The Temple of Confucius was built in 1302 and is the second largest temple constructed for Confucius, the great thinker and educationalist from the days of ancient China. People flocked here to pay homage during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties

Built between 1750 and 1764, it is an outstanding masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Dowager Empress Cixi took up permanent residence here for a while, giving rise to some wonderful tales of extravagance and excess.

The hutong alleyways are the best place to see and feel Beijing’s authentic culture. These narrow lanes also hide many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

On 4 May 1919, over 3,000 Chinese students in Beijing poured into public spaces, including Tiananmen Square, to protest against the treatment of China by Western powers, and in particular by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

For nearly 600 years, the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled China from behind the imposing red walls of the Forbidden City.

Tiananmen Square is the symbolic heart of China and a gathering place for the masses. It is one of the largest public squares in the world and can hold one million people.

Step back in time to ancient China with a visit to the famed Great Wall, one of the most remarkable structures on Earth. This UNESCO-listed attraction is an incredible feat of engineering.

Step back in time to ancient China with a walk along the famed Great Wall, one of the most remarkable structures on Earth. This UNESCO-listed attraction is an incredible feat of engineering.

The hutongs are a labyrinth of narrow lanes in the old quarter of Beijing that date back over 300 years. They are draped in history and the unique architecture offers an insight into past times in the capital, before glass and steel replaced brick and mortar.

While many residents have called this area home for generations, it is also sprinkled with signs of contemporary life, with trendy bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques lining the pedestrianised streets.