Beijing is where China keeps its imperial soul. The Forbidden City — the largest palace complex on earth — sits at the city's heart, and the Great Wall snakes across the mountains just an hour north. Around them, hutong alleyways survive between gleaming towers, Temple of Heaven draws tai chi practitioners at dawn, and a restaurant scene that ranges from Peking duck in century-old duck houses to avant-garde tasting menus. It's a city of extraordinary scale, but also one of genuine neighbourhood texture — best explored at a pace that allows both the monuments and the backstreets.
- Suggested duration: 4–5 days
- Best time to visit: September–October for clear skies and mild temperatures. Spring (April–May) is pleasant but can be dusty. Avoid mid-summer heat and winter cold if possible.