Morning international flight BOM → PEK; book a direct or single-stop flight for convenience and to arrive in Beijing early afternoon. Flight time usually ~7–9h depending on routing.
Stroll Wangfujing for street snacks and first glimpses of Beijing's lively shopping district; stalls typically operate into the evening. Good for light bites and people-watching.
Visit Tiananmen Square then enter the Forbidden City (Palace Museum); the Palace Museum usually opens ~8:30am–5:00pm (check seasonal hours and buy timed tickets in advance).
Climb Jingshan for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City, then explore nearby hutongs by rickshaw or on foot to see traditional courtyard life; Jingshan generally opens early until late afternoon.
Visit the Temple of Heaven park for late afternoon light and local evening activity; park hours typically 6:00am–5:00pm but review winter hours for festival days.
Dine in a restored hutong restaurant (e.g., TRB Hutong for upscale or local courtyards for authentic cuisine); most restaurants open late into the evening.
Early breakfast and transfer to Mutianyu (approx 1.5–2h each way by car). Mutianyu offers restored sections and a cable car, less crowded than Badaling.
Hike and enjoy views on the Mutianyu section; cable car and chairlift operate roughly 8:30am–5:00pm in winter, but check current schedules and buy entry/ticket bundle in advance.
Explore the Summer Palace grounds and Kunming Lake; typically open ~6:30am–6:00pm but check winter hours and boat availability (often closed in low/freezing water months).
If you missed Temple of Heaven earlier, stop by early in the morning when locals practice tai chi; otherwise enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transfer to airport.
Check in centrally (near Bell Tower) and have lunch in the Muslim Quarter—famous for lamb skewers, roujiamo, and biangbiang noodles; expect vibrant street stalls open through the afternoon/evening.
Early breakfast and transfer to the Terracotta Warriors museum (approx 1h drive). The museum typically opens ~8:30am–5:30pm; arrive early to avoid crowds.
See the three pits and museum halls housing the famed life-size figures of Qin Shi Huang's army; plan ~2–3 hours to explore the site and audio guide/museum exhibits.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area and the Shaanxi History Museum (museum hours often 9:00am–5:00pm; some free-ticket restrictions apply—check and reserve ahead).
Walk the Bund for skyline views across the Huangpu River then stroll Nanjing Road for shopping and winter lights in December; open public spaces are accessible any time though shops vary.
Take a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao (approx 1h drive) to see a charming canal town—shops and canals are open during the day, but confirm tour availability in winter.
Afternoon/evening flight PVG/HGH → BOM; international flights typically take ~9–11h with possible stops—book a direct/one-stop flight and arrive Mumbai late same day or next morning depending on routing.