Originally Posted by
moondog
In light of your schedule, you should go from the airport directly to the north gate of the Forbidden City, walk south, and exit through Tian'an Men. I'm guessing you'll be out by around 1015a.
From there, the two most logical choices are the Qianmen Quanjude (10 minute walk south across Tian'an Men Square) or Made in China (15 minute walk to the east). If you decide to go with the latter, you should pre order your duck a day in advance.
With all due respect, you cannot enter Forbidden city at the north entrance - and that for several years now (2008?). You must enter via south gate and must exit north.
Considering that taxis are impossible to get at the north exit I, suggest to walk to Siji Minfu Roast Duck, about 15 mins by foot. The have a very good duck (and many other dishes, including beef cubes), and always space at noon. To continue the journey back to the airport, just take a taxi or walk to the Crowne Plaza Wangfujing nearby to get one.
Map of Siji Minfu
http://goo.gl/maps/6CSvm