3-Day Beijing Classic Route
The perfect first-timer itinerary covering all the absolute must-sees.
Best for: First-time visitors who want the essential Beijing experience in a long weekend.
Day 1: Imperial Beijing
Dive into Beijing's imperial heart.
Flag Ceremony at Tiananmen Square
Sunrise flag-raising ceremony. Bring passport.
Very early in summer (4:45 AM)
Forbidden City
Enter at opening time. Follow central axis through three main halls.
Tickets must be booked online
Closed Mondays
Jingshan Park
Climb for the iconic panoramic view over the Forbidden City.
Hutong Evening + Beijing Roast Duck
Explore hutongs around Shichahai. Dinner at Siji Minfu or Dadong.
Book roast duck restaurant in advance
Day 2: The Great Wall
Full day at Mutianyu Great Wall.
Travel to Mutianyu
Private car or pre-booked transport. Leave early to beat crowds.
Do NOT accept Great Wall tours from touts
Hiking Mutianyu
Take the cable car up to Watchtower 14, hike west to Hero’s Slope (Watchtower 20), then descend via the toboggan.
Wear good walking shoes
Return to Downtown
Return to downtown from Mutianyu (approx. 1.5–2 hours by car). Take a break at your hotel or stroll around Houhai Lake before dinner.
Ghost Street (Gui Jie) Dinner
Beijing's famous food street — Sichuan crayfish and hot pot.
Day 3: Temples, Parks & Departure
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and farewell meal.
Temple of Heaven
Watch locals doing tai chi and morning exercises. Then visit the Hall of Prayer.
Buy THROUGH ticket, not park-only
Summer Palace
Walk through Long Corridor, climb Longevity Hill for lake views.
Buy combined ticket
Departure
If your flight is after 6 PM, add the Lama Temple or 798 Art District in the afternoon; otherwise head to the airport after Summer Palace. Allow 1–1.5 hours to reach the airport.