Set up navigation carefully to avoid restricted areas.
✔ Subway: Beijing’s subway system is well-connected. Download the “Beijing Subway” app for QR code entry and easy route planning.
✔ Buses & Didi: Avoid unlicensed taxis—use official transport options for safety.
📍 Day 1: Exploring Beijing’s Historic Landmarks
🟥 Morning: Tiananmen Square – Flag-Raising Ceremony
Many visitors gather to witness the inspiring flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. Winter crowds are much smaller compared to summer.
💡 Tip: You must make a reservation 1–9 days in advance via the “Tiananmen Square Reservation Platform.” Reservations open daily at 12 PM, and same-day bookings are NOT allowed. Expect queues as early as dawn!
While at Tiananmen Square, visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. And don’t forget to take iconic photos here!
🟨 Noon: Lunch at Qianmen – Taste Authentic Beijing Flavors
Head to Qianmen Dashilar (大栅栏) for lunch, a famous street lined with century-old restaurants and Beijing specialties.
🍜 Must-try: Old Beijing Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) – Hand-pulled noodles with rich meat sauce and colorful veggie toppings.
🟦 Afternoon: Forbidden City & Jingshan Park
Visit the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), just a short walk from Tiananmen Square. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Forbidden City, exploring its imperial palaces.
🌆 Sunset Spot: Exit from the North Gate of the Forbidden City and head to Jingshan Park. Climb up to Wanchun Pavilion for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
🌙 Evening: Stroll Through Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷)
Wrap up the day by exploring the charming Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where you can experience traditional Beijing alleyways, boutique shops, and cozy teahouses.
📍 Day 2: A Blend of History, Nature & Modern Beijing
🟦 Morning: Temple of Heaven (Tiantan 天坛)
Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, the largest and most well-preserved ancient sacrificial complex in China.
🚇 Getting there: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station (Temple of Heaven East Gate).
🌿 Why Visit? Enjoy the fresh morning air, admire ancient architecture, and try the popular creative ice cream shaped like the Temple of Heaven!
🟨 Afternoon: Summer Palace (Yiheyuan 颐和园)
After exploring Tiantan, take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the Summer Palace, a stunning Qing Dynasty imperial garden.
🌊 Highlights:
- Kunming Lake (昆明湖) – Enjoy breathtaking winter views over the frozen lake.
- Longevity Hill (万寿山) – Climb up for panoramic views of the palace grounds.
The Summer Palace is a must-visit to experience royal elegance and traditional Chinese landscaping!
🌙 Evening: Sanlitun (三里屯) – Beijing’s Trendy Hotspot
Wrap up your day at Sanlitun, the heart of Beijing’s fashion and nightlife scene.
🛍️ Why Visit?
✔ Home to international brands, trendy boutiques, and flagship stores
✔ Celebrity & influencer hotspot – You might spot a star!
✔ Diverse dining options, from authentic Beijing cuisine to global gourmet
Sanlitun is the best place to experience Beijing’s vibrant urban culture and nightlife!
📍 Day 3: Great Wall Adventure – Badaling Section
🟦 Morning: Hike the Badaling Great Wall
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China! As the saying goes, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”
🚆 Getting there:
- Take a high-speed train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Great Wall Station
- Alternatively, use tour buses or private cars
👟 Tips for a Comfortable Climb:
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – The climb is steep, and proper footwear is essential!
✔ Dress warmly – Winter temperatures are low, and strong winds are common. Layer up to stay warm.
The Badaling Great Wall offers the best-preserved and most scenic views, making it a top choice for first-time visitors.
🍽️ Best Beijing Food You Must Try
🥢 Peking Duck – The Signature Dish of Beijing
Beijing’s most iconic dish, Peking Duck, is famous for its crispy skin and tender meat.
🔥 Top Restaurants to Try:
- Siji Minfu (四季民福) – Local favorite with juicy duck and rich flavors.
- Quanjude (全聚德) – A century-old brand known for its authentic Peking Duck.
🍲 Mongolian-Style Hot Pot (Copper Pot Shuan Rou 铜锅涮肉)
Tender lamb slices dipped in a traditional copper pot, served with a rich sesame dipping sauce.
🔥 Best Places to Try:
- Jubaoyuan (聚宝源) – Fresh lamb with a unique charcoal-heated copper pot.
- Donglaishun (东来顺) – A historic brand known for top-quality hot pot.
🍜 Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) – Beijing’s Signature Noodles
A must-try Beijing specialty featuring hand-pulled noodles topped with savory meat sauce.
🔥 Recommended Spots:
- Haiwanju (海碗居) – Thick, flavorful sauce with rich toppings.
- Fangzhuanchang 69 (方砖厂69号炸酱面) – A hidden gem with strong local flavors.
🥩 Lu Zhu (卤煮) – Beijing’s Unique Stew
A rich, hearty stew made with braised pork intestines, lungs, and crispy bread.
🔥 Best Spot:
- Menkuang Hutong Bai Nian Lu Zhu (门框胡同百年卤煮) – Century-old shop with authentic flavors.
🐂 Baodu (爆肚) – Beijing-Style Quick-Boiled Tripe
Thinly sliced beef tripe flash-boiled and served with a fragrant dipping sauce.
🔥 Where to Try:
- Baodu Feng (爆肚冯) – Famous for fresh, tender tripe.
- Jinshenglong (金生隆爆肚店) – A well-known spot among locals.
🏡 Best Beijing Traditional Courtyard Stay (Siheyuan 民宿)
🌿 Siheyuan Courtyard Stay – Experience Old Beijing
Stay in a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese courtyard in the heart of Beijing!
🏡 Why Stay Here?
✔ Prime Location: Inside the 1st Ring Road, near the Forbidden City and old city walls.
✔ Authentic Atmosphere: Nestled in a historic Hutong, giving you the true Beijing experience.
✔ Spacious & Relaxing: Enjoy BBQs, gatherings, and cozy winter nights with the sound of bamboo leaves rustling in the courtyard.
❄ Winter Bonus: If you visit after a snowfall, the Siheyuan courtyard transforms into a stunning Beijing winter wonderland!
📍 Address: Dengcao Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京-东城区-灯草胡同)
