Beijing, beyond the Wall
The big sights without the bus-herd — paired with the hutong bars, courtyard coffee and morning parks that make Beijing feel lived-in rather than ticked-off.
Settle into the hutongs
Base yourself around Gulou. Slow morning at a courtyard café, an afternoon drifting the alleys on foot, and your first hutong craft-beer crawl by night — start at a taproom, end somewhere with no English menu (we'll read it for you).
The Wall, the smart way
Skip Badaling's crowds for a quieter section like Mutianyu or Jinshanling. Go early, hike a stretch most tour buses never reach, and be back in the city for dinner.
Forbidden City & Jingshan
Time the Forbidden City for opening, then climb Jingshan opposite for the rooftop-sea view at golden hour. Evening: Peking duck done properly, plus how to order the pancakes like a local.
Parks, temples & tea
Morning tai-chi crowds at the Temple of Heaven park, an independent bookshop or gallery in the afternoon, and a last quiet teahouse before you move on.