The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a masterpiece of restoration. Mutianyu meaning 'Admire Fields Valley' is the longest fully-restored Great Wall section open to tourists.

• If you want to get further afield, hire a driver and get yourself to one of the rugged, craggy, but sometimes dangerous, “Wild Wall” sections, including Jiankou, Jinshanling and Huanghuacheng (these options are a day trip in themselves).
• Be aware there is usually a long queue for the bus, and some “black cabs” will try to coax you into hiring them. The biggest danger of taking a black cab is of paying over the odds. Remember to pay only once you’re back in the city!

Nan Luo Gu Xiang is one of Beijing's oldest hutongs and has been one of the capital's 25 cultural and historical protection areas since 1990.

It’s time to visit Beijing’s famous hutongs. These are perfect for exploring and getting acquainted with Beijing’s neighbourhood life.

• If you want to experience public transport in Beijing, you can follow this route. From XinShuangQuan Restaurant, take bus H36路 to Huairou North Street Bus stop and transfer to bus 916路快 (express) which alight at 彩各庄 (Choi Gezhuang). Then take Subway Line 10 from Shaoyaoju to Beitucheng and transfer to Subway Line 8 to South Luogu Alley. Walking about 450m you can reach the place.
• The hutongs are most enjoyably navigated on foot, though renting a bike can be pleasant. If you want to do zero legwork, look out for the rickshaw drivers who cheerfully pedal tourists around the Gulou and Houhai areas.
• Here you’ll see outdoor chess games, tofu vendors and specialty shops – as well as a pace of life that is completely different from the busy boulevards that cut through the city today.

Shichahai is a famous scenic area that includes three lakes (Qian Hai, meaning Front Sea; Hou Hai, meaning Back Sea and Xi Hai, meaning Western Sea).

• As a tourist, there’s no shame in enjoying the lakeside views, the people-watching (and the people watching) and stopping in at one of the bars for a quick beer or some food.
• For a better bar experience, get a cab along to the nearby Gulou area, where Beijing’s hipsters convene, and visit one of the more credible establishments in the area around Nanluogu Xiang.