What can you do in 72 hours?
Well… You can watch 183 episodes of the Big Bang Theory. You can oven-roast 21 large turkeys. You can even try to beat the world record for the longest kiss (58 hours of non-stop smooching).
Or… you could let us show you the very, very best of Beijing, the world’s most dynamic capital city in the 21st century. (This, by the way, is the correct answer).
In 2013 China waived visa requirements for tourists on transit via Beijing and Shanghai (and now Guangzhou and Chengdu) for stays of up to 72 hours. So long as you have proof of onward flights to another country (not your own or the country you just came from) from the same airport within 72 hours, you can come to Beijing visa free.
And then what? A mere three days in a city of 20 million people? Is it even worth it? OH YES. Give us 72 hours and we will give you Beijing. Here’s how.
Zero Hours…
To make the most of your precious 72 visa free hours, an airport butler will be waiting as you step off the plane to whisk you through immigration and into a chauffeured car. Catch-up with your messages via the in-car Wi-Fi and you’ll be at your hotel faster than you can say huanying ni lai beijing (welcome to Beijing!)
After freshening up, we suggest heading straight to the heart of Beijing, the vast, iconic Tiananmen Square. Here you’ll meet our expert historian guide, and together pass beneath the portrait of Mao Zedong and into the Forbidden City.
The world’s largest palace complex can be a major time suck, which is why our Tianamen Square (and Forbidden City) Signature Experience weaves together a fascinating narrative of Beijing’s Imperial past, through revolution and the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Dynasties will fall and rise before you, all in the space of an afternoon.
After a quick climb to the summit of Jingshan Park for the city’s best views, we’re betting you’ll be feeling peckish. A retro PLA motorcycle sidecar will pick you up for the short ride through the hutongs to Temple Restaurant Beijing, the capital’s best fine-dining restaurant set in a stunning 500-year old Buddhist temple complex.
After dinner, a cosy night cap at Amilal or any one of the hidden hutong bars in the Gulou area.
24 Hours…
Rise and shine! Our driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and drive to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. Conveniently close to the city, but still one of the most scenic restored sections, you’ll beat the crowds to the battlements and have the Wall to yourself. Take plenty of photos!
Driving back into town, we’ll make a detour via the iconic Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium on route to the 798 Art Complex, the spiritual home of Chinese contemporary art.
Wander the world-class galleries, set in stunning Bauhaus warehouses dating back to the complex’s previous incarnation as an East German-built munitions factory, or be accompanied by an art expert on our The 798 & Artist Studio Tour to get an exclusive access peek into the studios of high-flying Chinese contemporary artists (and the chance to splash some serious cash).
As night falls, it’s off to the Sanlitun area to dine on the signature dish Beijing gave to the world: Peking duck. Duck de Chine serves probably the world’s finest Peking duck, roasted over fruitwood that imparts astonishingly aromatic crispy skin, paired with Bollinger champagne (optional, natch) for the ultimate foodie experience.
Next, enjoy finely crafted cocktails from ultra cool speakeasy Janes & Hooch nearby. And as you’re in the heart of Beijing’s nightlife district, keep going for as long as you like!
48 Hours…
Begin the day with an ass-kicking dose of wellness, courtesy of Bespoke’s Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven Signature Experience.
Under the dappled shade of cypress trees surrounding the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, a genuine Shaolin martial arts master will school you in the art of Tai Chi. You’ll also witness Beijing at its most traditional, as the park fills with locals dancing, singing and having fun en masse.
After you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, it’s over to Beijing’s most vibrant residential district for our Beijing Street Snacks and Market Tour! Eat your way through Beijing’s tastiest, most authentic morsels while learning about life in the city’s ancient maze of alleyways.
If you want to pick-up some special gifts, we’ll drive to Guozijian and Wudaoying Hutong, two historic streets full of petite independent design stores, retro antiques and contemporary curios. You’ll also have time to check out the wonderful Lama Temple, or relax with a coffee at any number of hip hangouts nearby. For serious shoppers, our Hidden Hutong Boutiques Signature Experience will whisk you around the design studios for appointment-only viewings of some of the most original and exciting jewellery, ceramics, furniture and apparel coming out of China today.
For dinner, the refined King’s Joy, in view of the Lama Temple, serves up some of the most artful, creative and healthy food in Beijing. The vegetarian and vegan dishes here, influenced by the culinary practices of Chinese Buddhist monks, confound the taste buds with their savoury, umami deliciousness.
Or if you want to catch some world class dance, opera or classical music at the National Center for Performing Arts, or perhaps a spot of Peking Opera or the famous (and gravity-defying) Acrobatics Show, you can dine a little later on moreish ‘three-cup chicken’ and fabulous mango and shaved-ice desserts at trendy Taiwanese eatery Bellagio, open 24-hours. It’s also conveniently located next to the glam super clubs beside the Worker’s Stadium, for one last Beijing party to round out your trip.
72 Hours…
Back to the airport and on with your journey. Goodbye Beijing, it was emotional. You can safely say you’ve ‘done’ China’s capital, and done it in serious style, all in the space of 72 hours. For more info on how we can help you create your perfect Beijing experience, no matter how many hours or days you have to spare, get in touch with us via email at info@bespoke-beijing.com.
About the author: Tom O’Malley is Propaganda Secretary at Bespoke Beijing. A lifestyle journalist, guidebook author, glutton and bon vivant, Tom is a tireless crusader for fine food, hospitality and tourist experiences in China’s capital.