Not to say that the 'New' Summer Palace isn't worth seeing - it is - but escape the crowds here at the 1709 original. Left in ruins by a joint act of vandalism by British and French troops (the English disease was alive and well, even in 1860), a lot still survives. You'll certainly be surprised at the mock Grecian architecture, evidence that even during the Qing Dynasty China did sometimes look out to the world.

Qinghua Xilu 28, Wudaokou.

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For a comprehensive view of Chinese history encompassing its trinity of influential philosophies, take an afternoon to visit Beijing’s Taoist and Confucian temples, finishing up at the Buddhist Lamasery. Far more enlightening than a tiresome push and shove round the Forbidden City or the Great Wall at Badaling.

Best itinerary is to take a taxi to Baiyun Guan (White Cloud Tao Temple) on Baiyun Guan Lu. Then taxi it to Kong Miao (Confucian Temple) and finally cross the road to Yonghe Gong (Tibetan Lamasery) - both are on Yonghe Gong Dajie, close to Yonghe Gong Metro.

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Face it - you might think you're going to visit every far-flung corner of the Middle Kingdom but if you're only in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, forget it. Instead head for this Tibetan Lamasery. The largest of its kind outside the real deal, with its aroma of incense and yak butter, it’s a brief taste of the roof of the world.

Yonghe Gong Dajie 12

Yonghe Gong Metro Station

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