Built for the 2008 Games, the park is home to two of Beijing’s most recognisable landmarks: the National Stadium (the 'Bird’s Nest') and the National Aquatics Centre (the 'Water Cube'). Both are still in use for sports and events, and they light up at night, which is the best time to see them. The park itself is also one of the largest green spaces in the city, with long open avenues, lakes, and gardens — a good spot for a walk if you’re in the north of Beijing.

Step back in time at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the legendary Model T and the oldest auto plant in the world open to the public. This unassuming brick building was where Henry Ford and his team revolutionized transportation, changing how people lived, worked, and traveled. Explore the original factory floor, admire vintage vehicles, and see where the world’s first affordable car was built.

Tabuk features a diverse range of landscapes, with its mountainous areas offering numerous opportunities for exploration. The most prominent peak is Jabal Al-Lawz, which rises to 2,580 metres above sea level. During the warmer seasons, campers often visit the eastern mountainside, while the mountain is known to be snow-covered in winter.

Undoubtedly one of the world’s top tourism destinations — and officially one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometres across northern China. From Beijing, the easiest section to reach is Badaling, about 70 km from the city. It’s well restored and has a cable car, but it also draws the biggest crowds. Mutianyu is another popular choice with fewer tour groups if you go early. For a wilder feel, head to Simatai or Jinshanling, where much of the wall is original and the hikes are longer. Huanghuacheng is partly submerged by a reservoir, so you get the unusual sight of watchtowers half surrounded by water.