My itinerary- is it possible?

Question

Hi! I have four/five days in Beijing and this is my itinerary. I won't be hiring a driver or a taxi and am on a budget. Which of those attractions do I need to book in advance and how much of an advance? I know Forbidden City is hard to access and will be paying someone to buy the tickets for me. I don't know how long I will stay yet. Is it manageable? The order in a day is quite random still and I want to start early. Any suggestions & recommendations what I can substitute are welcome!

First day after 7 hour train ride, start at 1 PM:

Lama temple, black lakes, drum and bell tower,

Next day:

heavenly temple

Wangfujing street

Wudaoying Hutongs

liulichang

Hongqiao market

Next day (could be 2 days I don't know yet)

Tiananmen square, forbidden city, Jingshan park, Qianmen street, beihai park

Next day: mitanyu great wall, and leaving

Answer

Your proposed Beijing itinerary is generally manageable, but given that you are on a budget and relying on public transport, a few adjustments and planning details will make your trip smoother. Beijing’s attractions are spread out, and some sites require advance booking, especially popular ones like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

First Day (arrival after 7-hour train, start 1 PM):

Lama Temple (Yonghegong): Entry is relatively easy, tickets can be purchased on site. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Black Lakes (Beihai Park): Entry tickets can be bought on site; plan 1–1.5 hours. It is near Jingshan Park if you want to combine later.
Drum and Bell Towers: Entry on site. 30–45 minutes is enough.

Starting at 1 PM, these three are doable, but you might need to skip one if you want to enjoy each site without rushing.

Second Day:

Temple of Heaven (Tiantan): Tickets can be bought at the entrance. Spend 1–2 hours exploring.
Wangfujing Street: Street food and shopping; no tickets required. Great for lunch or dinner.
Wudaoying Hutongs: Walking area; free entry.
Liulichang: Famous for antique shops; free entry.
Hongqiao Market: Free to enter; allow 1–2 hours if you plan to shop.

This day is heavy on walking and moving between areas. Using Beijing Metro is easiest. You might want to split it into two lighter days if you prefer a relaxed pace.

Third Day:

Tiananmen Square: Free entry; morning is best to avoid crowds.
Forbidden City: Must book tickets in advance online (usually 1–3 weeks prior, especially in peak season). Allow 2–3 hours.
Jingshan Park: Right behind Forbidden City; entry on site. Great for panoramic views, 30–60 minutes.
Qianmen Street: Free; good for lunch or stroll.
Beihai Park: Near Jingshan; free or small entry fee. 1–1.5 hours.

It is possible to do all in one day if you start early, but consider prioritizing key sights and combining nearby areas (Forbidden City + Jingshan + Beihai). Splitting into two days may be more comfortable.

Fourth Day:

Mutianyu Great Wall: Requires transport from Beijing. Many budget travelers use public bus plus taxi or join a day tour. Tickets can be purchased on site. Allocate 4–5 hours including cable car or toboggan.

Given that your departure is on the same day, you should start early (around 7–8 AM). Check travel time back to your accommodation or station.

General Tips:

Buy Forbidden City tickets as early as possible online.
Start early each day to avoid heavy crowds, especially at the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Use Beijing Metro for budget travel; taxis can be used for short hops if needed.
Consider slightly reducing the number of sites per day for a more relaxed pace.
Wear comfortable shoes; many areas involve walking on uneven paths.

Overall, your itinerary is feasible on a budget, but advance ticket booking for the Forbidden City and planning time for the Great Wall are essential to avoid stress. Splitting heavier days into two can make it more enjoyable without missing major highlights.

My itinerary- is it possible?

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