Beijing in 72 hours (without sprinting)
Beijing rewards pacing. The Forbidden City alone can consume a morning if you stop to read plaques; the Great Wall is not “on the way back” from anything. This itinerary assumes one full day for imperial architecture, one for the Wall with sane logistics, and one for hutongs, food, and recovery.
Day 1: Tiananmen axis + Forbidden City
Book tickets days ahead; bring passport for security checkpoints. Wear shoes with grip—polished stone ramps are slick. Lunch north of the palace or in Dongcheng alley networks; avoid tourist-trap roast duck without research.
Day 2: Great Wall without a horror charter
Mutianyu and Jinshanling cater differently: Mutianyu has cable cars and family crowds; Jinshanling suits hikers who want fewer guardrails and more wind. Avoid zero-reviews “private guides” at airport arrivals—use hotel concierge or vetted operators.
Day 3: Hutongs, lakes, opera optional
Shichahai at golden hour, a courtyard tea stop, and a dumpling class if your hands need a break from monuments. Skip trying to “do” every UNESCO site; Beijing rewards return trips.