Beijing

China’s capital is a place of extremes. It has one of the world’s highest populations and is the very definition of a 21^st-century city, yet nestled amongst the concrete, glass and glittering high rises is a patchwork of ancient temples and royal residences.

Beijing’s history dates back thousands of years, one of the main reasons why it is such a captivating place to visit. What began as a trading centre for the north eastern frontier of China became the seat of the country’s most powerful imperial dynasties. It was chosen as the capital of the People’s Republic in 1949 and since then has launched itself onto the world stage, most notably with the Olympic Games in 2008. This is just a snapshot of Beijing’s immense history, and exploring the city’s incredible historic sights is the best way to wrap your head around it all.

Visit the Forbidden City, a sprawling complex that was once the royal residences of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties; stroll around the beautiful gardens of the Summer Palace; and encounter an altogether more recent history at Tiananmen Square. And, of course, there’s the Great Wall of China that winds its way across the hills north of the city.

Look up and you’ll see countless examples of Beijing’s modern architectural styles, from the silver space age CCTV Headquarters to the smooth lines of the Galaxy SOHO complex. It is the blend of the old and the new that give Beijing its charm.

Just as the architecture echoes Beijing’s melting pot of cultural heritage, so do the people. Take time to simply sit back and watch the fusion of people pass by, from ex-pats to migrant workers to new money, before trying your hand at market haggling and mastering the art of chopstick dining. It’s fair to say there is nowhere else quite like Beijing and it’s an essential part of any trip to this vast and beautiful country.