Breakfast→Summer Palace→Lunch→China Arts and Crafts Museum→Bird's Nest→Dinner→Tipsy Journey
If there are tasty breakfast options around your hotel, we recommend having breakfast there before starting your day. If not, we are about to embark on today's themed breakfast tour: "Western & Eastern Burgers." You can take Metro Line 4 (Daxing Line) to "BEIGONGMEN Station," which is only 290 meters from the north entrance of the Summer Palace. Recommended arrival time: 09:00
Exit from Exit A, and you will find a KFC (肯德基). Interestingly, KFC in China is a topic of debate, as many people believe that KFC in China tastes better than in the United States. However, since food preferences are highly subjective, feel free to taste and review it with your friends. After entering the Summer Palace, we have a "Chinese burger" waiting for you to savor. This is a great opportunity to enhance communication among your travel companions. If you prefer not to have breakfast here or have already eaten, let's head directly to Exit D. From there, walk west to reach the Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) of the Summer Palace. Let's officially start today's Summer Palace tour.
💰 Ticket Price: 30 RMB (April 1 - October 31), 20 RMB (November 1 - March 31) 💰 Combo Ticket Price: 60 RMB (April 1 - October 31), 50 RMB (November 1 - March 31) The combo ticket includes three paid attractions: 1. Suzhou Street 2. Four Great Regions 3. Tower of Buddhist Incense ⏰ Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM 📷 Recommended Visiting Duration: 2-3 hours The Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in the world. This 290-hectare royal garden was originally built by Emperor Qianlong over 14 years, employing over ten thousand of the best craftsmen from across the country as a 60th birthday gift for his mother in 1750. At that time, it was called "Qingyi Garden." Every scene in the garden has a real-life counterpart because Emperor Qianlong wanted to "bring heaven and earth into his embrace," incorporating all the beautiful things into his own garden. Kunming Lake, much like West Lake in Hangzhou, is a miniature representation of the "Sea," while Longevity Hill (Wanshou Hill) symbolizes the "Penglai Island," where immortals are said to live. The 728-meter-long Long Corridor features 14,000 colorful paintings depicting stories from "Journey to the West" and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," like an open-air comic strip. The golden roof of the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the water-town shops of Suzhou Street coexist wonderfully here, creating a dialogue between the gentle beauty of the south and the grandeur of the north. Therefore, touring the Summer Palace is, in a sense, equivalent to seeing all the most beautiful landscapes in China through Emperor Qianlong's eyes. This garden has also endured many hardships. When the Anglo-French Allied Forces burned down the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in 1860, Qingyi Garden was affected, with all wooden structures destroyed, leaving only stone ruins. Later, to rebuild it, Empress Dowager Cixi diverted 24 million taels of silver from the navy funds and renamed it the Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan) in 1888. Ironically, the following year, the First Sino-Japanese War broke out, and the misappropriation of these funds indirectly led to the complete destruction of the Beiyang Fleet, which was then considered the "best in Asia," by the Japanese fleet. This further weakened China's coastal defenses, ultimately allowing the Eight-Nation Alliance to land in Tianjin unimpeded in 1900, ravaging Beijing and damaging the garden once again. Most of the existing structures were meticulously restored in the 1950s, representing a "rebirth" version. We have selected a classic route for you, which takes about 2-3 hours. This route ensures that you visit the main attractions while conserving your energy as much as possible. Tour Sequence: 1. Suzhou Street → 2. Four Great Regions → 3. Tower of Buddhist Incense → 4. Long Corridor of the Hall of Dispelling Clouds → 5. Marble Boat → 6. Ferry to South Lake Island → 7. Seventeen-Arch Bridge→ 8. Bronze Ox → 9. Eastern Dike of Kunming Lake → 10. Wenchang Pavilion → 11. Yulan Hall → 12. Yiyun Hall → 13. Leshou Hall → 14. Dehe Garden → 15. Renshou Hall → 16. East Gate We recommend purchasing the combo ticket, as it includes admission to all the individual attractions.
After a morning full of activity, you must be feeling quite tired and hungry. But don't worry, there's still a delightful culinary surprise waiting for you today. Let's head east along Tongqing Street (同庆街) for 1 kilometer. You can walk, bike, or take a taxi—it's very convenient. Our destination is Starry Street (星悦荟), a bustling commercial area filled with a variety of Chinese specialty foods.
We have prepared grilled fish and Inner Mongolian delicacies for you. The energy you expended throughout the morning will be effectively replenished here.
After lunch, Let's embark on a journey to the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, where we will witness the pinnacle of modern Chinese craftsmanship and aesthetics. The trip is quite long, so feel free to take a break along the way. However, if you are traveling by subway, be sure not to miss your stop.
💰 Ticket Price: Free. Needs reservation. ⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00 (Last Entry at 16:00) Skip-the-Line Treasure Route: The Chinese Traditional Culture Museum and the Party History Museum are interconnected. By making a reservation for one, you can visit both museums. You can make an on-site reservation with your passport. After entering the Party History Museum, you can directly access the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum from the plaza between the two museums. This passage does not require an additional ticket check, allowing you to bypass any queues entirely. This newly established treasure trove of a museum is located within the Olympic Park, boasting a building area of 91,126 square meters, with 6 floors above ground and 2 floors underground. Currently, the exhibition halls on the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th floors, as well as the cultural and creative exhibition on the underground floor, are open to the public. The 2nd and 3rd floors serve as the main halls. The museum's collection encompasses a wide range of arts and crafts, including jade carving, stone carving, bamboo and wood carving, ivory and bone carving, weaving and embroidery, ceramics, lacquerware and lacquer art, metalwork, glass, Thangka paintings, and ethnic and folk arts (comprehensive). The primary focus is on works created after the founding of the People's Republic of China, with 1,895 sets of items classified as art treasures. These exquisite pieces are rare and represent the pinnacle of contemporary Chinese craftsmanship and national-level aesthetics. Yes, national-level aesthetics. You can immerse yourself in the splendor of Chinese culture, comparing these treasures with those housed in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, and appreciate the beauty that has been passed down through millennia. Recommended Visiting Order: 6th Floor - 5th Floor - 4th Floor - 1st Floor If you are short on time, you can focus on the 5th floor. The entrance hall is located on the 2nd floor, where you will find self-service storage lockers. If you need to store items, be sure not to lose the small paper slip that the machine dispenses. On the right side of the hall, there is an elevator. Let's take the elevator to the 6th floor to begin our tour.
On the north side, Exhibition Halls 9 and 10 feature "Heavenly Craftsmanship" and "Masterpieces of a Great Nation." At the center of the floor, you will find four national treasure-grade jadeite masterpieces, surrounded by exquisite Zisha teapots, Jun porcelain, Ding kiln white porcelain, Longquan celadon, and gold inlay artifacts. This area showcases a vast array of stunning crafts, demonstrating nearly all of China's finest artisanal techniques.
If you finish your visit around 5:00 PM and don't want to have dinner just yet, consider taking a leisurely walk southwest to the Olympic Park. This area is perfect for unwinding, and the Moonlight Dock (月色码头) offers a variety of street-side bars and beverage shops. It's an easy walk, and you'll find plenty of options to relax and enjoy a drink while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
When the lights of the nearby Bird's Nest and Water Cube illuminate the night, the best spot to capture and enjoy this mesmerizing scene is at the Central Axis Plaza. This location offers an ideal vantage point for photography and night-time viewing. Standing on the extension line of Beijing's Central Axis, which was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2024, you'll find yourself flanked by the Bird's Nest on one side and the Water Cube on the other. This layout subtly embodies the profound principles of Chinese "feng shui" (geomancy), reflecting the harmonious balance and cultural significance deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. Why Does Trump Believe in Feng Shui (风水)? Feng Shui is a metaphysical concept originating from nature worship. Over time, it has evolved into a comprehensive system that integrates psychology, environmental art, installation art, numerology, geography, astronomy, and other disciplines. It is considered an interaction between the environment and people, a method for choosing auspicious locations and avoiding misfortune. Feng Shui is a holistic theory that combines energy fields, magnetic fields, and human information. In the West, many people are unfamiliar with Feng Shui. However, numerous Feng Shui masters have made significant impacts, including a famous anecdote involving Donald Trump: Trump has often mentioned that Chinese Feng Shui helped him make a lot of money. How did this happen? As many know, Trump started his career as a real estate developer, owning multiple properties in New York. His most important project was Trump Tower, located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. However, after Trump Tower was built, Trump faced a downturn in his life. His businesses failed consecutively, and even the Wall Street banks that had lent him money lost hundreds of millions of dollars, leading to him being privately mocked as the "Wall Street pariah." In 1994, Trump wanted to sell a 77-acre plot of land on Manhattan's west side, but no one was willing to buy it. A friend from Wall Street suggested he try his luck in Hong Kong, which was experiencing a financial boom. Trump decided to give it a shot and traveled to Hong Kong. Two Hong Kong tycoons who met with Trump brought a Feng Shui master to Manhattan. The master observed the site and declared it a "Feng Shui treasure land." With the help of these tycoons, Trump managed to overcome his difficulties. Later, Trump decided to renovate Trump Tower and was introduced to a 27-year-old Chinese Feng Shui master named Pun-Yin. Pun-Yin stated, "Unless you agree to follow our plan, we won't take on this project." Stubborn Trump met an even more stubborn Feng Shui master, and after several negotiations, Trump compromised.(In the center of the photo is the legendary Feng Shui master, Pun-Yin) Following Pun-Yin's advice, Trump incorporated many gold elements into his surroundings. The Feng Shui master believed that "6" was his lucky number, so Trump Group's office was located on the 26th floor; during the 2016 presidential election, his campaign headquarters was on the 6th floor. Although Trump Tower has only 58 floors, he renamed the top floor as the "68th floor." It is widely known that after adjusting the Feng Shui, Trump's career gradually improved, and he eventually won the presidency in "2016." Upon taking office, he immediately redecorated the White House with gold elements, almost turning it into a "Golden Palace." This fascinating story highlights the influence of Feng Shui and how it played a role in Trump's business and political success. Let's return to the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube before us. According to Hong Kong Feng Shui masters, these two buildings are among the largest and most meticulously designed Feng Shui structures in the world. First, let's talk about the "Water Cube." It is located in the northern part of Beijing. As a northern city, Beijing is considered to be deficient in water according to the Five Elements theory in Feng Shui, since the north is generally drier compared to the south. Therefore, having a massive "Water Cube" in the north of Beijing symbolically addresses this deficiency, ensuring that the northern part will no longer lack water. Next, let's discuss the "Bird's Nest." Traditionally, Beijing is referred to as "Yanjing (The City of Swallow)," and the swallow (燕子) is a symbol of the city. Building a gigantic "Bird's Nest" in the home of the swallow carries significant Feng Shui implications, symbolizing protection and prosperity. Moreover, the relationship between the "Bird's Nest" and the "Water Cube" is noteworthy. Both structures are situated to the north of Beijing's Central Axis, flanking it on either side. In Feng Shui, there is an emphasis on the harmony between heaven and earth, represented by circular and square shapes. The round "Bird's Nest" and the square "Water Cube" perfectly embody this principle. The Bird's Nest was designed and constructed based on the "Four Symbols" Feng Shui concept. This ideal terrain is described as having a river to the east, a lowland or lake to the south, a major road to the west, and mountains to the north. This layout is considered a masterpiece of Feng Shui, achieving a harmonious and auspicious environment. These principles and designs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structures but also imbue them with cultural and symbolic significance, making them landmarks of both architectural and Feng Shui excellence. As night falls, many locals gather in the Olympic Park to engage in traditional Chinese activities such as square dancing and Yangko dancing (秧歌). These are popular forms of communal exercise and entertainment in China, and everyone is welcome to join in any way they like. Typically, there will be lively music playing, and sometimes a lead dancer will guide the group. On the square, anyone can follow the lead dancer or, if you prefer, you can dance freely as if you were in a nightclub, showcasing your own moves. Just like in Barcelona or Rio de Janeiro, where you might spontaneously dance to the tunes of street musicians, you can immerse yourself in the rhythm here, and you might even find others willing to follow your lead. Gather your friends for a dance, and don't forget to set your phone aside to record this vibrant scene as a cherished memory of your trip. Rest assured, it's safe to leave your phone nearby—no one will take it, and you could even leave your money there without worry.
SOLANA (蓝色港湾) is one of Beijing's upscale areas, known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-end dining options. The average cost per person here is around 200 RMB. To get to your dinner destination from the Olympic Sports Center Station, follow these directions.
is a large comprehensive commercial district full of romance and fashion, and also a uniquely distinctive leisure and tourism destination in the capital. It officially opened in 2008 and quickly became Beijing’s new fashion landmark as soon as it debuted. SOLANA blends the charm of a European-style town and was created around the concept of a “Lifestyle Shopping Park.” The entire area is composed of 19 orderly arranged 2- to 3-story European-style buildings. With bright exterior colors, red walls, white tiles, and European colonnades, the architecture creates a strong Mediterranean-style atmosphere. In terms of commercial layout, SOLANA offers a rich and diverse mix of businesses. It has more than 300 branded stores covering fashion apparel, beauty and skincare, jewelry and accessories, home and lifestyle, and many other categories. There are fast-fashion brands such as ZARA and H&M for trend-seeking young people, as well as flagship stores of many top international brands such as GUCCI and PRADA, providing premium shopping choices for high-end consumers. In addition to shopping, SOLANA also offers a wide variety of dining options, bringing together cuisines from around the world. From French fine dining and Italian pizza to Japanese sushi, Korean barbecue, and authentic Chinese dishes, it can satisfy the tastes of different diners. SOLANA’s entertainment facilities are also very complete. It features a modern cinema, while the children’s play area is a joyful paradise for kids, with facilities such as a carousel and children’s playground, making it a great place for family leisure. SOLANA also offers a wide range of special events. During holidays or special periods, various themed activities and exhibitions are held here. For example, during Christmas, it creates a dreamy holiday setting with a giant Christmas tree and dazzling light shows, creating a strong festive atmosphere that attracts many residents to visit and take photos; every year it also hosts an international light festival themed around light art, using various creative light installations to transform the entire SOLANA into a dreamlike scene and bring visitors a visual feast. Today you have walked a long way. To help you recharge, in this ocean of delicious food, we have carefully selected the following distinctive dining options for you—
If the lively atmosphere here hasn't fully satisfied your senses, let's head to a picturesque riverside. Under the romantic night sky, we can enjoy a drink and savor a wonderful evening together.
By Subway: If you prefer to take the subway, please return to "Zaoying Station." You remember the way back, right? By Taxi: If you choose to take a taxi, use the Didi app to navigate to your hotel. In Beijing, it's generally easy to get a taxi at any time, except during bad weather.
Standing on the pinnacle of human civilization, Chinese aesthetics resemble a retractable measuring stick: it has measured the mysticism of the Bronze Age's taotie motifs, marked the critical glaze point of Song Dynasty celadon, and is now recalibrating the aesthetic coordinates of the post-industrial era. When Delftware in the Netherlands mimicked blue-and-white porcelain, creating a new visual grammar, and when Balenciaga deconstructed Western body politics using the silhouette of the qipao, we suddenly realized—the greatest aesthetic traditions are always open systems in a state of becoming. They do not mind being misinterpreted, as all misinterpretations are cross-border recombinations of cultural genes; they do not fear modernization, as true traditions inherently contain the source code for continuous evolution. This might be the revelation Chinese aesthetics offer to the world: the true height of civilization lies not in how many antiques are preserved, but in the ability to transform ancient wisdom into algorithms that solve contemporary challenges. From Jingdezhen's "regenerative design" that incorporates broken porcelain into concrete, to the Palace Museum's deconstruction of "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains" into VR particle waterfalls, the artisans who once defined "Chinese beauty" are now weaving new narratives in the digital realm using data as their warp and weft. As humanity in the 21st century collectively navigates through ecological crises and technological upheavals, the Chinese aesthetic philosophy of "embracing vastness while attending to detail" might just be the compass we should not lose when redrawing our civilization's navigation map. We hope you have gained something valuable from today's journey. Good night. Oh, and if you enjoyed today's itinerary, please consider leaving us a positive review. It would greatly help other travelers who are considering a trip to China. Of course, if there was anything you were dissatisfied with, please let us know promptly. Your feedback will help us continually improve our services. Thank you very much.
1. This guide is not suitable for use on Mondays that are not Chinese public holidays. If Monday is the only day you can arrange, you may be unable to visit the China Arts and Crafts Museum.
2. Please wear comfortable shoes, as a lot of walking will be required today.
3. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone is charged.
4. Please do not carry too many items, especially knives and fragile items.
5. The itinerary in this guide is quite compact, but we do not want you to be too fatigued on your journey, so if you feel physically challenged, we have arranged nearby interesting shops for you to rest.
6. Visiting the China Arts and Crafts Museum is free, but to control the flow of visitors, reservations are required when there are many visitors. Therefore, generally from Monday to Friday, when the number of visitors is low, you can enter with your passport, but on weekends when the flow of people is larger, reservations are required in advance.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 8 reviews from app travelers
Il Palazzo d'Estate è un capolavoro di scala — abbiamo girato il lungo corridoio e le passerelle sul lago per ore e ne abbiamo appena sfiorato la superficie, con la luce che passava tra le travi dipinte. Poi il Museo Nazionale delle Arti e dei Mestieri della Cina ha chiuso la giornata splendidamente: cinque piani di lacca, giada e ricami in seta. Portate scarpe comode. Una giornata romantica, senza fretta.
Journée parfaite avec les enfants. Le lac et les ponts du Palais d'Été les ont occupés — la promenade en bateau sur le lac Kunming était le moment fort. L'après-midi, le musée national des Arts et Métiers de Chine, surtout son cinquième étage, regorge de trésors éblouissants qui ont impressionné même les enfants. Le nid d'oiseau tout proche est un arrêt photo sympa pour clôturer. Doux, beau et gérable en famille.
Le Palais d'Été est un traité d'architecture à ciel ouvert : la galerie du Long Corridor, le lac Kunming et le pont des Dix-Sept Arches — chaque proportion a été pensée. Le parcours s'enchaîne sans jamais revenir sur ses pas, et les explications sur les matériaux et l'axe des bâtiments m'ont fait lire ce jardin comme une étude d'ingénierie. Pour le prix d'un café parisien, on a eu une journée entière de « leçons d'architecture ».
The Summer Palace is the ultimate chill-out spot. It's more of a massive park than just a palace. I spent hours just walking the paths, climbing the hills, and took a dragon boat across the lake. It’s a different kind of Beijing adventure – less about crowds and more about finding a peaceful spot with an incredible view. The app helped me navigate the huge grounds and find the famous Marble Boat. A beautiful, relaxing day out.
The kids loved the lake and hills of the Summer Palace, and the “Wenhua Huazi” exhibits at the Arts and Crafts Museum are so exquisite even they stared. A photo stop at the Bird’s Nest, active and calm mixed in one day — very full.
This itinerary felt tailored for someone like me: calm grandeur, craftsmanship, and a clear narrative from imperial aesthetics to modern presentation. The Summer Palace in winter was serene—fewer people, pale light on the water, and the sense of a vast royal landscape designed like a living painting. The boat ride added a gentle rhythm that suited my introverted pace. The China Arts and Crafts Museum was the highlight: an immersive look at top-tier Chinese artistry and materials, where you can linger on techniques and textures without feeling rushed. Ending with the Bird’s Nest brought an unexpected architectural contrast—bold, contemporary, and surprisingly poetic at dusk. Food stops were well timed and warming (I still think about the crispy shaobing and the hearty bone soup), which matters a lot in January when you don’t want to lose time searching.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour