You simply must see the flag-raising ceremony in Beijing! You simply must visit our capital city!

📍 **Beijing Travel Guide | Must-See Attractions & Itinerary Recommendations**
(Including practical tips + food map, information compiled from multiple guides, with the latest reservation policies!)

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### 🌆 **Must-See Attractions at a Glance**
1. **The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)**
📅 Opening hours: 8:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
💡 Highlights: The world's largest complex of ancient wooden structures. Must-sees include the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Treasure Gallery. For the Meridian Gate entrance, navigate to the Donghua Gate and walk to avoid crowds.
🎫 Tickets: CNY 60. Book 7 days in advance via the official website/mini program.

2. **Tiananmen Square**
🌅 Flag-raising ceremony: Reservations are required 9 days in advance. Tickets are released at 12:00 daily. Note the time changes with the seasons.
🏛️ Nearby: Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, National Museum of China (book in advance via the app; must-see: *Ancient China Exhibition*).

3. **Badaling Great Wall**
🚠 Transportation: Direct access via bus route 877/suburban railway line S2. The northern section of the Great Wall is steeper but offers stunning views. The southern section is less crowded and ideal for taking photos.
🎫 Tickets: CNY 45 (peak season), CNY 40 (off-season). Cable cars are available to save energy.

4. **Summer Palace**
🚣 Recommended route: Enter through the North Palace Gate → Suzhou Street → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Long Corridor → Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Combined tickets cost CNY 50, including access to the gardens within the park.
🌙 Night view: Kunming Lake offers breathtaking sunset views in summer. Be mindful of safety when the lake freezes over in winter.

5. **Temple of Heaven**
🌌 Lighting-up time: Friday, Saturday evenings, and public holidays. The night view of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a must-see! Combined tickets cost CNY 28, including access to core attractions.

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### 🗺️ **Recommended Itineraries**
**Day 1: Imperial City Culture Route**
- Morning: Tiananmen flag-raising ceremony → Forbidden City (central axis tour) → Jingshan Park for panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Boating at Shichahai → Snacking and shopping at Yan Dai Xie Street → Drum Tower.

**Day 2: Historical Relics Route**
- Morning: Badaling Great Wall (early departure recommended).
- Afternoon: Ming Tombs (Changling/Dingling recommended) → Bird's Nest/Water Cube night view.

**Day 3: Garden Art Route**
- Full day: Summer Palace (enter through the North Palace Gate) → Old Summer Palace (enter through the East Gate; focus on the ruins of the Western-style buildings).

**Day 4: Hutongs and Faith Route**
- Morning: Lama Temple → Guozijian Street.
- Afternoon: Wudaoying Hutong → Nanluoguxiang (avoid the main street; explore independent coffee shops).

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### 🍜 **Food Map**
- **Peking Duck**: Siji Minfu (views of the Forbidden City), Quanjude (long-established restaurant).
- **Hot Pot**: Nanmen Shuanrou (excellent sesame paste), Ju Bao Yuan.
- **Snack Streets**: Niujie (Muslim food), Guijie (late-night crayfish), Huguosi Street (traditional Beijing cuisine).
- **Douzhi Challenge**: Yin San Douzhi (Michelin recommended).

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### 🚇 **Practical Tips**
1. **Transportation**: The subway network is extensive. Download the "YiTongXing" app for QR code ticketing. Avoid taking taxis during rush hour between attractions.
2. **Reservations**: Advance reservations are required for the Forbidden City, National Museum, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, etc. Tickets are hard to come by during peak season.
3. **Things to Avoid**:
- No need to buy combined tickets for the Summer Palace (it's too big to cover in one visit).
- Avoid street vendors offering "cheap tours." Be aware of driving restrictions if driving yourself.
4. **What to Bring**: Always carry your ID card! Sunscreen and hydration are essential in spring and summer, while windproof and warm clothing are needed in autumn and winter.
📌 **Other Recommendations**
- **Unique Experiences**: 798 Art District (industrial-style photography), National Centre for the Performing Arts (world's largest domed structure).
- **Nightlife**: Houhai Bar Street (folk music performances), Sanlitun Taikoo Li (trendy hotspot).