Beijing & Great Wall Sample Itinerary
Day 2.
Get up early to beat the crowds and spend the morning at the Forbidden City, soaking up the Ming history and walking around the world’s largest palace complex. A trip to the bustling Pearl Market, where you can haggle to your heart’s delight for any and all manner of things that you will find here, is a fun way to spend the afternoon. In the evening, try your hand at dumpling making back at your hostel with the friendly owner. |
Day 3.
The Summer Palace, a complex of buildings, lakes and gardens used by the emperors and empresses to escape the hustle and bustle of court life in the Forbidden City, is another must see. If you would like to learn more about the impressive history of Beijing then spend some time in the Capital Museum. Make time to also visit the famed Tian’Anmen Square. Here you will see President Mao’s Mausoleum along with the beautifully crafted Monument for the Fallen People. The impressive changing of the guard happens at sunrise and sunset. |
Day 4.
If you and your family are physically fit and up to some moderate to difficult walking, then it is worth taking a driver and travelling a couple of hours out of Beijing to embark on a Great Wall experience away from the main crowds at Simatai East. From there it is a 4 hour walk along the wall to Jinshanling. This section of the wall is one of the few to retain its original appearance and, with its stunning views and hardly any other tourists around, it is easy to appreciate why the Great Wall is one of the seven wonders of the world. For those less physically able, a shorter journey will take you to a more popular section of the wall complete with cable cars to help your ascent and descent. Although you will encounter more tourists here, the views are still spectacular and the sheer scale of the Wall will leave a lasting impression. |