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.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

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

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This place is in the guide books but nobody seems to bother with it. It's a real escape from the hustle and bustle outside. There's also a tea shop with friendly staff (unfortunately they don't speak much English) across the street.

Across the road from the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) 100m down the lane on the right, opposite a vegetarian restaurant.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends