I think the 3 day concept works perfectly well and i suggest one takes it if one is not savvy with the language in Beijing.
What could have helped is if it was mentioned what order would we be seeing the different places. Its better The last day was the longer day that incuded forbidden city, summer palace etc etc. that required a lot of walking and we werent prepared with the clothes and were over dressed for the first day for hutong palace.
Dont spend too much time at buying stuff at street vendors and those special markets you are taken where they sell over priced tea and jade.
The guides are well informed and most importantly take a headcount everytime to make sure the lot moves smoothly without loosing anyone.
The driver equally accomodating and also agreed to drop us to a shopping district a few KMs away from our hotel after returning from the long trips.
Make sure you let them know in advance if u r a vegetarian else those meals you have may not suite your taste and palate.
A recommendatio to the tour operators:
Please extend the time spent at Summer Palace and atleast include the trip to the marble boat and a climb up the palace tower. You could avoid the trip to some sections of the temple of heaven
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