Beijing was the final big chapter of our China 2026 trip, and it felt like a city of contrasts from the very first evening. There were calm park walks, huge crowds, incredible views from above, one very special dinner, and a few moments where we simply had to change plans and go with the flow.
Arriving High Above the City
After our wonderful Business Class train ride, we arrived in Beijing and took a taxi straight to the China World Summit Wing, part of the Shangri-La group. The hotel sits high inside the China World Tower, with rooms spread across the upper floors from around the 64th to the 78th floor, making the whole stay feel a little elevated from the moment we stepped in.
Our room on the 68th floor had an impressive view over Beijing’s CBD. Looking out across the skyline from that height was one of those quiet hotel moments I always love on a city trip: a cup of coffee, the city below, and the feeling of slowly arriving somewhere new.
That evening, we kept things easy and walked over to the connected China World Mall for a small dinner. After the train journey and the first impressions of Beijing, it was exactly the relaxed start we needed.
Ritan Park and a Theme Park Afternoon
The next morning, we visited nearby Ritan Park. It was a lovely contrast to the glass towers around the hotel: greener, slower, and full of everyday city life. Beijing can feel huge and intense, so starting the day with a walk there made everything feel a little softer.
In the afternoon, we headed to Universal Studios Beijing, which deserves its own separate post. It was a completely different side of the city and added a fun, playful break between all the classic sightseeing and food moments.
Mutianyu and the Great Wall
On our third day, we left early for the Great Wall, choosing the Mutianyu section. Taking the cable car up was already part of the experience, but standing on the wall and looking out over the green, rolling landscape was the real highlight.
Mutianyu felt like the right choice for us: impressive, scenic, and wide enough to actually enjoy the views. Walking along the stones, with the wall disappearing into the hills in both directions, was one of those travel moments that quietly stays with you.
Dinner at 79 Grill
That evening, we stayed high above the city again for dinner at 79 Grill, located on the 79th floor of our hotel. It became one of the most memorable meals of the trip: five excellent courses, elegant service, and a view that made the whole evening feel special without being too formal.
We tried new ingredients like abalone and sea cucumber, which made the menu feel exciting and a little adventurous. My favorite dish, however, was clearly the slow-cooked octopus served with four different purees. It was tender, beautifully balanced, and the kind of plate I kept thinking about afterwards.
Wangfujing and the Forbidden City
On the fourth day, we moved to the nearby Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, where a surprisingly large and spacious room was waiting for us. The location was ideal for exploring one of Beijing’s most famous shopping areas on foot.
In the afternoon, we visited the Forbidden City, which sadly became our first real downer in Beijing. The place itself is obviously important and impressive, but it was so packed with tourists that we could not really enjoy it. After a short visit, we decided to leave and instead explore Wangfujing Street, which turned out to be the much better choice for our mood that day.
Slow City Walks and One Last Duck
Our last full day was deliberately simple. We walked through the city, visited a few shopping malls, picked up some final little things, and enjoyed Beijing without a strict plan.
For dinner, there was only one fitting ending: Peking duck. After so many different flavors across China, sitting down for one more duck dinner in Beijing felt like the perfect final evening meal.
A Crowded Start at the Summer Palace
On the morning before our flight, we still made time for the Summer Palace. At first, it was a shock. The entrance area felt completely blocked by what seemed like endless crowds, and for a moment I was already planning our escape route in my head.
Luckily, we pushed through. Behind the busiest area, the palace grounds opened up into a beautiful landscape of gardens, water, paths, and views. Walking through the full complex, along rivers and the lake, became a surprisingly peaceful and beautiful final chapter of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Back at the hotel, we could enjoy a late checkout until 3:00 p.m. thanks to the American Express Platinum card, which made the last day feel wonderfully relaxed. Then it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to China.
Beijing was not always easy, and some places were much more crowded than expected. But between the skyline views, Mutianyu, slow walks, 79 Grill, the Summer Palace, and one last Peking duck, it gave our China 2026 journey a strong and memorable ending.
