Best 6 days in Beijing: how to spend less
Here, we present the list of the best routes while traveling. And please, remember that if you run out of money you can always get a loan from FunPera. China’s Beijing is an urban center with a history that spans several centuries. This megalopolis is a good example of a modern destination, featuring numerous transport connections, skyscrapers, popular brands, restaurants, and entertainment districts. What gives Beijing its traditional charm is the narrow streets, traditional buildings, temples, and famous attractions such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. All these features and charms make Beijing one of the best tourist destinations anyone would want to include on their Asia bucket list.
Visa Application
To enjoy the charm and unforgettable experience in Beijing, Filipinos must apply for a visa. The following are the basic requirements:
- A valid original passport with a blank visa page.
- A copy of the emergency contact and information page
- Old passport
- An original photo taken within the last six months
- A copy of recent Chinese visas
Apart from the above requirements, first-time applicants must submit the following:
- Bank certificate
- Certificate of employment
- Business registration certificate
- Stamped BIR income tax return
A Trip To Beijing
There are several flight options, including a direct flight from Manila to Beijing. You can check for more information about flights and prices.
Getting Out Of The Airport
There are few transportation options when living Beijing’s airport. You can opt for a cab or a private transfer planned by your accommodation. This option can cost you up to CNY150+++ based on the location of your hotel. You can also travel by airport shuttle bus to the city center through route #3 towards Beijing railway station and get off at Beijing railway station. Later on, board a metro cab to the accommodation. This can cost you up to CNY30+++. Alternatively, you can board the airport express train from Terminal 3. You’ll alight at Dongzhimen and take a cab to the accommodation. This can cost up to CNY29.
Getting Around Beijing
Being a sprawling urban center, you can easily lost in Beijing. However, with numerous transportation types, you can easily your destination.
Itinerary
In Beijing, there are several things to do and see during your visit. So suppose you’ve started with one full day:
Day 1
On the first day, explore one of the most famous destinations in Beijing Tiananmen Square. The destination holds a long history in China and it’s one of the largest inner-city squares globally. The huge square provides a sneak peek of China’s history. You’ll also get a chance to visit some of the some of the notable sites such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Zhengyangmen (South Gate), and the Tiananmen Gate. You’ll also get a view of the imperial palace which is located not too far from the square. The Imperial Palace/Forbidden City hosted over 20 emperors and served as a political and ceremonial center of ancient China for five centuries. The destination became a museum in the 1920s. The Forbidden City includes an outer and inner court and many other halls that served as living quarters or for ceremonies. It can take you a day to fully explore this attraction. After a busy day of exploration, you can take a bite in your favorite restaurant or visit Wangfujing and Nanluonguxiang.
- Take your passport to the Forbidden City
- Book tickets in advance.
Charges:
- Forbidden City-April-October: CNY60: November-March: CNY40. Run out of cash? You no longer need to worry as you can always get a loan from FunPera.
Day 2
After your first day of exploration, you can visit another popular tourist destination in China-the Great Wall. The wall covers kilometers across China. It was constructed and fortified several centuries ago. The purpose of the wall was to protect against invaders. Additionally, the wall was used to control the inflow and outflow of goods and people. The Wall features barracks, stations, and watchtowers in different sections. The sections are well preserved and serve as tourist destinations. The most famous sections are Badaling and Mutianyu. You can easily DIY this strip. However, I recommend booking a tour since it’s more convenient and saves you time.
Day 3
On your third day, you can explore another popular tourist destination, the Temple of Heaven. This destination is an ancient complex dating to the 1400s. The Temple of Heaven was built by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. This famous tourist destination has been rebuilt and expanded subsequently. The Temple of Heaven is where sacrifices were offered by emperors of ancient China. Additionally, the structure is where ceremonies and prayers of good harvest were conducted.
After visiting the temple of heaven, you can explore Jingshan Park. It is the spot where you can have a rest after your exploration. Additionally, Jingshan Park is the best place you can get a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City.
The next tour is the Yonghe Lam Temple, which dates to 1694. The Yonghe Temple was Emperor Yongzheng’s residence when he was a prince. Later in the 1740s, the spot was changed into a lamasery. The complex features numerous elaborate halls, towers, and gates. Yonghe Lama also features relics of Buddha and ancient China like statues, valuable treasures, etc.
Your last steps for the third day are the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest. These two structures were constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The two amazing spots are now tourist destinations and sometimes host domestic international events and recreational activities.
After a day of exploration, you can take a bite in your favorite restaurant or visit Wangfujing and Nanluoguxiang.
Charges
- Temple of heaven-Regular entrance fee: CNY15 (April-October), CNY10 (November-March). Combo Ticket: CNY34 (April-October), CNY28 (November-March)
- Jingshan Park-CNY2
- Yonghe Temple-CNY25
Day 4
On your 4th day, you can explore the Summer Palace, which is the highlight of the trip to Beijing. The spot showcases Chinese art, culture, and history. The Summer Palace is 15 km from the city center. It’s a well-preserved complex and the largest of its kind in China. It features numerous structures, including bridges, corridors, and pavilions to provide tourists with a sneak peek of a bygone epoch. The construction of the Summer Palace began in 1750 and its subsequent construction was done over the centuries. This historical spot is now on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It includes the court area where court affairs were conducted. The court area also acted as a residence of the imperial family. At the rear areas of Longevity Hills, you’ll be able to view the gardens, Kunming Lake, and many other traditional structures.
To get to the Summer Palace, you can take metro line 4 and alight to Beigongmen station. Later head towards the north gate through exit D. After exploring the summer palace for half a day, you can visit the Souvenir or take a rest.
Charges
- Summer Place – Standard entrance fee CNY30 (April – October), CNY20 (November – March). Combo Ticket: CNY60 (April – October), CNY50 (November – March).
Day 5
After, your exploration, you can visit some of Beijing’s neighborhoods. The city features old and new structures, Hutongs, glitzy shopping malls, r4ed lanterns, and food streets. Additionally, you can take a walk around Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
Day 6
Depending on your flight’s time, you may still have time to visit the Souvenirs.
Total Expenses
You no longer need to worry if you have a tight budget since you can always get a loan from FunPera, as Iren Reyes recommends. So, the total expense is approximately P30,000 for a shared accommodation of two persons. This expense includes transportation fees, meals, entrance charges, a visit to the Great Wall, and public transportation charges.
Brief Summary
Beijing is a good example of a modern destination, featuring numerous transport connections, skyscrapers, popular brands, restaurants, and entertainment districts. There are several things to do and see during your visit to this megapolis. So suppose you’ve started with one full day, on the first day, explore one of the most famous destinations in Beijing-Tiananmen Square. On your second day, you can visit another popular tourist destination in China-the Great Wall. On your third day, you can explore another popular tourist destination, the Temple of Heaven. On your fourth day, you can explore the Summer Palace, which is the highlight of the trip to Beijing. On your fifth day, you can visit some of Beijing’s neighborhoods. On your last day, you’ll still have time to visit the Souvenirs. The total expense is approximately P30,000 for a shared accommodation of two persons. However, you no longer need to worry if you have a tight budget since you can always get a loan from FunPera, which has a high rate on AlltheBestLoans.com.