Beijing combines the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutong alleyways and sections of the Great Wall like Mutianyu and Jinshanling. April to May and September to October are best.
Good to know
- Book Forbidden City tickets online days ahead; passports required.
- Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and set up a travel-friendly SIM.
- Visit the Great Wall early to avoid midday crowds.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Vast imperial palace of 980 buildings at the heart of Beijing.
Imperial altar and park where locals practice tai chi at dawn.
Crispy roast duck carved at the table with pancakes.
Vast public square flanked by the Great Hall of the People and Mao's Mausoleum.
Huge museum of Chinese history and art; free with passport.
Tibetan Buddhist temple with a giant sandalwood Buddha.
Night snack stalls with skewers, dumplings and sweets.
Restored wall with a cable car, toboggan slide and fewer crowds.
Lakeside imperial garden with a Long Corridor and marble boat.
Wander traditional alleyways, courtyards and cafes.
Converted factory district of galleries, cafes and street art.
Hill behind the Forbidden City with a panoramic view of its rooftops.