How many days in Beijing?

First-timers: 4–5 full days. Add a day if you want 798 Art District or a second Great Wall visit.

Qianmen, Wangfujing, or Dongcheng hutongs — walkable and on metro Line 2/8.

Which Great Wall section for first-timers?

Mutianyu balances views and crowds; Badaling is closer but busier.

Imperial capital — Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs and Peking duck.

Time needed

4-5

Best season

{History, food, culture, first-timers}

Where to stay

Dongcheng (Wangfujing/Gulou) for walkability; Chaoyang for modern comforts near the metro.

The world's largest imperial palace — 9,999 rooms of Ming and Qing dynasties. Go early to beat crowds.

Less crowded than Badaling. Take the cable car up and toboggan down.

Walk through Dashilar or Nanluoguxiang for courtyard homes, cafes and local life.

Where emperors prayed for good harvests. Stunning circular architecture and local tai chi at dawn.

How many days in Beijing?: First-timers: 4–5 full days. Add a day if you want 798 Art District or a second Great Wall visit.
Best area to stay?: Qianmen, Wangfujing, or Dongcheng hutongs — walkable and on metro Line 2/8.
Which Great Wall section for first-timers?: Mutianyu balances views and crowds; Badaling is closer but busier.

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