Beijing rewards those who venture beyond the obvious attractions. Here is a 5-day guide to the real Beijing.
Day 1: Imperial Heart
Arrive early at Tiananmen Square. 3-4 hours in the Forbidden City (故宫) — 980 buildings, 72 hectares. Walk to Jingshan Park north for aerial palace views. Evening: Peking duck at Qianmen.
Day 2: Great Wall
Mutianyu section (less crowded, restored, with toboggan) or Jinshanling for rugged hiking. Full day trip from Beijing.
Day 3: Hutongs
Rickshaw hutong tour, traditional courtyard home visit, Temple of Heaven afternoon. Evening: Sanlitun nightlife.
Day 4: Modern Beijing
798 Art District morning, Lama Temple afternoon, exceptional Beijing dining evening.
Day 5: Gardens
Summer Palace (颐和园) — most beautiful imperial garden in China, with Long Corridor (14,000 paintings) and lake. Temple of Earth afternoon.
More city guides in our China City Travel Guide.