Beijing, China’s capital, blends imperial grandeur—Forbidden City, Great Wall—with modern dynamism, where ancient hutongs meet futuristic skylines, telling stories of past and present.
Highlights:

- Forbidden City Secrets: Explore lesser-known halls like the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where emperors ruled behind the scenes.
- Hutong Renaissance: Stay in a siheyuan (courtyard homestay) in Nanluoguxiang, join dawn tai chi sessions at Temple of Heaven.
- Great Wall Wild Trek: Hike unrestored Jiankou section (3-hour drive from downtown) for photogenic ruins.
Why Recommend:
Beijing blends 3,000 years of history with cutting-edge modernity. Sample Peking duck at Michelin-starred Da Dong, then experience AI-powered shopping at Wangfujing Street. The city’s metro system (¥3-7/ride) makes navigation effortless.
Pro Tip: Visit the Summer Palace on a weekday morning – rent a dragon boat to avoid crowds at Marble Boat.