Breakfast→Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum →Imperial Kitchen / Miaoying Temple→ Lunch→Beihai Park→Dinner→ Sanlitun →Gongti
No matter where you are staying at, you can conveniently reach our first destination of the day—the National Library Metro Station—via subway or taxi. We recommend arriving around 09:00 AM.
Nearby, there are some breakfast options that, while not particularly unique, can certainly fill you up. If your hotel has satisfactory breakfast options, you can enjoy your meal there before heading to our first stop. If you have already had breakfast, exit from the National Library Station at Exit B, walk 200 meters south, and then head east along the river for 500 meters to reach the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum. If you haven't had breakfast yet, exit from the National Library Station at Exit B and walk 100 meters north to our recommended breakfast spot—Imperial Crispy Beef Pancake (Jiulong Business Center Branch). This place doesn't have seating, so we can grab our breakfast to go and eat while walking. From the breakfast spot, walk south along Zhongguancun South Ave for 200 meters, then turn left onto Wuta Si Road and walk another 500 meters to reach the museum.
💰 Ticket price: 20 RMB, free for the first 200 visitors every Wednesday. ⏰ Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-16:30 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1-1.5 hours Bilingual Volunteer Guides Available The Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum covers an area of 20,000 square meters and is located within the "Zhenjue Temple," a temple built in 1473, centered around the "Vajra Throne." The temple was renovated in 1761 and renamed Dazhengjue Temple. In 1900, during the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, the main body of temple were destroyed by war, but the Vajra Throne survived due to its entirely stone structure. In 1987, the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum was established with the Vajra Throne as its core. The museum features seven outdoor stone carving exhibition areas on the east, north, and west sides, primarily showcasing stone carvings from various dynasties. The indoor exhibits display precious stone carvings from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance of ancient Chinese stone carving art. The museum also has a "Stone Carving Workshop" open to the public year-round, offering hands-on activities such as making rubbings, replicating ancient stone carvings, and experiments on acid rain damage to stone carvings. Tour Route: Entrance → Vajra Throne Pagoda → Tomb Stone Carving Area → "Stone Breaks the Sky-from stones to stone carving” Exhibition → Jesuit Stele Area → Comprehensive Stele Area After your visit to the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum, it will be lunchtime. If you wish to experience royal cuisine, you can head directly to the Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum. However, if you prefer to try traditional Hutong dishes and see the largest white pagoda in Beijing, you can skip Yuxiandu and proceed to your next stop, Miaoying Temple.
You need to choose whether to go to the Royal Cuisine Museum of Yuxiandu or Miaoying Temple. Yuxiandu is famous for its immersive experience of royal culinary culture. It will provide you with a luxurious lunch experience that combines food and performance in royal style, approximately a 30-minute taxi ride from the city center. On the other hand, Miaoying Temple corresponds to the folk cuisine of the old Beijing alleys, offering authentic local delicacies such as Beijing meat pies, lamb soup, and home-cooked dishes, with no reservation required and at affordable prices.
We recommend you to get Miaoying Temple by subway or by taxi.
💰 Ticket price: 20 RMB ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: an hour Introduction to Miaoying Temple Miaoying Temple, commonly known as the White Dagoba Temple, was designed by Nepalese architect Araniko. The pagoda stands 50.68 meters tall and is made of brick and stone. It consists of a base, a body, and a spire, with three layers of platforms at the base, a lotus pedestal supporting the circular body, and a spire with thirteen levels, a bronze canopy, and a finial. The proportions are harmonious, resembling an overturned alms bowl, with the entire structure gleaming white. The copper plates are adorned with 36 small copper bells that chime melodiously in the wind. The temple was originally built in 1279 and was destroyed by a fire caused by lightning in 1368. It was rebuilt in 1457 and became one of the largest temples in the city, serving as a center for royal religious activities and official ceremonies, as well as a place for translating and printing Mongolian and Han Buddhist scriptures and other texts. The White Dagoba at Miaoying Temple is one of the earliest and largest Tibetan-style pagodas in China, and it complements the White Dagoba in Beihai Park, which you will visit later in the afternoon. Although Miaoying Temple is less famous than Beihai Park, its White Dagoba is taller and older. Local residents say that no matter the time of day, the pagoda's body casts no shadow, only the base does. At the entrance, you will find two stone lions from the Yuan Dynasty, over 800 years old. Inside, most of the Buddha statues are Ming Dynasty relics. This serene temple lacks the commercial hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots, offering a peaceful environment where you can relax and walk around the White Dagoba, feeling the quiet strength of this ancient structure. It is not recommended to enter, as the only notable features inside are the Eleven-Faced Guanyin and the Twenty-Four Heavenly Kings from the Ming Dynasty, as well as the Three Buddhas from the Qing Dynasty. The rest of the interior lacks significant points of interest.
Miaoying Temple offers a deep experience, allowing you to stroll through the old Beijing hutongs, quietly observe the ancient White Dagoba built over a thousand years ago, and enjoy the simple, authentic local cuisine. Hutong Lunch Options If you do not prefer the restaurants above, we have provided four additional dining options near the north gate of Beihai Park, which are also suitable for dinner but can be enjoyed earlier if you wish. Hutong Lunch Options
You can head to Beihai Park by taxi or by subway. No matter what time you arrive, remember that the best lighting in Beihai Park is between 16:00 and 17:00. During this time, you may see many people dressed in traditional costumes taking photos. This is one of today's "crossing through time" cultural experiences, so feel free to enjoy the view.
💰 Ticket price: Peak season 10 RMB, off-season 5 RMB, available for purchase on-site. Free for children under 1 meter in height. Beihai Park + Tuancheng + White Dagoba + Mobile Audio Guide Service for adults: 25 RMB, a cost-effective option. ⏰ Opening hours: 6:00-21:00 📷 Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours Introduction to Beihai Park Between 1163 and 1179, the emperor of the Jin Dynasty decided to build a garden modeled after the Genyue Garden of the Northern Song Dynasty, which became the predecessor of Beihai Park. Over the course of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the garden was continuously expanded and developed. By the time of the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, it had become a magnificent garden. Despite experiencing war and destruction, Beihai Park remains a historical site that embodies nearly a thousand years of Chinese aesthetic essence, making it the oldest imperial garden in China. China's first railway was also laid here, exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi to tour the garden. The park exemplifies the traditional Chinese garden design of "One Pond and Three Hills," with Beihai's "One Pond and Three Hills" referring to Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai (the three seas) and Qionghua Island, Tuancheng, and Yingtai (the three hills). Beihai Park is home to many famous garden structures, such as the Five-Dragon Pavilion, a renowned waterside pavilion built 500 years ago and later renovated during the Qing Dynasty. Another notable structure is the White Dagoba on Qionghua Island, built in 1651 during the Shunzhi Emperor's reign at the request of the Tibetan Lama Naomuhan and the emperor's own Buddhist inclinations. The White Dagoba has become a landmark of Beihai Park and Beijing. Why did the Jin Dynasty emperor model the garden after the Genyue Garden of the Northern Song Dynasty? The Jin Dynasty was militarily powerful, having conquered the Northern Song and repelled the Southern Song's large-scale attacks, ending the Song-Jin wars. However, culturally, the Jin Dynasty admired the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty, with its advanced handicrafts and commerce, had become the world's leading cultural and economic power. According to British economist Angus Maddison in "The World Economy: A Millennial Perspective," the Northern Song's GDP accounted for 22.7% of the world's total. This economic strength, combined with the Song Dynasty's emphasis on literature and the arts, produced a wealth of literary and artistic giants and allowed the Song royal family to indulge their aesthetic tastes. The Genyue Garden collected nearly all the beautiful stones from across the country, claiming to "encompass the beauty of the world and preserve the wonders of the ages." It covered 750 acres and featured two peaks, with the highest reaching 150 meters. The garden incorporated poetic and picturesque elements, making it a turning point in Chinese garden history. If any garden could rival it, it would be the later Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), which unfortunately also fell to war. After capturing the Song capital, the Jin soldiers were so impressed by the beauty of Genyue that they transported a batch of stones from the garden to Yanjing (present-day Beijing), a journey that took three years. These stones were later incorporated into Beihai Park, Zhongshan Park, and Zhongnanhai. While dynasties rise and fall, beautiful things endure forever. Beihai Park Tour Route: 1.Beihai North Gate → 2. Jingxinzhai → 3. Xitian Fanjing → 4. Nine-Dragon Screen → 5. Little Western Paradise → 6. Five-Dragon Pavilion & Pier → 7. Ferry → 8. Yilan Hall → 9. Yong'an Temple → 10. White Dagoba→ 11. Tuan Cheng → 12. Boat Pier → 13. Haopu Valley → 14. Painted Boat Studio→ 1. Beihai North Gate
If everything goes according to plan, you should be exiting Beihai Park North Gate around 18:00. After an afternoon of activities, you must be quite hungry. Let's start with tonight's dinner options:
After dinner, the evening rush hour in Beijing should have mostly subsided, so you don't need to worry about traffic congestion. Taking a taxi, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes, is the quickest option. Alternatively, taking the bus is also a good choice, though it will take around an hour.
After eating and drinking to your heart’s content, if you still want more, then let us “travel through time” from the quaint and ancient Beihai to the dazzling, neon-lit Sanlitun! Introduction to Sanlitun This area is a diverse, mixed-use ecosystem centered around the embassy district in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, covering 2.9 square kilometers. It is also the beating heart of Beijing’s trend scene, filled with street art, graffiti, sculptures, stylishly designed restaurants, fashionable concept stores, brand flagship stores, bars, cafes, Live Houses... It also attracts the trendiest fashion-forward pioneers, who appear here around the clock in their most stylish outfits, pushing the fashion intensity of this area seriously off the charts. It also draws large numbers of photographers, who hold up all kinds of camera equipment every day, waiting to capture the next stunning figure. By day, what you see is an ancient city; by night, you can see a scene that belongs to the most fashionable and trendiest spirit of the moment.
After exploring Sanlitun, if you're looking for a more vibrant experience, head to Beijing's ultimate nightlife destination—Worker's Stadium (Gongti)! Gongti Overview Beijing Workers' Stadium, commonly known as Gongti, is famous for its bustling nightlife. It serves as the home ground for the Beijing Guoan football team and is synonymous with Beijing's nightlife culture. The nightlife scene is concentrated on Gongti West Road and Gongti North Road, where numerous nightclubs and bars create a unique nightlife atmosphere. Gongti's nightclubs are extremely popular, often requiring reservations for seating. On average, Gongti attracts around 20,000 visitors daily, consuming over 30 tons of alcohol. Some nightclubs require tickets, while others do not. If you need a table, there is usually a minimum spend requirement. However, you can dance and enjoy music without purchasing drinks. Feel free to explore the area and find your favorite spot. Generally, crowds start gathering around 22:00, making it an ideal time to enter without it being too quiet or too crowded. We recommend choosing nightclubs with free entry for a joyful dance experience. Avoid booking tables unless you need space for drinks; a regular table usually has a minimum spend of around 1000 RMB. Below are the top four nightclubs for your reference. Typically, entry does not require tickets, but performances may incur ticket costs.
Reflecting on your day, what left the deepest impression? Was it the ancient stones in the Beijing Stone Carving Museum, the royal feasts at the Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum, the steaming hotpots in the hutongs, the dazzling costumes in Beihai Park, or the wild and exhilarating nightclubs? In places unseen, ancient stone carvings are protected by advanced carbon fiber technology, royal feasts are prepared using digital cooking methods, hutong delicacies are sourced from global supply chains, and cosplayers in Beihai Park wield the latest photography equipment. Yet, amidst the vibrant streets of Sanlitun, the values of respect for elders, love for children, and modesty remain. Even in nightclubs, details reflect centuries-old feng shui and aesthetic design, and the most energetic DJs are influenced by classical Chinese poetry. This blend of tradition and modernity makes your journey fascinating, doesn't it? As the neon lights fade from your retina, may you remember that every sight you encountered today is a ripple in the river of time cast by Chinese civilization—these ripples will eventually meet your memories in the future. After such a fulfilling day, you must be exhausted. Please rest early. Given the late night, we recommend using our leisure tour guide tomorrow, featuring a relaxed morning itinerary perfect for unwinding after a day of excitement. Good night. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please consider leaving us a positive review. It will greatly help other travelers planning to visit China. If there were any aspects you were dissatisfied with, please let us know promptly. Your feedback helps us continually improve our services. Thank you very much.
1. This guide is not applicable on Mondays that are not public holidays in China. If Monday is your only available time, you may not be able to visit the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum.
2. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a lightweight backpack. Prepare 1-2 bottles of water (most hotels provide two bottles of complimentary drinking water), a pair of sunglasses, and, if necessary, a sun umbrella or sun-protective clothing.
3. Try to carry a power bank to ensure your phone is charged.
4. One of our lunch options is an immersive royal gourmet experience at Imperial Kitchen, including performances. It is strongly recommended to book in advance to secure a good seat. Detailed instructions on how to book will be provided in the lunch options section of the tour.
5. Remember to bring your passport.
Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.
Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.
★ 5.0 / 5 · 7 reviews from app travelers
Перед отъездом на юг, в тепло, этот день напомнил, почему Пекин стоит рассматривать не спеша. В музее каменной скульптуры — фрагменты будд Северной Вэй, складки одеяний до сих пор чёткие, полторы тысячи лет. А иезуитские надгробия, включая могилу Маттео Риччи, — целая история встречи Востока и Запада. Бэйхай к вечеру — спокойный, фотогеничный. Ровно мой формат.
古い建築とお茶を研究している私にとって、この静かなコースはまさに自分のためにあるようなものでした。妙応寺の白い塔は北京の空に美しく映えます。宮廷料理の昼食は皇帝の食卓に招かれた気分で、伝統芸能の披露までついてきました。その後の北海公園 — 湖、柳、金色の屋根 — はゆっくりするのに完璧な場所です。洗練された、控えめな一日でした。
The Stone Carving Art Museum hides Northern Wei Buddhist statues and the tombstone steles of Matteo Ricci and Johann Adam Schall von Bell — physical evidence of East-West exchange from centuries ago, right in front of you. I chose the imperial cuisine line for lunch, complete with a show. Full ceremony. The kids’ eyes went wide.
tend to avoid overly “loud” sightseeing days, so this one was a joy. The Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum felt intimate and focused—perfect for studying form and symbolism without crowds pushing you along. The royal cuisine museum experience added a rare kind of cultural access: not just eating, but understanding court dining as heritage. Later, Beihai Park and the White Pagoda were quietly beautiful in winter, with open views that gave me space to think. The evening shift to Sanlitun/Workers’ Stadium was handled smoothly; I could enjoy the contrast of modern Beijing without having to navigate it alone. The food experience was generous and memorable—traditional sweets like pea cake and “rolling donkey,” plus the dramatic roast duck course—yet everything felt paced, not rushed.
The Northern Wei Buddha statues and missionary tombstones at the Stone Carving Museum were just right for telling the kids the story of East-West exchange. The imperial cuisine line was grand — my son dressed up as a “little emperor”, we took the boat on Beihai. A perfect day.
I loved how this day mixed “quiet Beijing” with “let’s-go-out Beijing.” The Stone Carving Art Museum was a cool reset—seeing the details up close made me appreciate how much skill went into imperial-era aesthetics. The royal cuisine stop felt like a once-in-a-lifetime food deep dive (those delicate desserts were way more refined than I expected). Ending around Beihai Park in winter was surprisingly beautiful—cold air, calm water, and that iconic white pagoda view. Then switching gears to Sanlitun/Workers’ Stadium nightlife was the perfect warm-up after a chilly day. The biggest win: everything flowed smoothly without me having to plan transfers or timing.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour