Planning
3 days in Beijing: a first-timer’s plan
3 days in Beijing is enough for the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, if you get the order right. The day-by-day plan and what to book.
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Published: October 15, 2026
Is 3 days in Beijing enough? For the three classic sights of a first visit, yes: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. What takes some thought is the order, because closing days and ticket releases decide which sight fits which day. The order below takes care of that. For longer stays, see the full Beijing itinerary.
Step 1: place the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is the hardest ticket: tickets go on sale 7 days before the visit date, around 20:00 Beijing time, and it is closed on Mondays, except Mondays that are public holidays. Pick the day you want, set a reminder with the release time calculator, and build the other two days around it.
Step 2: place the Great Wall
The Great Wall is a full day: at Mutianyu, about 3 hours on the wall and about 6 hours in total by car or tour (longer by public bus). It is the best choice for a Monday, when the Forbidden City is closed. Book ahead: tickets are real-name and can be booked up to 30 days ahead, with one admission per passport per day; bring your original passport.
Step 3: the Temple of Heaven and the hutongs
Go early: early in the morning, locals come to the park to do tai chi, exercise and play games; you are welcome to watch, respectfully. Plan 2–3 hours. Then spend the afternoon in the lanes around the Shichahai lakes (including Houhai), the Drum and Bell Towers, and Nanluoguxiang, a restored lane. Avoid a Monday for this day: the inner sites usually close on Mondays (except public holidays), while the park stays open.
Example: arriving on a Saturday
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Forbidden City |
| Sunday | Temple of Heaven and hutongs |
| Monday | Great Wall at Mutianyu |
Example: arriving on a Monday
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Monday | Great Wall at Mutianyu |
| Tuesday | Forbidden City |
| Wednesday | Temple of Heaven and hutongs |
Short on time or tickets?
A Beijing tour can combine sights with transport arranged, and a Forbidden City tour is the backup if your date is sold out.
For the best time of day at the temple, read Temple of Heaven: tickets and the best time to go.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days in Beijing enough?
For the essentials, yes: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, with an afternoon in the hutongs. Add a fourth day for the Summer Palace.
What if one of my 3 days is a Monday?
Make Monday your Great Wall day. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, except Mondays that are public holidays, and at the Temple of Heaven the inner sites usually close on Mondays (except public holidays), while the park stays open.
What should I book before I arrive?
The Great Wall at Mutianyu (tickets are real-name and can be booked up to 30 days ahead, with one admission per passport per day; bring your original passport) and the Forbidden City, which goes on sale 7 days before the visit date, around 20:00 Beijing time.
Sources and last checked
Facts on this page were last checked on against these sources:
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