Of all Beijing’s tourist attractions, there’s none more emblematic of the capital than this vast palace complex at the centre of the city. The Forbidden City earned its name because it was off-limits to mere mortals for some five centuries. Now, anyone can walk in the footsteps of emperors.

The Palace Museum is a must when visiting the Forbidden City, but for a deeper dive into the city’s history head to the Capital Museum or the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Museum. If you prefer modern highlights: don’t miss the radical CCTV Headquarters or the iconic National Stadium – fondly known as the Bird’s Nest.

Find special souvenirs in the city’s many antique stores and flea markets. For vintage clothing and unique trinkets, head to Gulou Dongdajie in Dongcheng. Meanwhile, the sprawling Panjiayuan Flea Market in Chaoyang is packed with antique dealers and curio stores, selling everything from furniture to ornate jewellery and calligraphy brushes.

The historic Wudaoying and Yandaixiejie alleyways have a distinctly contemporary feel these days, lined with independent shops selling Beijing-inspired streetwear and cool vintage homeware. Recharge at modern cafes serving traditional teas or artisanal coffee, while food options range from Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine to Western brunch fare.

Beijing may be the birthplace of Peking duck, but it’s got plenty of other tasty treats to offer. Munch your way down Huguosi Hutong Snack Street in Xicheng – the savoury jianbing crepes are a breakfast favourite. Over on Wangfujing Snack Street in Dongcheng, you’ll find skewered scorpions alongside candied fruit.

China’s contemporary art scene is thriving. The 798 Art Zone is one of the capital’s oldest-standing artists’ communities and has become one of Beijing’s most popular tourist spots. You can easily spend a day wandering around the many galleries carved out of the decommissioned factory grounds in the area.

Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors came to pray. This Taoist temple is also famed for its acoustical engineering: face the circular Echo Wall and you’ll be able to hear your counterpart on the other side, some 60 metres away.

The Summer Palace was the retreat of choice for emperors during the hottest months of the year. Today, this complex of lakes, gardens and palaces is one of Beijing’s most popular attractions. Arrive early to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet that would have prevailed back in imperial times.

You can't leave Beijing without having stood atop China's most iconic monument. Stretching more than 20,000 kilometres across 15 provinces, the Unesco World Heritage Site is the world’s longest man-made structure. The Mutianyu section is an easy day trip, with imposing watchtowers, steep ramparts and a classic vista of the wall snaking away.