It can be bitterly cold and windy, so a grand plan for lengthy outdoor touring might in the end not be something you want to do. For me, I would not plan a lengthy side trip, but would take my time and see the Beijing area, inclusive of a Great Wall trip. A little wandering in the morning, a hot pot warm-up lunch and something inside in the afternoon could be the ticket for a few days, along with a day trip to see the Wall.

The China subforum has great contributors and there are threads that discuss many local sites worthy of visiting. Whatever you end up doing, enjoy your trip!