Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing

The vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, home to 24 emperors from 1420 to 1912, with nearly a thousand buildings inside its moat and red walls. You enter from the south through the Meridian Gate, walk north through the great ceremonial halls and courtyards, and leave through the Gate of Divine Might at the back. Don't miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Gallery (both small extra charges).

Tickets must be booked online in advance with your passport number (they sell out in busy seasons), and you need the same passport to get in. Numbers are capped each day. It's closed on Mondays except on public holidays. Allow at least half a day.

Afterwards, cross the road from the north gate and climb the hill in Jingshan Park for the best view over the golden roofs of the whole palace. Children under 1.2 m tall go free at many Beijing sites, and on the subway.