Beijing 3-day itinerary

Arrive at Tiananmen Square by 8am — the vast square is flanked by monumental buildings and anchored by the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Walk through the Tiananmen Gate into the Forbidden City (¥60, online booking required). The complex is staggering — 980 buildings across 72 hectares. Follow the central axis through the three great halls, then detour into the quieter western and eastern courtyards. The imperial garden at the north end is exquisite.

Exit north and climb Jingshan Park (¥10) — the artificial hill directly behind the Forbidden City offers the most stunning panoramic view of the golden rooftops spread before you. Then walk east into the hutong alleys. Explore Wudaoying Hutong for hipster cafes and boutiques, or the quieter lanes around Beixinqiao. Lunch on jianbing from a cart (¥8–12) or zhajiangmian at a local shop (¥15–25).

Houhai Lake's bar-and-restaurant-lined waterfront is Beijing's liveliest evening scene. Walk along the lake, browse the souvenir stalls, and watch locals swimming in summer or ice skating in winter. Dinner is Peking duck — Siji Minfu near Houhai (¥168–238 whole duck, serves 2–3) carves it tableside with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin. The crispy skin dipped in sugar is the first bite. Extraordinary.

Take the 877 bus from Dongzhimen (¥16, 70 minutes) or book a shared minivan (¥60–80 round trip) to Mutianyu — the best Great Wall section for first-timers. Cable car up (¥120 return) or hike the 3,500 steps. The wall stretches across forested mountain ridges in both directions — walk east toward the unrestored sections for fewer crowds. The sheer scale of this 2,000-year-old fortification is humbling.

Return to the city and metro to Temple of Heaven (¥15 park, ¥34 combined). The 15th-century Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is Beijing's most beautiful building — a circular triple-gabled masterpiece painted in deep blue, green, and gold. The surrounding park (273 hectares) is where Beijing's retirees gather to dance, practice martial arts, play cards, and sing opera. Their energy is infectious.

Walk Wangfujing — Beijing's main shopping street. The night food stalls (Wangfujing Snack Street) are heavily touristy but an experience — scorpions on sticks (¥40), candied hawthorn (¥10), and lamb skewers (¥10–15). For authentic Beijing eats, walk to nearby Donghuamen or find a local Muslim restaurant for lamb and bread (nang) from the city's Hui community. Beijing beer from a convenience store: ¥3.

Metro to 798 Art District — a decommissioned military electronics factory complex transformed into China's most important contemporary art hub. The Bauhaus-style industrial buildings house 300+ galleries, studios, and cafes. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art is the flagship (¥80, free on some days). The outdoor sculptures and murals are free. Allow 2–3 hours to wander. Art ranges from cutting-edge installations to political commentary.

Metro to the Summer Palace (¥30, ¥60 combined ticket) — the 290-hectare imperial garden complex built around Kunming Lake. Walk the 728-meter Long Corridor (the world's longest painted corridor with 14,000 paintings), climb Longevity Hill for lake panoramas, and take a dragon boat across the lake (¥10). The palace was the imperial family's summer retreat and its beauty is extraordinary.

Sanlitun is Beijing's modern entertainment district — bars, international restaurants, and boutique shopping. For a farewell Beijing dinner, try Da Dong Roast Duck (premium option, ¥200+ per person) or keep it local with hotpot — Haidilao is famous for its service (free manicures while you wait) and good quality (¥100–150 per person). The complimentary side entertainment is worth the visit alone.