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SEO Title: 7 Days in Beijing During National Day: The Ultimate "Private Tour Guide" Itinerary (Budget & Tips)

Meta Description: A broke editor’s first National Day in Beijing. From the Great Wall to hidden hutongs, this 7-day itinerary covers budget eats, crowd avoidance, and must-see spots. Perfect for first-timers.

7 Days in Beijing During National Day: My Time as a "Private Tour Guide" (Budget Itinerary)

Introduction: The Broke Editor’s National Day Adventure

In 2019, I moved to Beijing for work just as the city prepared for the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. My wallet was thin, but my plans were thick. However, fate had other ideas. My younger sister called from Hangzhou and announced she was coming to visit for the National Day holiday.

Suddenly, I—a Beijing newbie—became a private tour guide in the most tourist-dense city in China. Over seven days, we hit the Great Wall, hutongs, art districts, and even a remote mountain village. Looking back, I can only say: I must really love myself.

Note on costs: This article covers activities and dining only. No airfare (sister visited me), no shopping, and accommodation was free (she stayed at my place).

Itinerary Overview: Seven Days, Seven Themes

• Sept 29: Badaling Great Wall → Korean BBQ in Wangjing
• Sept 30: Wudaoying Hutong → Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai → Houhai → Peking Duck
• Oct 1: Xiabu Xiabu hotpot → 798 Art District → Coffee → Sanlitun
• Oct 2: Changjin Pavilion Rice Noodles → Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Wangfujing → Cathedral → Nanjing Impressions
• Oct 3: China Academy of Oil Painting → Dashilan → Berry Beans Coffee → Grilled Meat Liu → Movie
• Oct 4: Chuandixia Village → Farmhouse Meal → Shuanglong Gorge
• Oct 5: Donglaishun Hotpot → Mall Browsing

Day 1: The Great Wall & Korean BBQ – Worth Every Step

Badaling Great Wall Tips: Cable Car vs. Hiking

There is still no direct subway to Badaling (though one is reportedly under construction). I recommend renting a car or booking a private driver.

Climbing time: 3–4 hours for the full hike. If stairs make you winded, take the cable car up (¥100 one-way, ¥140 round-trip). It drops you near the highest point, so you only need to walk one peak. Then descend three peaks, passing the Bear Park and a pedestrian street—total time: 2–3 hours.

Pro Tips: - Wear comfortable sneakers – your most important gear. - If you have bad knees, take the cable car both ways, snap a photo, and call it a day.

Dinner Surprise: Korean BBQ in Wangjing

After the Great Wall, we headed to Wangjing. The Korean food here is authentic—even the restaurant staff look like K-drama extras. We ordered grilled beef large intestine, sizzling and dripping with oil. Dipped in special sauce, it erased all fatigue.

[Link: Best Korean BBQ in Beijing]

Day 2: Hutongs – The Soul of Beijing

Wudaoying Hutong: A Photographer’s Paradise

This is my top recommendation. Compared to the crowds at Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying feels like a quiet treasure.

• Photos: Gray brick walls + greenery = Instagram gold.
• Coffee: Every independent café is worth a stop.
• Shops: There’s a store with imported dolls and a cute cat outside that begs for attention.

Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai → Houhai: The Classic Route

Even though Nanluoguxiang is packed, it’s a must for first-timers. Stop at Wenyu Cheese Shop for rich, creamy cheese that melts in your mouth.

From Nanluoguxiang, walk to Shichahai and Houhai—all three are close. During National Day, Houhai was so crowded it felt like a train station rush hour. We snapped a quick photo and left.

Dinner: Random Peking Duck

We planned to eat at Da Yali, but exhaustion won. We opened Dianping (China’s Yelp), picked a highly-rated spot nearby, and ordered. The duck was surprisingly delicious—proof that even a random duck restaurant in Beijing won’t let you down.

[Link: Best Peking Duck in Beijing]

Day 3: 798 Art District – The Smart Choice for National Day

Why 798 on National Day?

Because we were smart! On October 1, Tiananmen and the Forbidden City were jam-packed. Meanwhile, 798 Art District—older folks generally don’t go there—was a tourist vacuum. We spent a relaxed day here.

If you like photography or exhibitions, you can easily spend half a day at 798. The area is full of stylish cafés where you can sit by the window, sip coffee, and pretend to be a hipster.

Food Recommendation: Xiabu Xiabu’s Secret Menu

The upgraded version of Xiabu Xiabu (a hotpot chain) serves milk tea! Since it’s under the same parent company as Coucou, the recipe is identical. Order the Da Hong Pao milk tea or Tieguanyin milk tea—at half the price of Coucou’s, it’s a steal.

That evening, we passed through Sanlitun. My biggest takeaway: the H&M there has really nice interior design.

[Link: 798 Art District Exhibitions]

Day 4: Tiananmen & Forbidden City – Navigating the Crowds

National Day Crowd Control: Keep Your ID Handy

During National Day, the Tiananmen area restricts foot traffic. You need your ID card to enter or leave. Plus, Tiananmen Square itself was closed to visitors—you could only look from the entrance. Want a solo photo? Forget it—the background was a sea of people.

The Forbidden City closed at 4:30 PM. Since I’d already visited the replica at Hengdian World Studios, I convinced my sister to just take photos outside.

Unexpected Discovery: On the walk from Tiananmen to the Forbidden City, there’s a pedestrian street lined with tall plane trees. The photo opportunities are fantastic, and there are hardly any people.

Wangfujing Cathedral: Romance Drowned by Tourists

Walking straight from the Forbidden City takes you to Wangfujing. At the end, turn left, and you’ll see Wangfujing Catholic Church. If it weren’t for the tourists, this would be a photography paradise. We snapped a distant shot and called it done.

Double Food Highlights

Changjin Pavilion Hunan Rice Noodles: A friend brought me here before, and I’ve been craving it ever since. The owners are an elderly couple. Their homemade chili sauce and fermented bean curd are to die for—ask for a portion. The noodles are smooth, the broth is rich, and you’ll want to take a bowl to go.

Nanjing Impressions: They never opened a branch in Hangzhou, so I’d never tried it. (I later found out they do have one at in77 in Hangzhou.) I recommend the Meiling Congee (sweet, perfect for a sweet tooth) and the sticky rice—so good you’ll want to lick the bowl.

[Link: Best Noodles in Beijing]

Day 5: Art & Coffee – Half Rush, Half Relaxation

China Academy of Oil Painting: Free Art Heaven

I checked out several art galleries, and none had cheap tickets. Only the China Academy of Oil Painting was free—and it offered stunning works. If you’re on a budget, this is the place.

Dashilan & Berry Beans Coffee

Dashilan is a historic shopping street. We stopped at Berry Beans for afternoon coffee. The rooftop view is famous—you can see the hutongs from above. It’s a great photo spot.

Dinner: Grilled Meat Liu

Grilled Meat Liu is a classic Beijing restaurant. We ordered lamb skewers, grilled veggies, and cold beer. Simple, affordable, and delicious.

[Link: Budget-Friendly Beijing Restaurants]

Day 6: Chuandixia Village – A Day in the Mountains

Chuandixia Village: A Step Back in Time

Chuandixia is a Ming Dynasty village about 2 hours from central Beijing. The stone houses, narrow alleys, and ancient trees feel like a movie set.

Getting there: We rented a car. Public transport is possible but complicated.

Farmhouse Meal & Shuanglong Gorge

We ate at a local farmhouse—simple dishes like scrambled eggs with tomatoes and braised pork. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were pure.

After lunch, we visited Shuanglong Gorge. It’s a short hike with waterfalls and pools. Perfect for a half-day trip.

[Link: Day Trips from Beijing]

Day 7: Hotpot & Shopping – A Relaxed Finale

Donglaishun Hotpot: A Beijing Classic

Donglaishun is famous for its hand-sliced lamb. The broth is clear, the meat is tender, and the sesame sauce is addictive. We ordered lamb, tofu, and vegetables—enough for two people.

Mall Browsing

After lunch, we wandered through a nearby mall. No purchases—just window shopping. It was a calm end to a busy week.

FAQ: Visiting Beijing During National Day

1. Is it worth visiting Beijing during National Day?

Yes, but be prepared for crowds. If you plan ahead and choose less popular spots (like 798 or Chuandixia), you can still enjoy the city.

2. What should I bring for the Great Wall?

Comfortable sneakers, water, sunscreen, and a hat. If you have bad knees, take the cable car.

3. How do I avoid the crowds at Tiananmen?

Go early (before 8 AM) or late (after 4 PM). Also, keep your ID card handy—checkpoints are strict.

4. What’s the best budget food in Beijing?

Peking duck from a random local spot, Changjin Pavilion rice noodles, and Donglaishun hotpot. All affordable and delicious.

5. Can I visit the Forbidden City during National Day?

Yes, but tickets sell out quickly. Book at least a week in advance online.

Final Thoughts: Your Turn to Explore Beijing

Seven days in Beijing during National Day is intense, but it’s also unforgettable. From the Great Wall to hidden hutongs, from Korean BBQ to hotpot, this city offers endless surprises.

Ready to plan your trip? Start with our itinerary, adjust for your budget, and don’t forget to book tickets early.

Want more tips? Check out our guides on [Beijing’s Best Hidden Gems] and [Budget-Friendly Beijing Eats].

Share your own Beijing adventure in the comments below!

Note: All prices and details are from 2019. Please verify current prices and opening hours before your trip.