🧭 The journey: Part II in Beijing !!!

Day 4 🪨 Today is about imperial leisure and the beauty of classical Chinese landscaping. Spend your morning at the Summer Palace (颐和园), a UNESCO site known for its sweeping views, arched bridges, and the majestic Longevity Hill (万寿山) rising over Kunming Lake (昆明湖). Walk the Long Corridor (长廊), a richly painted lakeside walkway, and take a boat ride if the weather is good. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Yuanmingyuan (圆明园), also called the Old Summer Palace. Once a magnificent garden-palace complex, it was destroyed in the 1800s and now stands as hauntingly beautiful ruins surrounded by lotus-filled lakes — a quiet, reflective contrast to the grandeur of the Summer Palace. If time allows, pass by Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) in the evening when the square is peaceful and beautifully lit. Day 5 🛕 Start your morning early at the Temple of Heaven (天坛) — a massive park where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Locals gather here at sunrise to do tai chi, play music, and fly kites. The main attraction is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿), with its iconic triple-gabled blue roof and circular symmetry. In the afternoon, explore Beijing’s modern side at the CCTV Headquarters (央视总部大楼) — an architectural marvel nicknamed the “Big Pants” for its bold, looping shape. Around the area are shopping centers, chic cafes, and skyscrapers, making it perfect for a modern contrast to the city’s historic sites. Day 6 🏙 On your final day, dive into one of Beijing’s most famous commercial areas — Wangfujing (王府井). The main shopping street features modern malls, local brands, and international stores. For adventurous foodies, head to Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井小吃街), where you can try everything from candied hawthorn to fried scorpions. For souvenirs or silk, you can also check out the Silk Market (秀水街) or head back to Nanluoguxiang if you missed it. Finish your trip with a farewell dinner at a nice rooftop restaurant or one last roast duck feast at Da Dong (大董烤鸭店).