Overlooking the marina, this statue represents The Genius of Navigation. First cast in 1801, it was destroyed during World War II but later restored and has stood proudly here ever since. Affectionately nicknamed "Cuverville" after an admiral of the same name, it also lends itself to the playful joke of "bum-facing-the-city" (Cul-vers-Ville).

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.

At the Mercado do Bolhão, you will find a bright and vibrant open-air market brimming with fresh produce such as olives, cheese, and freshly baked bread. Known for its lively atmosphere, this is a great way to start the day, grab some breakfast or stock up on supplies for a day of sightseeing.

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.