First day - is it too much?

Question

We plan to land in Beijing before 7am (on a Sunday) having serious jet-lag (13 hr time difference for us). We are trying to plan our first day to be meaningful, keep us awake, but not too rigorous so that we can try not to crash and burn into bed before 6pm. We will have a guide with us for transportation, information, and be able to pace us. This is our current plan in no particular order:

Lama Temple

Confucius Temple

National Museum of China

Prince Gong's Mansion

Thoughts? (We are saving M50, and 798 Art areas for a different day.)

Answer

Given that you will be arriving very early with a 13-hour jet lag, your first day in Beijing should focus on light, manageable activities to keep you awake and help your body adjust, rather than trying to see too much.

Your current plan includes Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, National Museum of China, and Prince Gong's Mansion. While all are interesting, doing all four in a single day may be too much given your jet lag, as even with a guide, navigating and walking between sites can be tiring.

Here are some suggestions to make your first day enjoyable but not exhausting:

Lama Temple: This is a serene, compact site and can be a gentle start after your flight. Great for experiencing traditional Chinese Buddhism without too much exertion.
Confucius Temple: Nearby Lama Temple, so visiting both can be efficient. It’s also relatively calm and not overly large, which is ideal for a first-day pace.
National Museum of China: This is huge and can be overwhelming if jet-lagged. Consider visiting only specific sections of interest or save it for a day when you’re more alert.
Prince Gong's Mansion: Also fairly large and requires walking around the gardens and halls. Could be included if you feel up to it, but perhaps skip or shorten the visit if fatigue hits.

Alternative approach for a first day:

Morning: Lama Temple and Confucius Temple (easy pace, close to each other).
Lunch break and short rest.
Afternoon: Light walk in a nearby historic hutong area or tea house visit instead of trying to squeeze in the National Museum and Prince Gong’s Mansion.
Evening: Early dinner and aim to get back to your hotel for a proper rest around 6–7pm to reset your body clock.

This way, you still see cultural highlights but avoid overexertion, helping you adjust to Beijing time and enjoy the rest of your trip more fully.