Palace courtyards, lived-in hutongs and a day on the Great Wall. Three days to find your bearings, with room for everyday Beijing.
3 daysBalanced5 stops
The Great Wall winding through green mountainsPhoto Unsplash · Unsplash License (cropped for display)
Along the way5 stops
01The Palace Museum
02Jingshan Park
03Temple of Heaven Park
04Shichahai & the hutongs
05Mutianyu Great Wall
01
Day 1
The Palace Museum → Jingshan Park
01
The Palace Museum
Allow about 180 min
Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the palace courtyards. Choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.
Getting thereFollow your booking instructions to the Meridian Gate and allow time for security and walking.
Before you goCheck official reservations, ID requirements and closing days; rearrange the days if tickets are unavailable.
02
Jingshan Park
Allow about 60 min
Climb for a view over the palace roofs, or enjoy the gardens below if you prefer to avoid the steps.
Getting thereWalk from the palace’s northern exit, following the signed street crossings.
Before you goCheck local opening arrangements and take care on wet steps.
02
Day 2
Temple of Heaven Park → Shichahai & the hutongs
01
Temple of Heaven Park
Allow about 120 min
Start among the cypress trees, then explore the Hall of Prayer area and the park’s everyday life.
Getting thereTake the metro to the east gate area and check which areas your ticket includes.
Before you goPark and monument hours and tickets can differ; check the official information.
02
Shichahai & the hutongs
Allow about 120 min
Spend the afternoon by the lakes and in nearby lanes. Respect residents’ courtyards and privacy.
Getting thereUse the metro across town to Shichahai and leave time for lunch before walking.
Before you goThe main lanes can be busy; quieter side streets offer a slower walk.
03
Day 3
Mutianyu Great Wall
01
Mutianyu Great Wall
Allow about 240 min
Give the Great Wall its own day. Choose an ascent and turning point that suit your energy, with breaks for the views.
Getting thereArrange a return transfer in advance and confirm the pickup point and time; allow a generous travel buffer.
Before you goCheck official entry, shuttle and cable-car arrangements; adapt your visit to wind, storms or heat.
This is a suggested itinerary; adjust visit lengths to your energy. Confirm opening, booking and transport arrangements with official providers before travelling.
