Three days in Beijing

Palace Museum · Forbidden City

Walk the central courtyards, then choose a few galleries instead of trying to see every hall. Reserve a substantial half-day and plan the entrance and exit separately.

Peking roast duck

Choose a meal near the day's main stop. Check ingredients, allergies and menu prices directly.

Shichahai hutongs

Lakeside lanes and residential courtyards offer a different rhythm from the imperial sights. Keep to public paths and ask before photographing residents.

Allow approximately 30–60 minutes for a local cross-city transfer; major excursions can take longer. A planning allowance, not a checked journey time.

Local dinner near your base

Choose a nearby restaurant and keep dietary notes available in Chinese.

A short walk, or an early night

Keep the evening optional. Check tomorrow's reservations and transport before resting.

Temple of Heaven

A ceremonial architectural complex set in a spacious park. Separate a visit to the historic buildings from a slower walk through the surrounding grounds.

Zhajiang noodles

Choose a meal near the day's main stop. Check ingredients, allergies and menu prices directly.

Shichahai hutongs

Lakeside lanes and residential courtyards offer a different rhythm from the imperial sights. Keep to public paths and ask before photographing residents.

Allow approximately 30–60 minutes for a local cross-city transfer; major excursions can take longer. A planning allowance, not a checked journey time.

Local dinner near your base

Choose a nearby restaurant and keep dietary notes available in Chinese.

A short walk, or an early night

Keep the evening optional. Check tomorrow's reservations and transport before resting.

Mutianyu Great Wall

A restored Great Wall section beyond central Beijing. Allow a full excursion day including transfers, choose a walk suited to your fitness and check weather.

Hutong breakfast

Choose a meal near the day's main stop. Check ingredients, allergies and menu prices directly.

Continue the excursion, then return

Keep the afternoon for the main site and return transfer. Avoid a second distant attraction. Confirm access and return transport.

Allow approximately 30–60 minutes for a local cross-city transfer; major excursions can take longer. A planning allowance, not a checked journey time.

Local dinner near your base

Choose a nearby restaurant and keep dietary notes available in Chinese.

A short walk, or an early night

Keep the evening optional. Check tomorrow's reservations and transport before resting.