Stops:

Yongdingmen (Filming Location for Iron Man 3) → Temple of Heaven (Birthplace of Beijing International Film Festival) → Tai Miao (Imperial Ancestral Temple, Big Shot's Funeral Location) → Forbidden City (The Last Emperor Location) → Jingshan Park (Beijing Love Story Location) → Bell and Drum Towers → Prince Kung's Palace Museum (In the Heat of the Sun Location) → Mei Lanfang Memorial (Farewell My Concubine Location) → Hutongs near Gulou Xidajie → Shichahai (But Always Location)

Distance: 14 kilometers

Transport: Cycling/Walking

Highlights:

Start at Yongdingmen and head north along the Central Axis. Visit the Temple of Heaven to ponder why the festival's top prize is named the "Tiantan Award." Compare the grandeur of Tai Miao with the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony. In April, admire Jingshan's blooming peonies and climb to its Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic Central Axis view. Learn about ancient timekeeping at the Bell and Drum Towers, and shop for Central Axis-themed "Beijing Gifts." Explore Mei Lanfang's former residence for Peking Opera history, then wander Shichahai and hutongs to soak in local life.