Haidian

Haidian's attractions range from imperial gardens and university campuses to modern technology. Allow 2–3 days to combine historic sights, campus visits and time to relax in the city. The places below are grouped by theme, followed by a three-day itinerary and tips on dining and transport.

Imperial Gardens and Natural Scenery

• Summer Palace: This imperial garden is ideal for walks along the lake. To avoid the busiest crowds, consider entering through the West Gate and including Huazhongyou, the Long Corridor and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge in your route. You can also take a boat on Kunming Lake and photograph the Tower of Buddhist Incense reflected in the water.

• Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): The ruins of the Great Fountain are an important stop for understanding the garden's history. If you plan to visit the Western Mansions area, consider a combined ticket. Late afternoon is a good time for photography, with softer light than earlier in the day.

• Beiwu Park: Admission is free, with no reservation required. The park has stretches of rice fields, small bridges and water features, with reflections of the Jade Spring Hill Pagoda visible on the lake. It is relatively quiet, making it a good place for a peaceful walk or a rest.

• Haidian Park: In autumn, red maple leaves contrast with golden rice fields. The three-way stone path in Dianyuan Flower Valley and the central lawn are good spots for photographs. In the evening, you can also watch the changing light and shadows at sunset.

Universities, Culture, Technology and Art

• Tsinghua University / Peking University: Both universities combine an academic atmosphere with attractive campus scenery. Take time to appreciate their old trees and elegant buildings. Tsinghua's Second Gate and Peking University's Weiming Lake are signature sights on their respective campuses.

• Three Hills and Five Gardens Cultural and Arts Center: This underground museum on the former site of Changchun Garden offers free admission with no reservation required. More than 300 artifacts, together with immersive light displays, trace the history of the Three Hills and Five Gardens.
• Beijing Satellite Manufacturing Factory Science and Technology Park: China's first artificial satellite was built here. The former factory has since become a cultural district that retains its red-brick industrial architecture. An exhibition on the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program offers a look at aerospace history alongside the site's transformed spaces.

• Zhongshuge Bookstore (Rongke branch): Mirrored ceilings and spiral bookshelves create a layered interior resembling a maze of bookshelves. Browse the books while taking in the design and photographing the space.

Classic Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Imperial Gardens and an Evening in Wudaokou
  • Morning: Visit the Summer Palace. Enter through the West Gate, follow the Long Corridor to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and leave time to enjoy the views and take photos beside Kunming Lake.

• Afternoon: Head to the Old Summer Palace to see the Great Fountain ruins and explore the traces of the garden's past. Toward evening, take advantage of the softer light to photograph the ruins.

• Evening: Explore Wudaokou after dark. Choose Korean barbecue for dinner, or unwind at a bar or live music venue.

• Day 2: University Culture and the History of Technology
  • Morning: Visit Tsinghua University or Peking University according to your reservation. You can ride a shared bike around campus, taking in the buildings and academic surroundings along the way.

• Afternoon: Visit the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” exhibition at the Beijing Satellite Manufacturing Factory Science and Technology Park. Alternatively, go to the Zhongguancun History Museum to learn how Zhongguancun developed into what is known as “China's Silicon Valley.”

• Evening: Have dinner at Zhongguancun Shibao Street or in the Darongcheng shopping area, then visit Zhongshuge Bookstore to see its interior of mirrors and bookshelves.

• Day 3: Park Walks and Garden Heritage
  • Morning: Visit Beiwu Park or Yinghulou Park, then walk along the Three Hills and Five Gardens Greenway. Enjoy distant views of the Western Hills and the Jade Spring Hill Pagoda in the quiet autumn air.

• Afternoon: Explore the underground museum at the Three Hills and Five Gardens Cultural and Arts Center. Its artifact displays introduce the history and changing fortunes of the imperial gardens. Then stop at Haidian Park to photograph the sunset.
  • Evening: Finish your trip with Beijing-style food near Haidian Huangzhuang. Try Xiao Diao Li Tang or have roast duck.

Recommended Places to Eat in Haidian

• Xiao Diao Li Tang (Haidian Huangzhuang branch): This restaurant focuses on Beijing cuisine. Its pear soup is delicately sweet; other dishes to consider include cheese fish and shrimp with pear balls and nuts. The interior also has a distinctive style.
• Zuozuo Barbecue: This Korean-style all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes and fresh meat at good value, making it suitable for meals with friends. Expect a wait at peak dining times.

• Yilouyi (Zhongguancun Avenue): Specializing in seafood, this restaurant is popular with local groups for its fresh ingredients and flavors. Even without ordering seafood, expect to spend more than RMB 100 per person, so budget accordingly.

• Shanhetun Iron-Pot Stew: This restaurant specializes in northeastern Chinese cooking, with generous portions of chicken-leg and pork-rib stew. Pair it with cornmeal flatbreads and dip them into the sauce in the pot.

• Jiuguijin: A relaxed izakaya suited to a few drinks. Dishes to consider include assorted grilled skewers, lightly cooked beef and a salmon seafood rice bowl. Figs with cheese offer a different combination of textures and flavors.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Public transport: Metro Line 4 runs north–south through Haidian. Beigongmen, Xiyuan and Yuanmingyuan stations provide access to major sights. For the Summer Palace's West Gate and nearby parks, you can also take the Xijiao Line to avoid road congestion.
• University visit reservations: Tsinghua University and Peking University currently require advance reservations through their official mini programs. Places are limited, so try booking seven days ahead. If you cannot secure a reservation, you can still take photos outside the gates.
• Preparing for walks: The Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace cover large areas. Wear athletic shoes suitable for long walks and bring a water bottle.
• Choosing entrances and visiting times: Tour groups tend to gather around the Summer Palace's East Palace Gate, so consider entering through the West Gate instead. The Old Summer Palace works well as an afternoon visit, with softer light toward evening than at midday for photography.