3-day itinerary · Beijing
3 Days in Beijing: First-Time Highlights
This plan suits first-time visitors looking for a mix of landmark sightseeing, cultural experiences and outdoor exploration. Imperial sights and hutong food lead into the Great Wall, gardens, pandas and an introduction to royal cuisine.
Customize this with AIDay 1: Imperial sights and hutong culture
Pair Beijing’s imperial highlights with a neighborhood food walk and an acrobatic performance.
Morning
Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour with Private/Group Options
Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with a guide for an introduction to Beijing’s imperial history.
Afternoon
Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants
Walk through hutongs and sample food and beer, balancing monumental sightseeing with neighborhood flavors.
Evening
Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets Official Booking
Watch an acrobatic performance at Red Theatre, adding live entertainment to your first day of cultural discovery.
Day 2: Great Wall and imperial gardens
Combine outdoor exploration at Mutianyu with the Summer Palace and a guided evening perspective on Beijing.
Morning
Private Half-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Tour including Round Way Cable Car or Toboggan
Walk along the Mutianyu Great Wall on a private tour for the itinerary’s signature outdoor experience.
Afternoon
Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service)
Explore the Summer Palace’s imperial garden, shifting from monumental fortifications to Beijing’s garden heritage.
Evening
Private Night Tour: Discover Beijing in Bustling Lights
Discover Beijing’s illuminated landmarks with a private guide, adding a different perspective to your introduction to the city.
Day 3: Temples, pandas and royal cuisine
Finish with temple culture, a panda encounter, another look at imperial gardens and a culinary museum experience.
Morning
Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour
Choose the Temple of Heaven-only option to explore another imperial highlight without repeating the broader sightseeing circuit.
Afternoon
Beijing: Half Day Tour to Panda House and Summer Palace
See giant pandas at Beijing Panda House, then revisit the Summer Palace for another look at its imperial gardens.
Evening
Yuxiandu Chinese Royal Cuisine Museum with Show and Royal Banquet
Explore royal culinary traditions through the museum, show and banquet, rounding out your introduction to imperial culture.
Experiences are supplied by our partner Viator and booked on their site. Check times, prices and availability before you go.