Help with 1.5 day itinerary

Question

Hi,

Is this schedule ok, are we able to visit Temple of Heaven?

All places will be a quick visit only.

Any opinions or recommendations?

Day 1:

Arrive at the airport by 09:40 and likely reach the hotel (dont know which yet) in the city center around 13:30.

- Quick stop at Tiananmen Square for pictures.

- Walk through the Forbidden City.

Day 2:

- Start early with a private driver to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall.

- Visit the Temple of Heaven.

-Return to the hotel to collect luggage before heading to the airport for a 20:00 flight.

I’ve been to China many times and visited these places before, but I’ll be accompanying 4 others during this short stopover. They want to see the main highlights, so it will be a tight and fast-paced schedule, I know.

Thanks in advance

Answer

Your 1.5-day Beijing itinerary is very ambitious but doable, especially since you are focusing on quick visits to the main highlights. Given that you are familiar with these sites and will have a private driver on Day 2, your plan is realistic, though it will be fast-paced.

Here are some considerations and tips:

Day 1 – Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City: Arriving at 13:30 at your hotel means you will likely start sightseeing around 14:30. The Forbidden City closes around 17:00 (depending on the season), so you will have roughly 2–2.5 hours for a quick walkthrough. This is sufficient for highlights but you won’t be able to explore extensively.
Day 2 – Mutianyu Great Wall and Temple of Heaven: Leaving early with a private driver for Mutianyu is smart. Allocate at least 3–4 hours for travel and a quick visit, including the cable car ride up and down. Afterwards, heading to the Temple of Heaven can work if you leave Mutianyu around midday. Plan for 1–1.5 hours at the Temple of Heaven for a quick visit.

Additional recommendations:

Consider packing light and leaving luggage at the hotel until Day 2 afternoon if possible, to avoid backtracking to collect it before heading to the airport.
Ensure your private driver knows the exact exits and parking points for each attraction, as this will save time.
Check opening hours in advance, especially for the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, as seasonal times may vary.
For a tight schedule, focus on highlights: at the Forbidden City, prioritize the main halls and courtyards; at the Great Wall, take photos and a short walk on the ramparts rather than a full hike.
If you have a bit of flexibility, consider doing the Temple of Heaven in the early morning of Day 2 instead of after Mutianyu; it may feel less rushed and also avoids traffic.

In summary, yes, you can visit the Temple of Heaven as planned, but keep in mind that both days will be packed. Prioritize highlights, coordinate logistics with your driver, and keep walking and transit times efficient.

Help with 1.5 day itinerary

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