Located within the colossal coastline of China, Beijing stands as a shining beacon of the East. Tourists and locals alike respect the panorama of natural beauty, cultural heritage, vibrant arts, and a culinary scene that leaves you craving more. However, touring Beijing could potentially empty your wallet if not planned properly. This guide will explore the best way to enjoy a day in Beijing while staying within budget.
Our trip begins at the heart of Beijing: Tiananmen Square. With over 440,000 square meters area, Tiananmen Square is considered to be one of the largest city squares in the world. The people usually start flocking to the square from 5 a.m. to watch the national flag raising ceremony. It’s a free event that exemplifies the unity of China in a simple yet sophisticated manner.
Right next to Tiananmen Square is the legendary Forbidden City. This imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasty stands as a symbol of Chinese civilization. Its mesmerizing architecture and grandeur require no monetary compensation for admiration. But for those who venture into its vast precincts, the entry fee is around ¥60 ($9.2).
After fully appreciating the Forbidden City, it’s time to take a break and refuel. Street food is an integral part of Chinese culture, and Beijing, with its bustling food scene, won’t disappoint budget travelers. Indulging in a Jianbing (a Chinese crepe) for ¥10 ($1.5) would suffice for a full breakfast.
Having fueled up, your next destination would be the Temple of Heaven. Located in the southeastern part of central Beijing, it’s a royal complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty held annual ceremonies of prayers to heaven for a good harvest. The entry fee for the temple is around ¥15 ($2.3).
By now, you must be craving for some authentic Beijing local food for lunch. Head to the neighborhood of Qianmen, located just south of Tiananmen Square where numerous affordable food joints serve hot, scrumptious Beijing Roast Duck. Expect to spend around ¥40 ($6) on a generous helping of this delectable dish.
With a full stomach, you will be ready to explore the Summer Palace. An exhibition of traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, the Summer Palace offers enchanting views of gardens, lakes, and palaces against the backdrop of Longevity Hill. You’ll only need to part with ¥30 ($4.6) to gain entry.
When in Beijing, a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China, can’t be missed. Badaling is the most popular section of the wall among tourists, and can be accessed for only ¥35 ($5.4). However, it’s better to visit the Mutianyu section for the same price but a less crowded experience.
For dinner, you’re in for a unique experience in Wangfujing Snack Street. It’s populated with numerous stalls offering a wide variety of local snacks like dumplings, insects, starfish, seahorses, and more. Your adventurous gastronomical experience could cost around ¥20 to ¥30 ($3 to $4.6).
To cap off the day, head to the Houhai Bar Street. This commercial strip along Shichahai Lake has magnificent night views, lively Chinese pubs, and small-ship rides that can add to the charm of your Beijing visit. The lake is beautifully lit up with neon lights and lanterns, creating a dreamy setting without any cost.
In conclusion, exploring Beijing doesn’t necessarily require deep pockets. Admittedly, going through all these tourist spots in one day might be a bit rushed. You might want to spend a couple more days to truly appreciate what this historically rich and diverse city has to offer. Besides, you’re enjoying a budget-friendly trip, which means you can spend more days exploring without worrying about exorbitant expenses. Hence, this guide proves that the enticing city of Beijing can be experienced in a day, within budget, with the right planning and flexibility.
Note: Prices indicated are as of 2021, hence, slight variations might have occurred. Also, it’s better to check respective places for specific visiting hours as they might change due to several reasons, including but not limited to special events, maintenance work, or any unforeseen circumstances.
