3 days in Beijing
A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.
This 3-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.
Day 1
Forbidden City, Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) & more
- 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.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 10 min by metro or taxi
- 19:00
Peking Duck Dinner
2 h
Book the restaurant, as the popular ones fill quickly. A tour can add a hutong stroll.
Day 2
Temple of Heaven & 798 Art Zone
- 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.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 40 min by metro or taxi
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 3
Day trip: Great Wall at Mutianyu
- 08:30
- 19:00
Evening back in Beijing
Dinner near your hotel. After a full day out, keep the evening easy.
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.
- JanColdCrowds: quiet
- FebColdCrowds: quiet
- MarCoolCrowds: busy
- AprMildCrowds: busy
- MayWarmCrowds: peak
- JunHotCrowds: peak
- JulHotCrowds: peak
- AugHotCrowds: peak
- SepWarmCrowds: peak
- OctMildCrowds: peak
- NovCoolCrowds: peak
- DecColdCrowds: busy
Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.
3-day Beijing questions
Is 3 days enough for Beijing?
Three to four days. This plan fits the main sights into 3 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.