Start early at The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)—on National Day, crowds and security checks can make arrival slower than usual. You need a timed ticket booked through the museum’s official channel; same-day entry is not something to count on. In October, it generally opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m., with last entry around 3:30 p.m.; holiday arrangements can change, so check your booking notice. Allow 3–4 hours, bring your passport, and follow the north-to-south route through the palace, exiting at the north gate. From there, Jingshan Park is directly across the road: climb to the hilltop pavilion for the classic view back over the golden roofs. The park is an easy one-hour stop; bring a little cash for the small entry fee.
Continue west to Shichahai for a slower wander beside the lakes and through the old hutong lanes. It’s roughly a 20–30-minute walk from Jingshan Park, or a short taxi ride if your feet need a break; expect extra traffic and pedestrian controls today. For an early dinner, head toward Gulou for Yaoji Chaogan, a longtime Beijing spot known for its stewed-liver dish, with other local options if that’s not your thing; budget about ¥40–80 per person. Then finish at the nearby Drum Tower of Beijing and explore the surrounding lanes. Tower access and closing times can vary on public holidays, so check before buying a ticket—and if it’s closed, the exterior and lively streets around Gulou are still worth the stop.
Go early to Temple of Heaven: the park grounds usually open around 6am, while the main halls open later (typically 8am in the busy season; check the current holiday schedule). Allow 2–3 hours for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the circular altar and the tree-lined paths, where locals gather for tai chi and singing. Park entry is usually about ¥15, or roughly ¥34 for a combined ticket covering the main sights. From the east gate, Hongqiao Market is just across the road; give yourself about an hour to browse its pearl shops and several floors of stalls. Prices are negotiable, so compare a few shops before buying.
Take a taxi or ride-hail from Hongqiao to Mao Zedong Memorial Hall at Tiananmen Square—allow roughly 15–25 minutes, traffic permitting. Check the hall’s official holiday opening notice and reservation rules before setting out; opening days can change, and National Day-week security queues may be substantial. Bring your passport and avoid carrying large bags, which can slow screening. Afterward, walk south to Qianmen Street and wander its historic commercial stretch and adjoining lanes; it’s an easy place to pause for tea or a snack before dinner.
Finish with Beijing roast duck at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (Qianmen). Budget about ¥150–300 per person and allow around 1.5 hours; booking ahead is sensible during the holiday period. The restaurant is right in the Qianmen area, so you can take your time over dinner rather than rushing across town afterward.
No packing list attached yet.