We arrive Beijing October 10th and depart on October 13th for Xian at night on the train, giving us 3 full days to tour. We are going to the wall at Mutianyu on either day 2 or the last day, hence my question is a logistical one.

I am wondering which day would be better- relaxing in the hotel the night after going to the Wall, or just spending the entire day out at the Wall, shopping in the afternoon, etc. on the departure day.

Thanks in advance.
Les

I don't think you'll want to spend an entire day on the wall -- it's gorgeous, but a bit relentless. there is not much shade and very few places to relax. IMO, you should get up early, drive out to the Wall, spend 2-3 hours, drive back and do a bit of shopping in the afternoon at the Pearl Market or Yaxiu.

Les -- Go to the Wall on day 2 (no need to stop at the Ming Tombs afterwards) and do exactly what petitepois suggested so you can pack your newly acquired goodies. I don't know what you plan to do on day 1, perhaps the Forbidden City and Summer Palace? Then on your last day you can visit the Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park and lunch at the Back Lakes/hutong area?

hi les:

Also since your last day, the 13th, is a Saturday, consider making an early visit to the Panjiayuan weekend market. It is SE of the center, about 20 min drive and could easily be visited by taxi in conjuction with a stop at the Temple of Heaven on a Saturday morning.

happy travels,

maytraveller

...and plan to arrive at the Wall by 10am at the latest to avoid the crowds. (9am would be better). Arrival time at the weekend market should be no later than 8am, to avoid the crush of shoppers who pack the place by 9-10am.

We went to Panjiayuan at about 10 or 11am on a Saturday in July. There were people there, but by no means "a crush". We were at the market for 2 hours and everyone managed to pick up goodies to bring home. Lunch was Beijing Duck, then Temple of Heaven in the afternoon.

You could combine Forbidden City and Beihai Park in one day, with lunch as Shanghainese suggests. Get to Forbidden City as early as you can: ticket lines are long, and tour groups are many once you are inside! And they just keep increasing throughout the day. Not to mention that if it's a warm day, there is very little shade in the angles of those buildings from which to hide from the sun.

Thank you all so much. Your suggestions sound just right.

What a great forum this is. I am very appreciative of your help.

Les

Perhaps by 11am many of the shoppers have left the market? Just a guess, but there was no place to move by 10am on a Saturday last April at the Beijing weekend market!

In any case, crush or not, it offers a fantastic shopping experience as long as you do not mind crowds and are prepared to do some bargaining. Note that although there are shippers at the entrance to the market next to the parking lot, it is VERY expensive to ship overseas from China. So prepare to shlep if you buy anything big!

Good point, ek. Because we weren't specifically interested in the antiques the market is known for, it didn't matter if we got there early. Probably those shoppers who are there for the potential finds are in and out before 9am! (The market opens at the crack of dawn; I've heard as early as 4am.)

There was still plenty to browse through - and lots of photo opportunities - regardless of the time. Just remember it's weekend-only. (I had a friend who trekked back there on a weekday only to find completely different vendors occupying the space.)