Walk through Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to see imperial halls and courtyards; timed tickets are required—book in advance. Typical hours: Forbidden City ~8:30am–5:00pm (check for special closures).
Enjoy a full Peking duck experience at a classic restaurant (reservations recommended). Typical dinner service runs into the evening (11:00–22:00 hours common).
Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (less crowded than Badaling) — cable car and toboggan options available; typical hours ~7:30am–5:30pm. Allow 3–4 hours including travel.
Drive or take a train to Leshan to see the massive stone Buddha carved into the cliffs; site hours typically ~7:30am–6:30pm. Boat option gives a full view from the river.
Rent a bike or take a gentle bamboo raft on the Yulong River to see rice paddies and rural life; bike rentals open all day, rafting tours operate daytime hours.
Return to Guilin (40–60 min drive) and catch an evening flight to Shanghai (approx 2.5 hours); book an evening flight if you prefer to maximize Yangshuo time.
Visit an ancient water town about 45–90 minutes from Shanghai to see canals, stone bridges and old architecture (towns open during daytime, ~8:30am–5:00pm).