Beijing Itinerary Check & Feedback

Question

I've put together the following tentative itinerary for 4 days in Beijing in late May, and would welcome feedback—does this look reasonable for the timeframe? Have I grouped things appropriately? Does it make sense to aim for mid/late afternoon for some of the most-crowded spaces (Forbidden City, Summer Palace)? And, besdies food/vars, is there any particular areas we should explore at night?

* Day 1: Monday, May 26

* Arrival at PEK 4:45am

* Booked driver to pickup from PEK, drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, wait for 4-5 hours, then drop off at hotel

* Check in, rest, dinner

* Day 2: Tuesday, May 27

* Morning: Bell & Drum Tower, Guozijan Museum & Confucius Temple, Lama Temple

* Afternoon: Summer Palace

* Day 3: Wednesday, May 28

* Morning: National Museum of China

* Afternoon: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Jingshan Park

* Day 4: Thursday, May 29

* Morning: Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park

* Afternoon: Ming Dynasty Tombs

Answer

Your 4-day Beijing itinerary is ambitious but generally feasible. Here’s a detailed review and some tips for timing, grouping, and evening activities:

Overall Observations:

The itinerary covers major highlights and is logically grouped geographically, which will minimize travel time within the city.
Using a private driver for Day 1 to Mutianyu Great Wall is a smart choice given your early arrival and the distance from the airport.
Some days may feel rushed if you try to see too many attractions, especially in the afternoons when places like the Forbidden City or Summer Palace can be crowded.

Day-by-Day Feedback:

Day 1: Early arrival at PEK at 4:45am and drive to Mutianyu is fine. Plan at least 4–5 hours at the Wall. Ensure your driver is aware of waiting times. Rest in the afternoon is essential, and a light evening stroll near your hotel can help adjust to jet lag.
Day 2: Morning tour of Bell & Drum Tower, Guozijian, and Lama Temple is doable, but moving quickly will be necessary. Summer Palace in the afternoon is ideal as crowds are slightly thinner late afternoon; check closing time and allow 2–3 hours.
Day 3: Morning at National Museum is good if you are an early riser. Afternoon at Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City is possible, but crowds are still heavy; entering around 2–3pm can reduce the peak congestion of mid-morning. Jingshan Park is convenient for sunset photography overlooking the Forbidden City.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven in the morning is perfect for experiencing local life (tai chi, exercise). Beihai Park is nearby and manageable in 1–2 hours. Afternoon visit to Ming Tombs is realistic if you allocate at least 2–3 hours plus transport time.

Evening Activities:

Consider exploring Houhai Lake area in the evenings for bars, cafés, and traditional hutong lanes.
Wangfujing Street is lively for night walks and snacks.
Optional: Attend a Peking Opera or acrobatics show for cultural experience.

Additional Tips:

Book tickets for major attractions in advance when possible (Forbidden City, Summer Palace) to avoid queues.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; some sites involve long distances.
Check opening and closing times for each site, especially as they may vary in late May.
Consider starting early in the mornings to maximize sightseeing and avoid afternoon heat and crowds.

In summary, your itinerary is logical and covers major sites efficiently. Minor adjustments, such as entering Summer Palace or Forbidden City slightly later in the afternoon and leaving evenings for relaxed exploration, will make the trip more enjoyable and less rushed.

Beijing Itinerary Check & Feedback

More Beijing Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions