Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
Allow most of a day for security, timed-entry checks, the palace grounds and walking distances. Verify passport-based reservation rules.
Popular and local sights
Mutianyu Great Wall
Recommended family section with cable-car options; still has uneven stone, steep sections and winter exposure.
Temple of Heaven
Historic ritual architecture set in a large park; walking can be reduced by choosing a focused route.
Summer Palace
Imperial lake and gardens; winter conditions can be windy and some boat services seasonal.
Hutongs & Drum Tower area
Traditional lane neighbourhood for a shorter, local-feeling walk; use a taxi for the return if needed.
Universal Beijing Resort
Full-day theme park scheduled for 22 December; check the official ticket calendar and opening hours.
Getting around
Beijing Subway Beijing bus routes/timetables China Railway tickets
Take account of the large site footprints and city traffic. Rail arrivals are at Beijing South for Shanghai and commonly Beijing West for Xi'an services; check the actual ticket.