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2 days in Beijing

A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.

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This 2-day plan covers Forbidden City, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Peking Duck Dinner, Temple of Heaven and more. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.

1

Day 1

Forbidden City, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) & more

  1. 09:00

    Forbidden City

    3 h 30 min

    Book timed tickets online in advance and bring your passport. It is closed on Mondays most of the year.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 10 min by metro or taxi

    Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

    1 h 30 min

    Go early. Dress modestly and respect worshippers.

  4. 19:00

    Peking Duck Dinner

    2 h

    Book the restaurant, as the popular ones fill quickly. A tour can add a hutong stroll.

2

Day 2

Temple of Heaven & 798 Art Zone

  1. 09:00

    Temple of Heaven

    2 h 30 min

    Go early to see the park come alive, and visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

  2. 12:30

    Lunch

    Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.

  3. 14:00

    ↓ About 40 min by metro or taxi

    798 Art Zone

    2 h 30 min

    Many galleries are free; weekdays are quieter.

  4. 19:30

    Dinner

    Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The route on a map

Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.

Best time to visit Beijing

The most comfortable months with manageable crowds are Apr. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.

  1. Jan
    Cold
    Crowds: quiet
  2. Feb
    Cold
    Crowds: quiet
  3. Mar
    Cool
    Crowds: busy
  4. Apr
    Mild
    Crowds: busy
  5. May
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  6. Jun
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  7. Jul
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  8. Aug
    Hot
    Crowds: peak
  9. Sep
    Warm
    Crowds: peak
  10. Oct
    Mild
    Crowds: peak
  11. Nov
    Cool
    Crowds: peak
  12. Dec
    Cold
    Crowds: busy

Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.

2-day Beijing questions

Is 2 days enough for Beijing?

Three to four days. This plan fits the main sights into 2 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.

Can I change the order of the days?

Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.

What should I book before I go?

Book Forbidden City, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Temple of Heaven first – they use timed entry or sell out.