A hot mineral soaking pool is just one of the many amenities on the site of the natural Avila Hot Springs. Camping and other lodging, as well as a heated pool, showers, and an arcade are also available. The Springs themselves have a history that's over a century old.

Built in 1694 as the residence of the future Yongzheng Emperor, the site was later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and remains one of the most important of its kind outside Tibet. The complex is a series of richly decorated halls and courtyards filled with incense smoke and prayer wheels. Inside the Falun Dian stands a bronze statue of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school. The highlight for many is the towering 18-metre-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, housed in the Wanfu Pavilion.

For adrenaline-pumping rides, head to Happy Valley Beijing, Beijing’s main theme park, with six themed zones, around 40 rides, an IMAX theatre, and a shopping area. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, so weekends and holidays can be very busy.