Built in the early 1400s, around the same time as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors prayed for good harvests. The vast park contains several ceremonial buildings, the most striking being the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its blue-tiled roof and intricate wooden ceiling. The original hall was destroyed by lightning in 1889 but rebuilt soon after. Other highlights include the Hall of Abstinence, where emperors fasted before rituals, and the Circular Mound Altar — a three-tiered marble platform symbolising heaven itself. Today, the park is as much about everyday life as it is about history: locals gather here in the mornings for tai chi, dancing, and music.

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.

Woodstock is considered to be Cape Town's Soho, and when thinking of its venues, green spaces and exciting life during both day and night, this can hardly be denied. At this former quarter of heavy industry, businesses and inhabitants have forged a new district that is already hip but changes and vibrates more and more from one day to the next.

Perched on a petite peninsula on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens form a lush oasis that offers a tranquil retreat. These meticulously manicured gardens afford spectacular views of the lake and mountains, making it an idyllic spot for a picnic. Thanks to its close proximity to the city centre, accessing this serene haven is a breeze.