Begin in Beijing

A trip to China conjures up thoughts of big bellied pandas and towering ancient structures, but what can you really do once you get here? Begin your trip in Beijing with these Chinese treasures:

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a modern day wonder, stretching 6400 kilometers through the landscape. A major preservation effort has made it accessible to visitors almost everywhere, but different points along the wall can be more physically demanding than others. They also have their own features, like the cable car or chair lift up, and the tobaggon ride down from the wall at Mutianyu.

Badaling is perhaps the most commercial, most crowded and least authentic leg of the wall open to the public. The steps at Simatai are very difficult to manage, and Jinshanling is further away and more rustic. Reaching Mutianyu from Beijing takes roughly two hours, and most visitors said they preferred this stop to the others.

Pearl Market

One of Beijing's best market experiences, this is the place to head if you're looking for jewelry or designer knock offs. It's also a bargaining haven for people who can manage to have fun. Five stories high, the third and fifth supposedly have the best offerings in jade and pearl, and many opportunities to have jewelry designed to your specifications.

Temple of Heaven

An amazing example of Chinese architecture, the real treat at the Temple of Heaven comes with the other visitors. Interaction with street performers and area residents provides a balance between ancient and modern Chinese living.

Shaolin Shows

Kung Fu action! Visitors who enjoy a fast-paced live performance will thoroughly enjoy these choreographed martial arts demonstrations. If you would appreciate a taste of culture without the adrenaline rush, Chinese Opera may be a fun alternative.

The Forbidden City

Home to 24 Emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City remains the largest palace in the world. It was opened for visitors in the 1940's and has provided the public with a look inside the world of ancient Chinese royalty.

Peppered with detail, the palace architecture consists not only of towering buildings but bridges, gates, statuary, and embellishments that bring a sense of mystery to the grounds. Plan for crowds, heat, and walking fit to the ability of your party and you'll have a good day, and remember, the Forbidden City is host to 9,999 rooms. You can't see them all anyway.

A visit to China, even to Beijing, will offer you more attractions than you could see in a year. Considering the other travelers in your party when deciding which favorites to hit will go a long way in creating a satisfying vacation.

Return flights to Beijing from Heathrow start at £430 flying with Air France (price taken from Lastminute.com where you can also find a wide selection of cheap hotels in Beijing).