The best time to visit Beijing is in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-October). The weather during those months is ideal for walking, as it is neither too cold nor too hot. You can admire the beautiful blooms of cherry blossoms and peonies during the spring. Meanwhile, the peak time for viewing fall foliage in Beijing typically occurs in mid-October.

Five days is sufficient to explore the fascinating attractions in Beijing.

There are many exciting tourist attractions that you must visit in Beijing. These places include Tiananmen Square, a square in downtown Beijing. For those seeking to experience ancient China, visiting the Forbidden City is a must. This place served as the palace complex when China was still under dynastic rule. Another top place is Tian Tan (the Temple of Heaven). This sacred site symbolizes the profound connection between humanity and the divine. Yet, no trip to Beijing is complete without exploring the magnificent Great Wall. It was built during the ancient dynasties to protect China from foreign invaders. The Great Wall stands as an awe-inspiring structure and one of the seven wonders of the world. If you have extra time, visit the 798 Art Zone. You will see a showcase of a diverse range of artworks. Do not forget to visit Bird's Nest Stadium, a fascinating site from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Peking duck is one of the foods that you must try while on vacation in the Chinese capital. The crispy-skinned delicacy is famous worldwide. Where it comes from, the dish has less meat than skin. Another must-try dish is jiaozi, delectable dumplings available along Beijing's streets. Jiaozi is served with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and dried chilies. For lunch, do not miss out on zha jiang mian, a delicious dish of black soybean sauce noodles with vegetables and pork. Additionally, the centuries-old Mongolian hot pot is a culinary delight, with tender lamb cooked in a special spicy sauce. Exploring street food is a must, including da lian huo shao, which is a flavorful fried wheaten pancake with various fillings. Remember to savor chaogan'er (stir-fried pork liver), bao du (lamb tripe stew), and tang hu lu (hawthorn coated with sugar on skewers).

Beijing offers many shopping destinations to explore. One of the most renowned spots is the Hongqiao Market (Hong qiao shi chang). You can find a wide range of pearls, unique souvenirs, statues, handbags, toys, electronics, and more. Visit the Panjiayuan Antique Market to find a diverse selection of authentic and replica antiquities. Wangfujing Street is another prominent shopping location, housing high-end boutiques from world-class brands. It is known as Beijing's busiest and most prosperous commercial street. Meanwhile, Xidan Commercial Street (Xi dan shang ye jie) is a shopping paradise for young people, featuring malls, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment centers.