Start at Tiananmen Square then tour the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to see imperial architecture and artifacts; Forbidden City typically opens 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry earlier), so arrive before midday to avoid crowds.
Hike and enjoy panoramic vistas at Mutianyu, a well-preserved and scenic section with cable car options; open usually 7:30am–5:30pm — arrive early to avoid tour buses.
Take a high-speed train (~3.5–4h total including transfer) to Taiyuan then a short regional train or bus to Pingyao Ancient City; trains vary so book in advance.
Walk the intact Ming-Qing walled town, visit the city walls (open often 8:00am–6:00pm), ancient streets and Rishengchang Draft Bank to feel old China’s commercial history.
See well-preserved merchant houses and the famous early bank museum to learn about China’s financial history; many small museums close around 5pm–6pm so check times.
Visit the UNESCO-famous Terracotta Army complex to see life-size sculptures guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb; site typically opens 8:30am–6:00pm — aim for morning arrival.
Visit the panda base to see pandas in a naturalistic environment; base open typically 7:30am–6:00pm — afternoons can be warm but less crowded than early morning.