Three days in Beijing on a stopover

Three days is enough to see the palaces, walk the Great Wall and get lost in the hutongs. This plan works well with a 240-hour visa-free stopover.

Day 1: the imperial centre

Start at Tiananmen Square, then spend the morning in the Forbidden City. Book tickets in advance and note it is closed on Mondays. Climb Jingshan Park for the view over the golden roofs, and finish with Peking duck.

Day 2: the Great Wall

Drive to Mutianyu, about 90 minutes from the city. Take the cable car up, walk a section of restored wall and ride the toboggan or cable car down.

Day 3: temples, gardens and hutongs

Watch locals practise tai chi at the Temple of Heaven in the morning, stroll the Summer Palace after lunch and end the day in the hutongs around Houhai.

Tips

• Bring your passport: you need it to enter most sights.
• Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
• A private car saves a lot of time on the Great Wall day.