Make room for the place
Imperial courtyards. A walk on the Wall.
When to go
Consider spring or autumn, outside public holidays. Summer can be hot and rainy; winter days can be cold and windy. Check the forecast for your Great Wall day.
Check holidays before choosing dates →A starting point for your stay
Start your hotel search around Dongcheng or a central subway stop. Compare the actual walk to the station and keep the hotel’s Chinese address on your phone.
Getting there & getting around
Beijing has two major airports, Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX), and several railway stations. Check the exact terminal or station before choosing a transfer. Use the subway for central sights and plan a separate return journey for the Wall.
What to book ahead
Arrange the Palace Museum before fixing the rest of your sightseeing. Its official guidance requires advance booking and the original ID used to reserve; it normally closes on Mondays except national holidays. Check the live booking calendar for your date. Tiananmen Square has its own entry arrangements.
A taste of the place
Try a shared roast duck meal or a bowl of zhajiangmian noodles. Keep a written note of any allergies; sauces and broths may contain ingredients that are not obvious.
A suggested pace
Your days in Beijing
An original suggested itinerary. Reorder days around reservations, weather and your arrival time.
Day 1 · Arrive, then find the slower streets
Check in, settle your payment and mobile-data setup, and take a short hutong walk around the Shichahai area. Keep this flexible if your flight arrives late.
Day 2 · The Forbidden City
Use your reserved Palace Museum slot as the anchor of the day. If energy and opening hours allow, add Jingshan Park afterwards. Leave time for walking, security and a proper lunch.
Day 3 · One Great Wall section
Choose Mutianyu or Badaling and arrange the round trip before leaving. Allow most of the day, bring suitable shoes, and avoid adding an evening train departure to a tight schedule.
Day 4 · A park before you go
Choose the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace according to your departure time. An extra park day is optional; do not attempt both before a flight.
Official sources & booking information
Use these for attraction details and current entry arrangements. Stay areas, food suggestions and day plans above are editorial recommendations.