Last updated: June 2026
Beijing was the final stop of my trip through China, and even after so many incredible places, the capital still managed to exceed my expectations, mainly because of one place I'd dreamed of seeing since I was a child: the Great Wall. The city brings together some of the country's most iconic monuments, like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Wall in its outskirts.
I spent three nights in Beijing, arriving by train from Pingyao and, after the stay, heading back to London. The high-speed train journeys in China, by the way, were one of the things that surprised me most with how easy and punctual they were. Here's how I organised the three days and what was most worth it.
3-day Beijing itinerary: what to do day by day
Daily itinerary
- Day 1, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and historic centre (evening: hutongs and Houhai)
- Day 2, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven
- Day 3, Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)
Day 1: Forbidden City and historic centre
Morning
Tiananmen Square
One of the world's largest squares and the gateway to the Forbidden City. A practical heads-up: security is strict, with access control and document checks. As at virtually every attraction in China, your passport is essential, so always carry it.
Forbidden City
I booked my entry in advance, and I really recommend doing the same, because tickets sell out fast. The Forbidden City is enormous, far bigger than I imagined: more than 900 buildings, vast courtyards and ceremonial halls. I spent several hours walking through it and was struck by the scale of the complex. Set aside plenty of time.
Imperial Axis
The visit continues along the main axis of the Forbidden City, passing through the most important halls where imperial ceremonies, political decisions and court events took place.
Afternoon
Jingshan Park
A park located just behind the Forbidden City, offering Beijing's best panoramic viewpoint. From the hilltop, you can see the entire central axis of the city and the imperial complex below.
Temple of Heaven
A historic complex where emperors performed rituals to ensure good harvests. The architecture follows symbolic principles linked to heaven and earth, making it one of the most important temples in China.
Wangfujing Street
A famous pedestrian street known for its shops, markets and traditional Chinese street food. One of the best places to try local dishes and experience the urban life of Beijing.
Evening
Nanluoguxiang Hutong
I really enjoyed walking through the hutongs at night, with their narrow alleyways, traditional houses, cafés and bars. It's one of the places that best shows the city's old way of life, and the contrast with modern Beijing is part of the capital's charm.
Drum and Bell Towers
Historic towers that were used to mark time in the old city, now open to visitors and carrying great cultural significance.
Houhai Lakes
A lively lakeside area with bars, restaurants and live music. It was one of my favourite ways to end the days in Beijing, a great place to enjoy the evening.
Day 2: Summer Palace and imperial culture
Morning
Summer Palace
I really liked the Summer Palace, it was one of the attractions I enjoyed most in Beijing. The setting is far calmer than the Forbidden City, and the gardens, Kunming Lake and pavilions make the visit completely different, more contemplative. It's worth setting aside a good part of the morning.
Longevity Hill
The central hill of the complex, dotted with temples and historic buildings, offering panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding imperial architecture.
Afternoon
Kunming Lake
A vast artificial lake occupying most of the Summer Palace grounds, ideal for leisurely walks and boat trips amid traditional scenery.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
An iconic bridge with 17 arches connecting the island to the rest of the complex, one of the most photographed spots in the palace.
Suzhou Street
A reconstructed historic street that recreates traditional Chinese markets, with shops and pavilions lining the waterside.
Day 3: Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)
Full day
Great Wall of China, Mutianyu Section
Without a doubt the highlight of the whole trip through China and one of the most impressive experiences I've ever had. Seeing the wall stretching across the mountains is hard to describe: it's one of those places that completely exceed your expectations and that no photo does justice. It's about 1.5 hours from Beijing, and Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling, with a far more peaceful experience.
I went up by cable car and walked along part of the wall. What struck me most was being able to walk on it, taking in the watchtowers and the surrounding mountains. Even though it's one of the most famous places in China, I found the experience really pleasant, and when I went it wasn't excessively crowded.
A tip that pays off: on the way down, I used the famous Mutianyu toboggan, and I loved it. It's a fun, different way to end the visit, and it was one of the best memories of the day. I reached Mutianyu on my own and found the journey relatively simple.
Practical tips for visiting Beijing
Beijing is a huge city, with attractions spread across different neighbourhoods. Good planning makes all the difference to make the most of the 3 days without wasting time on unnecessary travel.
Getting around
- Beijing's metro is efficient and covers all the main attractions
- Taxi and DiDi (app) are practical options for longer journeys
- For the Great Wall (Mutianyu), I went on my own; the journey is simple and takes about 1.5 hours
Tickets
- Forbidden City: online booking required in advance
- Great Wall: Mutianyu is the most recommended; it has a cable car up and a toboggan down
- Summer Palace: buy at the entrance or via app
Best time
- Forbidden City: arrive at opening to avoid the crowds
- Great Wall: mornings offer better light for photos and fewer tourists
- Hutongs: best in late afternoon, with golden light in the alleyways
Best views
- Jingshan Park: best spot to see the Forbidden City from above
- Mutianyu: most photogenic stretch of the Great Wall
- Temple of Heaven at dawn: tai chi practitioners and a unique atmosphere