China kept itself to itself for thousands of years, and foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic country. There is a great deal to discover in this, the world's most populated country, with more than 1.3 billion citizens, and the third largest in the world territorially. What makes it attractive as a destination for Western tourists is its fascinating culture and valuable antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors are there to behold, along with adventures along the legendary ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. The Forbidden Palace, Great Wall, and X'ian's Terracotta Army, are just some of the incredible attractions to be seen in this ancient Eastern empire.

The People's Republic of China has been under communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing social and economic development. Emphasis is being placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. China is opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are flooding in to be amazed and awed. Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. The major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metropolises offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the northern areas.

The Bund

Address: Shanghai

The picturesque Bund, Shanghai's waterfront promenade stretching for one mile (2km) along the bank of the Huangpu River, was once the most famous street in Asia, and is still renowned for its strip of Art Deco buildings. One of the grandest of these buildings, formerly the City Communist Party headquarters, is now the home of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The wide riverfront promenade on the east bank of the river provides a captivating view of Shanghai, particularly at night. From the Bund visitors can take a river trip down the Huangpu to the mouth of the Yangtse. Boats leave regularly from the Shiliupu Pier south of the Bund and the trip takes about three hours.

Shanghai Museum

Address: 201 Renmin Avenue Shanghai

Admission: Free Daily 9am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)21 6372 5300

The new Shanghai Museum is situated on the People's Square, the political and cultural centre of Shanghai. The square itself boasts a giant musical fountain and some attractive green recreational areas where locals dance and fly kites. It is surrounded by the City Hall, an underground shopping centre and the Grand Shanghai Theatre. It is the Shanghai Museum, opened in 1996, however, that draws the most interest. The building is shaped like a giant bronze urn, and the museum contains a collection of 123,000 cultural artefacts in 21 categories. Chief among the museum's collections are bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy and art works.

Yuyuan Gardens

Address: Shanghai

The Yuyuan Gardens date back to 1559 to the Ming Dynasty, and are the best example of Chinese classical gardens in Shanghai. The relatively small gardens are laid out in an intricate design with pavilions, rockeries, ponds and a traditional theatre arranged in an ornate maze. The gardens are on Yuyuan Street in downtown Shanghai and can be reached via the Town God Temple Market, a warren of shops and stalls that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist bazaar.

Hangzhou

Address: Shanghai

Hangzhou, about 120 miles (190km) south of Shanghai, is one of China's designated seven famous ancient capital cities. It is also the provincial capital of Zhejiang province. Known for its scenic beauty it has been tagged 'Paradise on Earth'. Hangzhou touts two scenic resorts: the West Lake and another section encompassing the Fuchun River and Thousand-Islet Lake. These resorts are dotted with 'willow pattern' scenes like weeping willows, peach trees, stone bridges, rockeries and painted pavilions, interspersed with ancient tombs, monasteries and temples.

Qin Terracotta Army Museum

Address: Xi'an

Admission: ¥90 (March to November); ¥65 (December to February) Daily 8am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)29 8139 9001

A group of peasants digging a well north of Mount Lishan in Lintong county, about 18 miles (30km) from Xi'an, in 1974 unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Because the site of the discovery was just one mile (2km) from the as yet unexcavated tomb of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, who ruled between 246 and 210 BC, archaeologists grew excited. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers and their horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow Emperor Qin into eternity. The pits containing the army are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions. The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed within a hangar-like building to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum. Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses, complete with hay, that were buried with him as well as about 20 tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249ft (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures.

Shaanxi Provincial History Museum

Address: Xi'an

Admission: 9am to 5pm (November to March); 8.30am to 6pm (April to October); closed Mondays

The graceful complex of buildings that constitute the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum in Xi'an's southern suburbs is built in the style of a Tang Dynasty pavilion, and is in itself worth seeing. The museum's exhibits, however, are even more breathtaking, consisting of 113,000 artefacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Quing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period.

Banpo Village Remains

Address: Xi'an

Admission: ¥35 (March to November), ¥25 (December to February) Daily 8.30am to 5pm

On a 538 square foot (50,000 sq metre) site east of Xi'an city, on the bank of the Chanhe River, are the remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5,000BC. The remains were discovered in 1953 by workers laying the foundations for a factory, and are the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. The site contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 storage pots, a collection of pottery and tools, a pottery-making centre and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture. There is an on-site museum, built in 1958, constructed over the excavation site with two smaller exhibition halls displaying the archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed at the site.

Huaqing Hot Springs

Address: Xi'an

Admission: ¥70 (high season), otherwise ¥40 Daily 9am to 5pm

The hot springs about 22 miles (35km) east of Xi'an city, at the base of the Lishan Mountains, is where the ancient emperors bathed and relaxed in scenic surroundings. The spa has been operating since the days of the Tang Dynasty, and its warm (109°F/43°C) mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today. The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. The ancient imperial bathing pools can be visited, including the Hibiscus pool, dating from 712AD, which has been restored and is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty. Another attraction at the Springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge. This bridge reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow.

Great Mosque

Address: Huajue Lane Xi'an

Admission: ¥25 Daily 8am to 7.30pm. Non-Muslims are not allowed entry during times of prayer or into the main prayer hall

Pride of China's Islamic community, of whom about 60,000 live in Xi'an city, is the Great Mosque near the Drum Tower in the Muslim residential area. Islam came to China along with Arab merchants and travellers in around 600AD. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742AD during the Tang Dynasty. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is rectangular in shape, divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways and admire the furniture and fittings, most of which date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colourful relief.

Potala Palace

Address: Moburi (Red) Mountain, Lhasa Tibet

Admission: ¥100 Daily 9.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm

The vast Potala Palace stands on a clifftop above Lhasa, considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning, but restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he became political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the Dalai Lamas' official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959. The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It consists of two main sections: The White Palace is the secular section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and printing house. The Red Palace is the ornate sacred sanctuary containing chapels where mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas lay, and the Great West Hall, with its fine rich murals.

Jokhang Temple

Address: Lhasa Tibet

Admission: ¥75 Daily 9am to 6pm

The Jokhang Temple lies in the heart of old Lhasa. It was built nearly 1,300 years ago but remains the spiritual centre of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all over the region who come to demonstrate piety to Buddha. The original structure was enlarged under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and it now stands as the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural design. The temple contains numerous valuable cultural relics and sacred sculptures, and features some magnificent murals in the main hall. An annual prayer festival is held in the temple, which is also the venue for the initiation of the Dalai Lamas.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Address: Shigatse Tibet

Admission: ¥55 Daily 9am to 5pm (closed between 12pm and 2pm)

Tashilhunpo is one of Tibet's most revered and influential monasteries, lying about a mile (2km) to the west of Shigatse at the base of Drolmari Mountain. It dates from 1477, having been founded by the first Dalai Lama, and became the seat of the Panchen Lama in 1713. The monastery today houses about 800 monks in its 3,229 square foot (300 sq m) buildings. The oldest section of the monastery is the main chanting hall that houses the throne of the Panchen Lama. The tallest section is the Maitreya Chapel, which contains the world's largest brass statue of Maitreya. The seated figure is 86ft (26m) high and contains extraordinary amounts of gold, brass and about 1,400 precious gems.

Mount Everest

Address: Tibet

The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North Col climbing route of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest, towering 29,028ft (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and Nepal. The Tibetan name for the peak is Mount Quomolangma, which means 'The third goddess'. Access to the Everest Base Camp is via the town of Tinggri. About 20 miles (30km) from the town tracks take climbers on a 48-mile (78km) trek to the camp. About six miles (10km) from the base camp is the highest monastery on earth, Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 16,728ft (5,099m). The monastery is being restored and offers hostel accommodation. Just south of the monastery is the world-renowned Rongbuk Glacier.

Palkhor Monastery

Address: Gyangze Tibet

Admission: ¥40 Daily 9am to 4pm

The unique Palkhor (Baiju) Monastery is sited about 143 miles (230km) south of Lhasa and 62 miles (100km) east of Shigatse, at the foot of Dzong Hill. It has an unusual structural style and houses a collection of pure silk costumes worn in Tibetan opera, all richly embroidered, that date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The monastery is also unique in that it is the only one known to accommodate monks from three different orders: the Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Kahdampa monks all get along famously.

Forbidden City

Address: Beijing

Admission: ¥60 (April to October); ¥40 (November to March) Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm (1 November to 31 March); 8.30am to 5pm (1 April to 31 October)

Lying at the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the biggest and best preserved complex of ancient buildings in China, and the largest palace complex in the world. Construction of the palace complex began in 1407 and for 500 years this inner sanctum was off-limits to most of the world as the emperors lived in luxury, secluded from the masses, surrounded by their families, court officials, servants, eunuchs, concubines and other members of court. The Forbidden City and its centrepiece, the magnificent palace, have a permanent restoration squad, which continually works to keep the 800 buildings and 9,999 rooms inside the Forbidden City complex in top repair. The once Forbidden City is now open to all visitors.

Tiananmen Square

Address: Beijing

The famous square at the heart of Beijing, recently renovated, is still not much to look at, but it attracts curious tourists simply because it was the scene of so many historic events and is the largest city square in the world. In the ancient imperial days it was a gathering place and the site of government offices, but more modern history, particularly the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators, has made it a site of great political significance. Major rallies took place in the square during the Cultural Revolution when Mao Tse Tung reviewed military parades up to a million strong. The square is surrounded by several monuments, some ancient and some modern, including the former gates to the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Qianmen (the front gate); the Chinese Revolution Museum; and the Mao Mausoleum where China's former leader lays preserved in state.

Great Wall of China

Address: Beijing

Several sections of the Great Wall of China, a man-made phenomenon that has become a symbol of Chinese civilisation, can be viewed in the Beijing area. In Yanqing county in northwest Beijing is the 600-year-old Badaling Fortification, representative of the Ming dynasty sections of the Great Wall. Other sections can be seen at Jinshanling, Mutianyu and Simatai. The Great Wall, 4,000 miles (6,350km) long, was built in stages from the 7th century BC onwards, snaking its way across the mountains and valleys of five provinces in northern China as a mammoth defence bulwark.

Summer Palace

Address: Beijing

Admission: ¥25 (November to March), ¥35 (April to October) Daily 7am to 5pm (November to March), 6.30am to 6pm (April to October)

The magnificent Summer Palace in northwest Beijing at Kunming Lake was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908. The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who enter through the East Palace gate, pass through a grand courtyard into the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples, and the Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the Garden of Moral Harmony is a must-see, as is the long corridor that skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat, an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and stained glass.

Zhoukoudian Cave

Address: Zhoukoudian, Fangshan Beijing

Admission: ¥20 (adults), concessions available

About 25 miles (40km) south of Beijing in the Fangshan District is the Zhoukoudian Cave, source of the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils from any single site in the world. The fossils recovered from Zhoukoudian represent about forty individuals. Most famous of these remains is a cranium element commonly known as the 'Peking Man', the world's earliest fire-using primitive man who lived between 200,000 and 700,000 years ago. German anatomist Franz Weidenreich studied the Peking Man remains in the 1930s and recognised 12 anatomical features that he believed Peking Man shared with modern Chinese, a milestone in the study of paleoanthropology. Visitors to the Zhoukoudian site on Dragon Bone Hill can view a comprehensive seven-room exhibition of fossils and artefacts depicting human evolution and the lifestyle of primitive man. Visitors can also enter the cave where the Peking Man cranium and other Homo erectus remains were found.

Chairman Mao Mausoleum

Address: South end of Tiananmen Square Beijing

Admission: Free

Although Chairman Mao Zedong requested to be cremated it was decided hours after his death in 1976, that he would be embalmed. Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China from 1945 until his death, it is said that after his death doctors reportedly pumped him so full of formaldehyde that his body swelled excessively. After draining the corpse and getting it back to a suitable state, they created a wax model of Mao Zedong, lest his body wouldn't recuperate. It is unknown today, which version of the Great Helmsman is on display at the Mausoleum at any given time. The Mausoleum itself was built in 1977, on the prior site of the Gate of China, the main gate of the Imperial City during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Beihai Park

Address: Wenjin Jie 1 Beijing

Admission: ¥10 April to October, ¥5 November to March Daily 6am to 10pm

A place of tranquillity and grand imperial beauty, the Beihai Park in Beijing is a peaceful natural haven after a long morning of busy sightseeing. One of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in China, the history of Beihai Park extends over 1,000 years to the ancient Liao dynasty (916-1125AD). Built up through five dynasties, the park is an emblem of olde worlde China and the ancient Chinese art of landscaped gardens with artificial hills, colourful pavilions and intricate temples, dominates. Kublai Khan lived in what is now the Round City of Beihai Park and the Tibetan style White Dagoba, built in 1651 on Jade Island (JiongHua), is a landmark for both Beihai Park and Beijing, having been constructed on the suggestion of a famous Tibetan Lama priest, NaomuHan.

798 Space

Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Dashanzi Art District, Chaoyang District Beijing

Admission: Free Daily from 10.30am to 7.30pm everyday

Telephone: (0)10 5978 9180

Beijing's prominent art district is home to 798 Space, a former electronics factory, which built components for China's first atomic bomb and early satellites. Exhibiting the latest in contemporary Chinese art in its lofty space, 798 Space is a visual delight to any traveller. Besides the regular national and international exhibitions, there is also a film and video viewing area and a tempting gallery bookshop. The precinct itself is dotted with avant-garde statues, charming coffee shops and noodle bars, and a plethora of other wonderful art galleries to visit.

Great Bell Temple

Address: Bei San Huan Xi Lu 31A Beijing

Admission: ¥10; ¥12 to climb the Bell Tower Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm

Telephone: (0)10 6255 0819

The Qing Temple is home to the Ancient Bell Museum (Gu Zhong Bowuguan) and is a must see for travellers en route to the Summer Palace. The temple, originally known as 'Awakened Life Temple', apparently wasn't experiencing enough 'awakening' and a 47-ton bell, with a height of 22.77 feet (6.94m) was transported to the temple on ice sleds in 1743. The bell is inscribed with Buddhist Mantras on both the inside and outside of the body and features over 227,000 characters in all. The bell was often chosen by the emperors to pray for rain and blessings for the people of China and was one of three projects that Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) commanded after re-establishing Beijing as the capital. The other two were the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The bell is considered as an auspicious article in the Chinese tradition and nowadays it is rung 108 times to begin the celebrations at grand ceremonies.

The Underground City

Address: Xi Damochang Jie 64 Beijing

Admission: ¥20 Open daily from 8.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)10 6702 2657

For more than 20 years, Beijing's Underground City, a bomb shelter just beneath the ancient capital's downtown area built in case of nuclear attack, has been virtually forgotten by Beijing locals, despite being infamous amongst foreigners since its official opening in 2000. A sign near the entrance announces this rarely visited attraction a 'human fairyland and underground paradise'. Aside from some rather odd recent additions, the Underground City features factories, stores, guesthouses, restaurants, hospitals, schools, theatres, reading-rooms, a roller-skating rink and many other curious features. Built from 1969 to 1979 by more than 300,000 local citizens including school children, The tunnels were initially built to accommodate all of Beijing's six million inhabitants upon completion. Winding for over 18 miles (30 km) and covering an area of 85 square kilometers from eight to eighteen meters under the surface, the underground City includes more than 1,000 anti-air raid structures.

Beijing Aquarium

Address: Gaoliang Qiao Xiejie 18B Beijing

Admission: ¥100 9am to 5.30pm (October to May); 9am to 6pm (June to September)

Telephone: (0)10 6217 6655

Located within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium is the world's largest inland aquarium. It's an absolute must see with features such as an imaginative Amazon rainforest, complete with piranha, as well as an exquisite shark aquarium where the very brave can plunge into the tank with these infamous predators. Families flock to see the dolphin shows at 11am and 3pm and a boat from the canal south of the aquarium runs to the Summer Palace, giving visitors the opportunity to sightsee while en route to the attraction.

The Beijing National Stadium

Address: Olympic Green, Beijing Beijing

Also known as The Bird's Nest due to its appearance, this colossal stadium was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, hosting all of the track and field events as well the opening and closing ceremonies. The unique-looking steel support structures framing the stadium, weigh in at 110, 000 tons (99,790kg), making the stadium the largest steel structure in the world. A hotel and a shopping mall are planned within close proximity to the stadium to promote the venue as a site of future attraction. It is currently being prepared to host soccer games and, already, international bands are looking to the Bird's Nest as a performance space for the Beijing leg of their tours. The Water Cube, where all the swim events were held, is a stone's throw from the Bird's Nest and will be converted into a water park for the public to enjoy sometime in late 2009.

Happy Valley Amusement Park (Beijing Huanle Gu)

Address: Xiao Wu Ji Bei Lu, Dong Si Huan (East Fourth Ring Road) Beijing

Admission: ¥160 (adults); ¥80 (children) Open daily from 1 April to 14 November from 9am - 7:30 pm; 15 November to 31 March from 10am - 5pm

Telephone: 010 6738 3333

This amusement park, which opened in 2006, is a fantastic place to spend the day with the little ones. Featuring 40 rides, such as the Energy Collector, Trojan Horse and the Crystal Wing Rollercoaster, and IMAX Theatre and even a shopping centre, kids of all ages will have a screaming good time at the Happy Valley Amusement Park.

Milu Park

Address: Nan Haizi Milu Yuan, Daxing Qu Beijing

Admission: Free Open daily from 8am – 5.30pm

Telephone: 010 8796 2105

Milu Park is a large public park located in Beijing is the perfect place to take the kids for a picnic for the day. With plenty of open space to run around, Milu Park is also an ecological research centre and serves as natural park for Beijing's animals. Milu deer, which nearly became extinct in the 1800s and which the park is named after are one of the park's best attractions and kids will love trying to spot these creatures.

Sony ExploraScience

Address: Inside Chaoyang Gongyuan (Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang Qul Beijing

Admission: ¥30 (adults); ¥20 (children) Open Monday to Friday from 9:30am - 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am - 7:30pm

Telephone: 010 6501 8800

The fascinating Sony ExploraScience museum is an interactive educational centre encouraging children to take an interest in science. The museum features live science shows and interactive educational exhibits combined with Sony's latest digital technology. The museum is divided into four themed sections, covering illusion, refraction, light and sounds. All small enquiring minds will love a trip to the Sony ExploraScience.

Beijing World Park

Address: 158 Dabaotai, Huaxiang Township, Fengtai District Beijing

Admission: ¥65 per person Open daily from 1 April to 31 October from 8am – 6pm; 1 November to 31 March from 8am – 5pm

The Beijing World Park features 100 miniature models of some of the world's most famous attractions from over 50 countries across the globe. A great place for the kids to learn and enjoy naming the attractions as they stroll through the replicas, sight such as Egypt's Great Pyramids, France's Eiffel Tower, India's Taj Mahal and even New York City's Manhattan island, complete with Empire State Building and World Trade Center.

Fundazzle

Address: Gongti Nan Road Beijing

Admission: Weekdays: ¥30 per child. Weekends: ¥15 per child. Adults free Open Monday to Friday from 9am - 5:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 7pm

Telephone: 010 6500 4193

The perfect place to take the kids on a rainy day, Fundazzle features ball pools, trampolines, a two-storey jungle gym, a toddler area with cars, swings, seesaws and houses. On the weekends there are even arts and crafts classes and performances for the kids to enjoy.

Aria

Address: Jianguo Men Wai Dajie, inside the China World Hotel Beijing

Food Type: International

With a pleasant outdoor garden enclosure, this restaurant is an ideal lunch venue from which to take in some fresh air. Also, this pricey eatery boasts a reasonable and generous lunch menu - perfect for that business lunch. Travellers with more to spend might want to dine inside the venue, where live music and a late bar will complement the night out.

Lily Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: Bei San Huan Jimen Qiao, Jimen Fandian, Xicheng & Haidian Beijing

Food Type: Vegetarian

This vegetarian restaurant chain comes highly recommended, even among the most ardent of meat lovers. Generous servings, at a decent price, and innovative cooking with a uniquely Chinese flair keep the locals coming back for more. Try the yam broth with mushrooms, vegetarian sushi rolls and seasonal organic vegetables.

Otto's Restaurant

Address: Dongdan Dajie 72 Beijing

Food Type: Chinese

The inside of Otto's is vaguely reminiscent of a high school cafeteria; what sets it apart is that this is authentic Chinese dining at its most affordable. The house specialises in claypot dishes, the most remarkable of which is their fried rice with sausage and chicken.

Xibei Youmian Cun

Address: Yayun Cun Anyuan 8 Lou Beijing

Food Type: Chinese

This is a cosy family restaurant with a wholesome atmosphere. Most of the dishes come with a sizable jug of thick suannai yoghurt, which can be (if used strategically) a delicious compliment to your meal; their lamb skewers, cubes and roast beef are certainly best savoured when stewed in their own juices.

Dao Jia Chang

Address: Guangxi Men Beili 20 Beijing

Food Type: Chinese

The word 'chaotic' is often bandied about when travellers describe this restaurant; the other word you're likely to hear is 'delicious' - in relation to the food. In and among the scrambling, screaming waiters you'll find the tasty Jingjiang Rousi (shredded pork rolled in tofu skin with scallion) and Yangrou Madoufu (mashed tofu and whole soybeans drizzled in lamb oil) well worth a somewhat distracting dining affair.

Café Sambal

Address: Doufu Chi Hutong 43 Beijing

Food Type: Asian

The word is that this modest looking little courtyard restaurant has a flawless menu. Everything from their kangkung belacan (water spinach) to the spicy signature dish, the Kapitan chicken, is exquisite and their Malaysian chef takes great pride in his work.

Quanjude Kaoyadian

Address: 32 Qianmen Xi Dajie, Chongwen District Beijing

Food Type: Chinese

Peking duck is quintessential Beijing and to taste where it all began head to this famous haunt where the recipe was created more than 150 years ago. The duck can be prepared a number of ways with a number of parts, not all of which sound appetizing, but unless you are a Peking connoisseur the best way to first enjoy this delicacy is one roast duck straight up.

Fangshan

Address: Beihai Gongyuannei , inside Beihai Park's south gate Beijing

Food Type: Chinese

Chinese royalty were renowned picky eaters and ate only specialty dishes with carefully selected ingredients with even more carefully selected names. Such dining gave way to its own culinary tradition that can be enjoyed at the enormous banquet style dining hall with such imperial classics as 'jade phoenix returning to the royal'. Choosing from a huge selection of dishes is a fun way to eat like an emperor.

Maison Boulud

Address: Ch'ianmen 23, Qian Men Dong da Jie Beijing

Food Type: French

This well received new restaurant brings New York bistro style and French dining tradition together in the old American embassy in Beijing. Despite international cuisine such as Stuled Suckling Pig in the Style of the City of Nice, the ingredients are local and fresh. This is considered one of the city's finest restaurants. Reservations are advised.

China Grill

Address: Park Hayatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District Beijing

Food Type: International

Sixty six floors above the sparkling city makes any dish seem dazzling but the views aren't the only reason to eat at China Grill. The international menu is a simple selection of fine dining with both Chinese dishes and grilled western classics. The romantic ambiance is set by a surprisingly cosy interior surrounded by floor to ceiling windows for a 360-degree view of the city.