Breakfast at the hotel, then visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the geographic center of yesterday’s and today’s city.
In the center stands the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, facing the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
Explore the famous Forbidden City, with over 900 halls including 6 main buildings: the Hall of Supreme Harmony for official ceremonies, the Hall of Complete Harmony (banquets), the Palace of Heavenly Purity (throne room), the Empresses’ residences, the concubines’ quarters (now museums), and the imperial gardens.
Lunch in a local restaurant, then visit the Temple of Heaven with its majestic round hall crowned by a triple-layered blue tiled roof. The Emperor used to visit twice a year, during the solstices, to pray for good harvests.
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.