my 3 day beijing itinerary (avoid the crowds hopefully)

PekingPete

lived in beijing for 3 years so here's what I tell friends who visit.

day 1 - forbidden city. book tickets online before you go!! can't stress this enough. spend 3-4 hours there, then walk to jingshan park right behind it. the view from the top is probably the best in beijing. at night I'd say wangfujing snack street but tbh it's touristy. still fun to try weird stuff like scorpions if you're brave.

day 2 - great wall. mutianyu over badaling every time. badaling is way too crowded. you can take a bus from dongzhimen for like $5 or hire a driver for $60. mutianyu has a cable car up and then a toboggan slide down. yes a slide. it's fun don't judge.

day 3 - temple of heaven in the morning. go early like 6am and you'll see locals doing tai chi and dancing. very cool. then hit the hutongs near bell tower. renting a bike is best but you can also walk. peking duck for dinner - quanjude is the famous one but locals say it's overpriced. I still liked it.

I stayed in dongsi area, short walk to subway line 5 and 6. cheap hostels and good food.

anyone have recommendations for western beijing? I didn't explore that side much.