An intoxicating fusion of old and new, Beijing offers an ideal introduction to China, with famous landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, while around Beijing, the ethereal Summer Palace is simply beautiful, and then (of course), there’s the iconic Great Wall, which can be reached in a day trip from the city and is a must-see. Beyond Beijing and around northern China, see the ancient walled city of Pingyao and the historic city of Datong.