Beijing

Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Beijing, including the top 10 things to do:

Day 1: Arrival and Tiananmen Square

• Arrive in Beijing and check into your hotel
• Head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, and take in the sights and sounds of this iconic landmark
• Visit the National Museum of China, which houses a vast collection of Chinese artifacts and exhibits

Day 2: The Great Wall of China

• Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world
• Hike along the wall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside
• Visit the Mutianyu section of the wall, which is less crowded than other sections and offers a cable car ride to the top

Day 3: Forbidden City and Jingshan Park

• Explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties
• Learn about the history and culture of China as you wander through the palace's many halls and courtyards
• Afterward, head to Jingshan Park, which offers stunning views of the Forbidden City and the surrounding area

Day 4: Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

• Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious sites in China
• Learn about the ancient rituals and traditions that took place here
• Afterward, head to the Summer Palace, a beautiful park and palace complex that was once the summer retreat of the imperial family

Day 5: Hutongs and Lama Temple

• Explore the hutongs, the narrow alleyways that are a hallmark of Beijing's traditional architecture
• Take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs and learn about the history and culture of this unique neighborhood
• Afterward, visit the Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet

Day 6: Beijing Zoo and Olympic Park

• Visit the Beijing Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals, including pandas, tigers, and elephants
• Afterward, head to the Olympic Park, which was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and features iconic landmarks like the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube

Day 7: Beihai Park and Houhai Lake

• Explore Beihai Park, a beautiful park and palace complex that dates back to the 11th century
• Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings
• Afterward, head to Houhai Lake, a popular nightlife spot that offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants

That's it! I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Beijing and experience all the top things to do in the city.