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To really experience Beijing you need to get out onto the streets. It is worth walking to a few places, as you can miss out if you see everything through a bus or car window.

The Forbidden City is one of the most fascinating places in Beijing and is well worth a visit. You may also wish to relax in one of Beijing’s many parks. Jingshan Park, overlooking the Forbidden City, is a pleasure garden that offers a spectacular view of Beijing.

Northwest of the Forbidden City is Beihai Park, associated in the past with the court of Kublai Khan. It was originally the former playground of the emperors who liked to pass their time fishing, camping and singing songs around campfires. The park is still a relaxing area with a number of small eateries to investigate. Most parks charge a modest entrance fee.

We also recommend a visit to one of the remaining hutong residential districts. Though fast being consumed by the relentless pace of development in Beijing, there are still a few hutongs remaining in areas protected as heritage sites for posterity, and a stroll through the narrow streets offers a glimpse of a different world.

The area near to the Dashilan District to the south of Tiananmen Square is easily accessible by foot; the nearest subway station is Qianmen.

The area north of Beihai park is also charming, and contains the delightful, but crowded, Prince Gong’s Garden.