19-Hour Layover in Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, Houhai Lake & More
With a 19-hour layover, you have plenty of time to experience some of Beijing’s most iconic attractions, including the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, and Houhai Lake area. This itinerary offers a full day of sightseeing before heading back to the airport.
1. Clearing Customs at Beijing Airport (1 Hour)
Begin by clearing customs at Beijing Capital International Airport. Allocate 1 hour for this process.
2. Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall (1 Hour)
After clearing customs, you’ll head out for a 1-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of Beijing’s most famous and well-preserved sections.
3. Explore Mutianyu Great Wall (2.5 Hours)
Take 2.5 hours to explore the Mutianyu Great Wall. Highlights of this section include:
- The scenic open chairlift ride for panoramic views.
- The beacon towers with unique architecture and historical significance.
- The exciting toboggan slideway to descend from the wall.
4. Head Back to Downtown Beijing (1.5 Hours)
After your visit to the Great Wall, allow 1.5 hours to head back to the city center, where your next stops await.
5. Explore the Forbidden City (3.5 Hours)
With 3.5 hours at the Forbidden City, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the vast grounds. Key highlights include:
- The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, and Palace of Heavenly Purity.
- The Treasure Museum and Clock Museum for a deeper dive into imperial history.
6. Stroll Through Qianmen Street (2 Hours)
Spend 2 hours in Qianmen Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Beijing. During your visit, be sure to:
- Walk through Dashilan, the historic shopping area.
- Enjoy the famous street food or stop for lunch.
7. Explore the Temple of Heaven (2 Hours)
Dedicate 2 hours to visit the Temple of Heaven, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. Notable attractions include:
- The Heavenly Altar, Circular Mound Altar, and Echo Wall.
- The Temple of Heaven Park, where locals practice Tai Chi and fly kites.
8. Visit Houhai Lake Area (2 Hours)
Next, head to the Houhai Lake area, a beautiful part of Beijing with historic charm. Spend 2 hours exploring the area, where you can:
- Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, surrounded by traditional hutongs.
- Visit the famous Bar Street and relax in one of the lakeside cafes.
9. Travel Back to the Airport (1.5 Hours)
After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll need about 1.5 hours to return to Beijing Capital International Airport.
10. Buffer Time for International Flight (2-3 Hours)
Make sure to arrive at the airport with a 2-3 hour buffer before your international flight to allow for check-in and security procedures.
Conclusion: Your 19-Hour Layover in Beijing
With a 19-hour layover, this itinerary lets you see some of the best of Beijing, from the Mutianyu Great Wall to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, and Houhai Lake area. You’ll have a fulfilling experience and still have plenty of time to return to the airport stress-free.
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See Also:
For shorter or longer layovers, check out our guides for 8-hour, 9-hour, 10-hour, 11-hour, 12-hour, 13-hour, 14-hour, 15-hour, 16-hour, 17-hour, 18-hour, 20-hour, 21-hour, 22-hour, 23-hour and 24-hour schedules.
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