The Great Wall, rises up beneath, slithering its way like a dragon along the tops of the surrounding mountains. Seen from above, other city sites gradually appear, well ordered and arranged in a grid, in keeping with the principles of Feng Shui. On the ground it’s altogether a different story.

The city is in danger of becoming a mass of tourist sites and tour groups. It’s a good idea then, to plan ahead. Try to take in the more obvious city sites but also to take a break and escape out of the city, away from the tour groups and lose yourself in Beijing’s old streets. So where do you start in this vast mass, the capital of the most populated nation in the world?

Tiananmen Square, symbolically the heart of China, physically the centre of the city, and a witness to the changing history of the nation, is a good place to start exploring and get your bearings. Accommodating up to 10 million people, it is the largest urban square in the world. Take a moment to appreciate the buildings on both sides of the square. Just south is Chairman Mao’s mausoleum, to the west, the Great Hall of The People, and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution to the east.

Just opposite Tiananmen is the Imperial Palace, better known by its unofficial title, the Forbidden City. The largest and most complex preserved palace in China, it’s a great place to explore. Lose yourself in the history and feel lucky that you can. For the Forbidden City used to be just that, - a name which reflects its history, for five centuries and through the reigns of 24 emperors- ordinary subjects were forbidden from even approaching the palace walls.

The Temple Of Heaven, set amidst a large and peaceful park, epitomizes Ming architecture and has become a symbol for Beijing itself. This magnificent temple was once used to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for harvest in ancient times. Today, most visitors simply appreciate the unity and harmony of the design and the sheer beauty of the temple and its surrounds.

Beijing, like many Chinese cities, can seem like one huge tourist Mecca. So it’s certainly worth making the effort to escape the centre and try and see some of the city off the beaten track. The Summer Palace, set above a stunning lake, while a popular destination, is at least big enough to lose some of the crowds. Offering fantastic views, a clear water lake and green hills, the simple and unconstrained style of the palace and gardens will help calm anyone needing a break from the pace of the modern city.

The Great Wall is China’s biggest tourist attraction and for that alone, is worth a visit. The most accessible area of the wall seethes with tourists but a walk gives some idea of the scale of the project.It is possible, to venture further afield to Simati and Mutian Yu and see more of the countryside. The most popular adage, that it is the only man made site visible form the moon, is certainly impressive. The sheer scale and history add to the myth. Take a visit and see if it lives up to its status as one of the eight wonders of the world.

Another great walk, but on a much smaller scale, is along the Hutongs, the small windy alleyways between the city’s main boulevards. Taking a stroll here, you’ll experience the more authentic parts of the city and really get to grips with the old Beijing.

There are other, less well - known sites worth a mention too. Not least, because they reflect the cosmopolitan and changing nature of the city. The Ming Tombs, the White Cloud Temple, the Ancient Observatory, the Islamic Mosque, artist’s residences, universities, parks and hills all add to the fascinating atmosphere in this ancient city which is changing fast, but steeped in ancient culture.

Index of tourist attractions in Beijing

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