If any of you guys have done this drill recently, I'm curious about current options on the north end of the journey. I have not been to the Gulou area during the past 5 years (we never have time during business trips).

The initial and middle parts still work quite well. You need to eat duck, see the Forbidden City, and visit one of the two parks above it.

ETA: The plan isn't viable for almost all of you, at present. I hope this changes soon.