Beijing National Day 4-day food and sightseeing | Old city red walls 🌆 Sanlitun & Guomao nights

Day 1 | Central Axis & Old Town | Forbidden City + Jingshan + Hutong city walk Activities: Forbidden City > Exit via Donghua Gate > Jingshan Park to climb up and overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City; in the afternoon, explore Huguosi and Dongsi Hutong city walk, take photos, and stroll through the hutongs. 🍽️ Dining | Siji Minfu (Forbidden City branch) Eat here right after exiting the Forbidden City's Donghua Gate; the terrace seats offer views of the red walls. Try to arrive right when they open or queue in advance. 🍮 Hutong city walk ▪️ Fuhuazhai Bobopu (Huguosi branch): Stop by while strolling along Huguosi Street. They serve imperial-style snacks like kidney bean rolls and almond tofu, perfect for a tea break. ▪️ Luhui (Dongsi South Street branch): Stop by to buy bread after exploring the Dongsi Hutongs. Their cinnamon rolls and lye bread make great snacks for the road. Day 2 | Gulou & Yonghe Temple Area | Hutong life, copper pot hotpot + dessert spots Activities: Pray at Yonghe Temple in the morning, stroll along Guozijian Street; visit the Drum Tower at noon and climb up to see the rooftops of the old city; in the afternoon, take a light stroll through Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Byway, and walk through the hutongs to take photos. 🍽️ Dining | Baye Shuanrou (Forbidden City branch) Come here for copper pot hotpot after visiting the Drum Tower/Jingshan. The cloisonné copper pots create a great atmosphere. Be sure to get a number online in advance. 🍮 Dessert spots (all concentrated on this route, no need to backtrack) ▪️ Chabingzhai (Gulou branch): Located on the street near the Drum Tower. Their pistachio milk cake is great as a snack on the go. ▪️ Honghua Dianxinju (Yonghe Temple branch): Stop by after visiting Yonghe Temple. The butterfly pastries and queen rolls are popular items. Dining: Wangfu Haitang, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm a table. Day 3 | Shopping and street photography in Sanlitun Activities: City walk in Taikoo Li Sanlitun in the afternoon, browse small shops; watch the city night view in the Sanlitun area in the evening. Food list: 1. TIDU RESERVE (Sanlitun branch): Light luxury Beijing cuisine, caviar roast duck, cherry foie gras. 2. Zhenziwei Seafood Congee Hotpot (Gongti branch): Black Pearl congee-based hotpot with seafood. Choose this if you want a lighter hotpot. 3. Qulangyuan Food Stall (3.3 Building): Fusion light meals, perfect for a mid-shopping break. Wulixiang: The best Shanghai cuisine in Beijing, can be an alternative. Day 4 | Guomao CBD, where ancient meets modern | The highlight: night view of the CCTV Headquarters Activities: Wait for the lights to come on in Guomao after dark (7:00 PM–9:00 PM is best). 🍽️ Dining | FLO Bistro (China World Mall branch) ✅ Key! Floor-to-ceiling windows face the CCTV Headquarters directly. You must book window seats with a view well in advance for the National Day holiday. Alternative dining: Shijiu (Middle Third Ring Road branch), the taste and service are both excellent. ✨ Practical tips (must-read) Prioritize booking for all popular restaurants! Book! Book! Book! Especially for seats with a view; queuing on-site during the National Day holiday will be a nightmare. Check off the entire food list ✅ Old Town: Siji Minfu | Baye Shuanrou | Fuhuazhai Bobopu | Chabingzhai | Honghua Dianxinju | Luhui | Wangfu Haitang | Shijiu Sanlitun: TIDU | Zhenziwei | Qulangyuan 3.3 | Wulixiang Guomao night view: FLO Bistro