Beijing In Depth: Imperial Palaces, Great Wall & Hutongs
A deep dive into China\'s 3,000-year capital — from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, with time for hidden temples and hutong bars.
Route Overview
Beijing deserves more than the rushed 2-day stop on most Golden Triangle tours. With 4-5 days, you can see the big hitters, explore Beijing\'s vanishing hutong alleyways, visit lesser-known temples, and still have an evening free for craft cocktails in Gulou.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: The Imperial Core
Start at Tiananmen Square, then walk north through the Forbidden City (book 7 days ahead via WeChat mini-program). The full walk from south gate to north gate takes 3-4 hours. Exit through Jingshan Park — climb the hill for the panoramic view over the Forbidden City's golden roofs. Evening: Dinner at a hutong restaurant near Nanluoguxiang.
Day 2: Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall — leave at 7am, arrive by 8:30am. Take the cable car up, walk east toward Watchtower 20 for the steepest section, then toboggan down. Back in Beijing by 2pm. Afternoon: Summer Palace — the marble boat and Long Corridor are iconic. Evening: Peking duck at Dadong.
Day 3: Temples & Art
Temple of Heaven at 7am — join the pensioners doing tai chi, shuttlecock kicking, and water calligraphy. Then the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) with its 26m sandalwood Buddha. Afternoon: 798 Art District — galleries, coffee shops, and a Bauhaus factory turned creative hub.
Day 4: Hidden Beijing
Morning: White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan) — Beijing's largest Daoist temple, peaceful and rarely touristy. Walk the old hutong alleys from Qianmen to Dashilan. Afternoon: National Museum of China (free, book ahead) or Panjiayuan flea market for antiques and souvenirs. Fly out in the evening or extend one more day.
Planning This Route
Getting Around
Beijing\'s subway covers all major sights (¥3-9 per ride). Didi (China\'s Uber) is cheap — most rides within the city are ¥20-40. Get an eSIM before you arrive (see our eSIM guide) so you can use ride-hailing apps at the airport.
Where to Stay
Wangfujing is central but touristy. The hutongs around Gulou/Dongsi are more atmospheric — try a courtyard hotel (¥400-800/night). For business comfort, the CHAO Sanlitun or East Beijing near 798.
Food You Must Try
Peking duck (Dadong or Siji Minfu, not Quanjude), zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles) at any hutong noodle shop, jianbing (savoury crepe) from street carts for breakfast, and hot pot at Haidilao for the experience.
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