Built in the mid-18th century for the Qing emperors as a retreat from the heat of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden centred on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, both man-made. The lake was modelled on Hangzhou’s West Lake, with islands, bridges, and long covered walkways. Scattered around are pavilions, temples, and a recreated riverside street designed to look like a traditional market town. Later restored under Empress Dowager Cixi, it became her favoured residence. Today, it’s worth visiting not just for the palaces themselves, but for the long lakeside walks, shaded courtyards, and the sense of space that feels very different from central Beijing.

Once home to China’s emperors, the Forbidden City has more than 800 buildings and nearly 10,000 rooms. This vast imperial household opened to the public in 1949, and it’s remarkably well-preserved. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, covered in thousands of dragon motifs, hosted grand ceremonies, while the Palace of Heavenly Purity was where emperors lived, with bedrooms and private halls. Walking through the courtyards and along the red walls, it’s easy to feel the scale and ritual of life here.

Hallandsgården, an open-air museum established in 1925, sits on Galgberget in central Halmstad. It serves as a window to the past, featuring a collection of traditional buildings sourced from across Halland. Explore the Eldsberga School House, Hörsåsstugan and historic stables, either independently or with knowledgeable guides. The grounds, flourishing with Portland roses, herbs and hops, are open year-round. In summer, the museum buildings and cafe welcome visitors, with guided tours available for both children and adults.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi dates back to the 13th-century and boasts a beautiful 14th-century cloister. The church also contains the remains of medieval frescoes.