2 day itinerary for Beijing

Question

So we have 2 full days in Beijing. Does the below itinerary make sense? Any other suggestions?

Day 1- Great Wall of China with either temple of heaven or forbidden palace and Wangfujing street for dinner

Day 2: either forbidden palace or temple of heaven (whichever we didn’t do above), 798 art district and probably can squeeze one more thing- any recommendations?

Answer

Your 2-day Beijing itinerary is workable, but it will be a busy schedule, especially since the Great Wall can take a half to full day depending on which section you choose. Here’s a detailed suggestion and adjustments for better flow.

Day 1:

Visiting the Great Wall early in the morning is ideal. For a first-time visit, the popular and restored sections like Badaling or Mutianyu are recommended. Mutianyu is slightly less crowded and has a cable car to ease the climb, which can help if you want to reduce strain on knees and energy levels.

After returning to Beijing, you could either visit the Temple of Heaven (close to the city center) or the Forbidden City (requires more time). Since the Great Wall already consumes a lot of time, the Temple of Heaven may be more manageable on the same day.

In the evening, walking around Wangfujing Street is perfect for dinner and sampling street food.

Option 1: Great Wall (Mutianyu) + Temple of Heaven + Wangfujing Street
Option 2: Great Wall (Badaling) + Forbidden City (if you prefer a late afternoon visit) + Wangfujing Street

Day 2:

Start with the site you didn’t visit on Day 1. For example, if you saw the Temple of Heaven on Day 1, spend the morning at the Forbidden City. Arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize your visit.

Afterward, head to the 798 Art District for a different cultural experience. The area offers galleries, cafes, and street art, which contrasts nicely with historical sites.

If you want to squeeze in one more activity, consider:

Jingshan Park – located just behind the Forbidden City, offers a panoramic view of Beijing from the top of the hill.
Hutongs – explore traditional alleyways around Houhai or Nanluoguxiang, which are picturesque and give a feel of old Beijing.
Beihai Park – a serene lake and gardens near the Forbidden City, ideal for a relaxing stroll.

Additional tips:

Consider using taxis or ride-hailing apps to save time between attractions.
Start early each day to maximize sightseeing and avoid the heat/crowds.
Carry water, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket if visiting in spring or autumn.

Overall, your plan is feasible with minor tweaks: prioritize either the Forbidden City or Temple of Heaven on Day 1, leave the other for Day 2, and include a light activity like Jingshan Park or Hutongs in the afternoon for balance.

2 day itinerary for Beijing

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