Three days is just enough to fall for Beijing — imperial on a scale nowhere else can match, then intimate in its grey hutong lanes. This first-timer's plan gives each day a clear shape: the imperial city, the Great Wall, and old Beijing. Do it in this order and the days flow; here's exactly how.
In this guide
Day 1 — The imperial heart
- Tiananmen Square — start early on the world's largest public square, ringed by monumental halls.
- The Forbidden City — walk the central axis through 500 years of emperors; give it 2.5–3 hours. Book ahead; closed Mondays.
- Jingshan Park — climb the hill right behind for the classic view over the golden roofs at sunset.
- Wangfujing / evening — dinner nearby; first taste of the city after dark.
Day 2 — The Great Wall
- Mutianyu — the first-timer's Wall: restored, spectacular, cable car up, toboggan down, far fewer crowds than Badaling. ~1.5 hours from town.
- Walk the ramparts — give yourself 2–3 hours to walk a good stretch between watchtowers.
- Afternoon back in town — with time to spare, add the Summer Palace's lake and pavilions, or simply rest.
The Wall rewards an early start. We get you there ahead of the tour buses with a private car and guide, pick the section that fits your legs, and have you back in the city by mid-afternoon. Design my trip →
Day 3 — Old Beijing
- Temple of Heaven — a sublime circular temple in a park full of morning life — tai chi, dancing, music.
- Hutongs — wander the lanes of Nanluoguxiang or Shichahai by foot or rickshaw; this is the city's soul.
- Lama Temple — Beijing's most atmospheric working Tibetan-Buddhist temple.
- Peking duck — end on the city's signature feast, lacquered and carved at the table.
At a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon / evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tiananmen → Forbidden City | Jingshan sunset → Wangfujing dinner |
| Day 2 | Great Wall at Mutianyu | Summer Palace or rest |
| Day 3 | Temple of Heaven → Lama Temple | Hutongs → Peking duck |
Getting around & good to know
- Metro — clean, cheap, signed in English; the easiest way across the centre. Pay via your phone or a transit card.
- Taxis / DiDi — DiDi (China's ride-hailing) works in-app; handy for the Wall and late nights.
- Book the big sights ahead — Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and more use timed, passport-linked tickets that sell out.
- Mondays — the Forbidden City and many museums close; plan the Wall or hutongs that day.
- Distances are big — Beijing is vast; a private car and guide turn three busy days into an easy, well-timed flow.
Want this trip, done for you? We'll book every timed ticket, get you to the Wall before the crowds, and pace all three days around your energy — guide, private car and driver included. Design my Beijing trip →