Beijing Hutongs, Temples and Museums: 5 Days in Depth

Stay by Shichahai and take your time exploring Yonghe Temple, Guozijian, the National Museum, Taimiao and the old streets of Xuannan, with one extra day by high-speed rail to Tianjin.

Suited to repeat visitors who have already seen the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, or anyone who enjoys urban culture. Each day covers just one area: Shichahai and Prince Gong's Mansion; Yonghe Temple, Guozijian and Ditan Park; the National Museum of China, Taimiao and Beihai Park; and Fayuan Temple, Niujie and Liulichang in Xuannan. On day four, take the Beijing-Tianjin intercity railway for half an hour to Tianjin to see the Five Avenues, the Italian Style Area and the Haihe River. The itinerary leaves out the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, keeping the pace relaxed with plenty of walking.

Most museums close on Mondays. The National Museum and Yonghe Temple require advance reservations.

Day by day

Day 1 · Shichahai and Prince Gong's Mansion

Beijing（Prince Gong's Mansion、Shichahai、Drum Tower & Bell Tower）

Take Metro Line 4 from Beijing South Railway Station and transfer to Line 8, about 50 minutes to Shichahai. From there, walk the whole way: around the lake, to Prince Gong's Mansion and on to the Drum and Bell Towers.

Prince Gong's Mansion requires advance booking and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Shichahai · Gulou

Day 2 · Yonghe Temple, Guozijian and Ditan Park

Beijing（Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)、Temple of Confucius & Imperial Academy、Temple of Earth (Ditan Park)、Gui Street (Ghost Street)）

From the Drum Tower, take the metro or ride a shared bike for about 15 minutes to Yonghe Temple, then walk to the Confucius Temple and Guozijian and on to Ditan Park. Have dinner on Gui Street.

Outside incense is not permitted at Yonghe Temple; free incense is available at the entrance.

Stay: Shichahai · Gulou

Day 3 · National Museum, Taimiao and Beihai

Beijing（National Museum of China、Imperial Ancestral Temple、Beihai Park）

Take Metro Line 8 about 15 minutes to Tiananmen East to visit the National Museum and Taimiao. In the afternoon, take a bus or taxi to Beihai, then walk back to Shichahai in the evening.

The National Museum requires advance real-name reservations and is closed on Mondays. Bring your ID for the security check.

Stay: Shichahai · Gulou

Day 4 · Tianjin Day Trip by High-Speed Rail

Tianjin City & Binhai（Italian Style Town、Ancient Culture Street、Wudadao (Five Great Avenues)、Haihe River）

Take the Beijing-Tianjin intercity railway from Beijing South for about 30 minutes to Tianjin Railway Station. Explore the city on foot and by metro, then return to Beijing by intercity train in the evening and take the metro about 40 minutes back to your accommodation.

Intercity trains run frequently, but buy return tickets early during holidays.

Stay: Shichahai · Gulou

Day 5 · Xuannan: Fayuan Temple, Niujie and Liulichang

Beijing（Fayuan Temple、Niujie Mosque、Liulichang Culture Street）

Take the metro about 30 minutes to Caishikou, then walk to Fayuan Temple, Niujie Mosque and Liulichang. In the afternoon, take Metro Line 4 for about 15 minutes to Beijing South Railway Station.

Dress respectfully at Niujie Mosque and avoid prayer times.

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