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July 25, 2025
31 views3-Day Beijing Itinerary for Couples: Romantic & Budget-Friendly Exploration
Discover Beijing's cultural gems and hidden romantic spots without breaking the bank
Couples TravelCity ExplorationBudget TravelBeijing
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 北京市
Location: Northern China
Famous For: Palace Museum,Great Wall,Hutongs,Imperial Cuisine
Daily Cost: $60-80 USD per couple
Best Season: April-May or September-October
Introduction: Why visit Beijing as a couple?
Beijing 北京市 offers the perfect blend of ancient history and modern romance, with hidden courtyards, tranquil parks, and vibrant night markets waiting to be discovered hand-in-hand. This 3-day itinerary balances iconic landmarks with intimate experiences, designed for couples seeking both cultural immersion and budget-conscious travel.
Best time to visit Beijing
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-May) for blossoms and Autumn (September-October) for clear skies
🌱Spring: Cherry blossoms at [Tiantan Park] 天坛公园 create perfect photo backdrops with mild temperatures (15-25°C). Perfect for romantic strolls.
☀️Summer: July-August (25-32°C) brings frequent rain showers - ideal for indoor museum dates but prepare for humidity.
🍁Autumn: Golden ginkgo trees at [Yiheyuan] 颐和园 create magical autumn scenes with comfortable temperatures (18-22°C).
❄️Winter: Cold but sunny (0-5°C) with rare snowfall transforming [Miyuan] 故宫博物院 into a winter wonderland.
Arriving and leaving Beijing
Metro (¥3-12) covers 90% of tourist areas. Use Alipay for ride-hailing (¥15-30 for 10km). Rent shared bikes (¥1/hr) for hutong exploration.
Beijing Capital International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center with direct airport express (25 mins, ¥25). Taxi from ¥500-600 (1hr). Handles 80% of international flights.
Beijing Daxing International Airport
60km south of city with high-speed rail option (19 mins, ¥42). Taxi from ¥700 (1.5hrs). Newer terminal with fewer crowds.
Beijing South Railway Station
Major high-speed rail hub with direct bullet trains from Shanghai (4.5hrs, ¥553). Metro access to city center (15 mins, ¥4).
Where to stay in Beijing: Best Neighborhoods
Top Things to do in Beijing
Palace Museum
Wander through the 9,999 rooms of the Palace Museum, each one a silent witness to centuries of imperial history. As daylight softens, time your visit perfectly to catch the sunset reflecting off the golden rooftops, transforming the ancient complex into a breathtaking tableau of shimmering gold and crimson.
Miyun Section of Great Wall
For those seeking a more authentic and less crowded Great Wall experience, the Miyun Section is an excellent choice. Take a scenic cable car for sweeping views of the Wall and enjoy a picnic in one of the old watchtowers, surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
Drum Tower and Bell Tower
Visit Beijing’s famous Drum Tower and Bell Tower to experience a piece of the city’s history—especially at sunset, when traditional timekeeping ceremonies bring the past to life. Afterward, explore the nearby hutongs by bike, riding through narrow lanes lined with local homes, small courtyards, and authentic eateries. It’s a great way to see a more traditional side of Beijing and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.
Tips
Book tickets online at least 2 days in advance to avoid queues. Evening visits recommended for romantic ambiance at most sites.
What to eat: Beijing food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant
Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant is a renowned heritage spot in Beijing, celebrated for its expertly prepared Peking duck since 1864. Guests can savor crispy, aromatic duck carved tableside and served with pancakes and condiments in an elegant setting. A meal for two usually costs between ¥200 and ¥300.
2. Huda Restaurant
Huda Restaurant puts a modern spin on traditional hutong cuisine, featuring classic Beijing flavors with contemporary touches. Its signature 'Spicy Crayfish' is a standout, best enjoyed with rooftop views of the historic Drum Tower. With an average cost of ¥150 per couple, Huda is a popular spot for a unique and affordable dining experience in central Beijing.
Signature Dishes
1. Roast Duck
Crispy skin with sweet plum sauce, served with thin pancakes and scallions. Try the 'tableside carving' tradition.
2. Mutton Hot Pot
Traditional winter dish with thin-sliced meat cooked in communal broth. Available year-round at heritage restaurants.
Beijing itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
Entrance at Palace Museum 故宫博物院午门:Start at Meridian Gate, follow the imperial route through Hall of Supreme Harmony to Imperial Garden
🥗Lunch at Da Zhai Men Restaurant:1940s-style dining with Beijing opera performances and classic dishes like braised pork knuckle
Rickshaw ride through Qianmen Street 前门大街:Pedal through centuries-old hutongs and visit traditional teahouse courtyard
🍽️Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck:Watch duck carving ceremony while dining in historic setting
DAY 2
Private transfer to Miyun Great Wall 密云古北口长城:30km drive with scenic mountain vistas. Take cable car to explore watchtowers
🥗Picnic lunch at Great Wall:Enjoy pre-packed local snacks at the best viewpoint
Return to city and transfer to Summer Palace 颐和园东宫门:Stroll along Kunming Lake at golden hour
🍽️Dinner at Lakeview Pavilion:Dine beside the lake with perfect view of sunset
DAY 3
Visit Temple of Heaven 天坛祈年殿:Walk the sacred pathway and watch tai chi practitioners in the park
🥗Lunch at Wangfujing Snack Street:Try local street food like scorpion skewers and sweet bingtanghulu
Exploring 798 Art District 798艺术区798路:Contemporary art galleries and photogenic murals in former factory buildings
Sunset at Olympic Park 北京奥林匹克公园仰山:Walk around the Olympic Green and admire the Bird's Nest architecture
Beijing Travel FAQs
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