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The Great Wall of China
Mutianyu Great Wall of China Tower 20
Forbidden City
Juyong Pass
Badaling
Summer Palace
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Plan to spend at least half a day there. There's so much to see, and if you rush through it, you'll miss out on the little hidden gems around the area.
Consider bringing your own snacks and water! Food options inside can be pricey and not very exciting. Having a picnic by the Kunming Lake is a great idea!
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I think the best time to experience the Summer Palace is in spring or autumn. The flowers in bloom or the fall colors really make a difference in the atmosphere.
Lama Temple
Tiananmen Square
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I recommend visiting early, around 7 AM, to beat the crowds. It's so much nicer to stroll and take photos without so many people around. Plus, the morning light is perfect for pics!
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If you want to save time, skip the line for the mausoleum on a weekend! I waited over an hour. If you can, go on a weekday for a smoother experience.
National Museum of China
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I recommend visiting on a weekday around 2 PM. The crowds were much smaller and I could really take my time exploring the exhibits without feeling rushed.
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Check out the special exhibitions; they're usually less crowded and often really fascinating! My favorite one had some amazing artifacts that aren't in the permanent collection.
The Legend of Kung Fu Show
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Check out the seating options. I found that sitting in the middle section gave a great view without being too close to the stage. I wish I'd known that during booking!
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I suggest skipping the overpriced merchandise after the show. Instead, I took a pic with the performers outside and that was a much better memory without spending a ton.