beijing in 4 days, 3 nights

The hutongs and Peking duck on arrival, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, a day on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and the Temple of Heaven and Niujie before the flight home.

1. Day 1

   Hutongs and duck

   Morning

   Fly direct from KL, about 6.5 hours; Beijing is on the same time as Malaysia. Take the express train in from Capital or Daxing airport and check in.

   Afternoon

   Wander the old hutong alleys around Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang, on foot or by rickshaw.

   Evening

   Peking duck, carved at the table and wrapped in thin pancakes.

2. Day 2

   Forbidden City

   Morning

   The Forbidden City, which takes most of the morning. Book tickets online in advance with your passport.

   Lunch

   Zhajiangmian, thick noodles with a savoury soybean and pork sauce.

   Afternoon

   Cross the road from the palace's north gate to Jingshan Park and climb the hill for the view back over the palace roofs.

   Evening

   Dinner near the hotel and an early night before the Great Wall.

3. Day 3

   Great Wall at Mutianyu

   Morning

   Head out early to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, about 1.5–2 hours by car. Take the cable car up and walk along the restored wall.

   Lunch

   Lunch near the foot of the wall.

   Afternoon

   Ride the toboggan down, then drive back to the city.

   Evening

   Rest your legs and eat near the hotel.

4. Day 4

   Temple of Heaven and home

   Morning

   Jianbing from a street cart, then the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather in the park for tai chi, dancing and cards.

   Lunch

   A short taxi ride to Niujie, Beijing's old Muslim quarter around the city's oldest mosque, for halal lamb dishes and snacks.

   Afternoon

   Express train to the airport and fly home.