Beijing Central Axis & Mutianyu Great Wall

Based in Wangfujing, explore the Imperial City along the Central Axis, traditional hutongs, the Mutianyu Great Wall, and the Summer Palace.

A classic itinerary for first-time visitors to Beijing, staying all four nights in Wangfujing. Explore hutongs, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, imperial gardens, and the Temple of Heaven, focusing on one major highlight each day. The Great Wall section features Mutianyu, which is less crowded and has a cable car, opting out of Badaling. The National Museum of China and other sites can be adjusted based on reservation availability.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The Forbidden City and some other sites are closed on Mondays, so avoid scheduling Day 2 on a Monday.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Beijing, Hutongs & Shichahai

Beijing（Nanluoguxiang Hutongs、Drum Tower & Bell Tower、Shichahai）

Upon arrival, take the subway or a taxi to Wangfujing to drop off your luggage, then take the subway to Nanluoguxiang for a walking tour in the afternoon.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 2 · Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Jingshan

Beijing（Tiananmen Square、The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)、Jingshan Park）

Walk or take the subway from Wangfujing to Tiananmen Square, enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate (Wumen), and exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) to Jingshan Park.

Real-name reservations for the Forbidden City open 7 days in advance. It is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 3 · Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip

Beijing（Great Wall at Mutianyu）

Book a private charter or a shared shuttle bus for a round trip. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours each way. It is recommended to depart before 7:30 AM and return to the city in the afternoon.

You can take the cable car up and down. Avoid unofficial day-tour buses touting for passengers near tourist spots.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 4 · Summer Palace & Olympic Park

Beijing（Summer Palace、Olympic Green (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)）

Take the subway to the Summer Palace (approx. 1 hour), transfer to the subway to the Olympic Park in the afternoon, and return to Wangfujing in the evening.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 5 · Temple of Heaven, Qianmen & Departure

Beijing（Temple of Heaven、Qianmen Street & Dashilar）

Take the subway to the Temple of Heaven in the morning, walk or take a vehicle to Qianmen, and head to the railway station or airport in the afternoon according to your departure schedule.

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