Beijing 2-Day Tour | Must-See Spots & Avoiding Tourist Traps

⏳Day 1: Central Axis Tour 🕙Morning ✅Tiananmen Square Watch the flag-raising ceremony, approx. 06:30–08:00 (the exact time of the flag-raising ceremony varies by season) You can also take photos of the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station. ✅The Palace Museum (09:00–12:30) 1. Mainstream route: Meridian Gate → Three Great Halls → East and West Six Palaces → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess (this route is more crowded). 2. Less crowded route: Visit the sides of the central axis, which are much less crowded. 🧳Book in advance: Book online in advance and rent an audio guide (CNY 20). 🕙Noon 🖼Lunch recommendation: Corner Tower Cafe or Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant near the Palace Museum. Both are popular restaurants with long lines. 🕙Afternoon ✅Jingshan Park (13:30–14:30) Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Palace Museum. Tickets are CNY 2, which is a great deal. ✅Nanluoguxiang + Shichahai (15:00–18:00) Visit the small shops in the hutongs and see the old houses. Then walk to Shichahai, where you can go boating (or ice skating in winter). 🕙Evening 🖼Restaurant recommendation: There are many bars in Houhai. Choose one to enjoy music and dinner. ⏳Day 2: Imperial Gardens + Modern Landmarks 🕙Morning ✅Summer Palace (08:30–12:00) 🗓Route: East Palace Gate → Long Corridor → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Kunming Lake Boat Ride → Seventeen-Arch Bridge. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station. 🕙Afternoon ✅Old Summer Palace (13:30–16:00) 💰Tickets: CNY 25. 🚉Transportation: Take Subway Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Park Station. 🕙Evening ✅Olympic Park (17:00–18:30) The ginkgo leaves are beautiful in autumn, making this a must-see spot. The Bird's Nest and Water Cube are nearby, so you can visit them too. The lights are beautiful at night. 🏨Hotel recommendation: Hotels near Wangfujing and Qianmen are close to subway stations and attractions.