Beijing
Beijing carries China’s imperial scale: the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs, major museums and the Great Wall. The distances and reservation rules make pacing more important than a long attraction list.
How Beijing fits the route.
Recommended time: 4-5 days
Best for: History, architecture, museums, families and a powerful first or final China city.
Arrival logic: Confirm which airport and railway station you will use. Beijing has multiple major terminals and stations, and a vague “Beijing station” note is not enough for a transfer.
Choose the area around the daily plan.
Dongcheng
Best balance for imperial sights and hutong access.
Wangfujing
Convenient central base with straightforward transport.
Qianmen
Historic atmosphere south of Tian’anmen.
Sanlitun
Dining and nightlife, farther from several classic sights.
A realistic first visit.
Day 1
Arrival and a gentle central walk.
Day 2
Forbidden City and Jingshan with a reservation backup.
Day 3
Great Wall day with transport confirmed in advance.
Day 4
Temple of Heaven, hutongs and a food-focused evening.
Day 5
Summer Palace or a museum choice if you have a fifth day.
Where next?
Continue by high-speed rail to Xi’an, or finish with modern China in Shanghai.
Editorial review: August 25, 2026. Confirm live schedules, closures, reservations and entry rules before booking.