What else combines the privacy of a Swiss bank, the convenience of a public toilet and the gaudiness of Hollywood?

Love hotels offer beds (sometimes of the revolving or water variety) at about 4,000 yen for a couple of hours' "rest" or around 8,000 yen for the whole night. At the most basic, the automated mini-bars offer condoms and vibrators along with pep drinks and beer.

The more outlandish hotels offer steamy jungle rooms, S&M dungeons and even a full-scale replica of Queen Elizabeth's coronation couch.

Usually found close to entertainment districts or by the side of motorways and are easily spotted by their outlandish exteriors, which include such features as fairy castle ramparts, replicas of the statue of liberty and mock Spanish galleons.

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Ryogoku district sumo stables. What is left of the floating world of old Japan can be glimpsed in the north-east of Tokyo, home to the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters, the magnificent Asukusa Kannon temple and the sumo stables of the Ryogoku district. Some of the latter allow visitors to watch the practice sessions for free. You will have to set your alarm clock, though, as training can start as early as 4am, but it is worth the effort to get an insight into the traditional and hierarchical world of sumo. Seeing these giants limber up by slapping huge wooden pillars - or each other - is an impressive enough spectacle; watching them humbly sweep the floor is even more memorable. For those who want to probe a little deeper, there is a sumo museum in the area.

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Three different routes are available into the city: Xidan, Gongzhufen and Zhongguancun. Xidan is the most central destination and the most popular. Each bus runs every half an hour between 6am and 10.30pm from outside arrivals. They also stop at major hotels along the eighteen mile journey. Taxis are an alternative, but it may be wise to ensure you have your destination written down in Chinese. The journey by car will take approximately one hour.

www.bcia.com.cn/en/

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Have a look at That's Beijing for what's going on in the city.

www.thatsbj.com/

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Cheap and cheerful dormitory accommodation for 70rmb, with cosy football bar and reliable internet access.

Tel: 6416 7810. www.redhouse.com.cn/

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Remarkable modern decor, imaginatively presented dishes and very fine tea.

54, Tayuancun, near East gate of the Workers’ Stadium; Tel; 6468 5903

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Offers authentic North Korean food and entertainment. It should. All the staff are state employees and wear the mandatory Kim Il Sung lapel badges.

Near the west gate of Chaoyang Park

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A tranquil mix of Ming architecture, mathematical genius and wide-open space. Depending on your mood, this is the place where your mind can either wander, empty or fill.

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The World of Suzie Wong, near the west entrance of Chaoyang Park, is as notorious as it is famous. But the mix of opium den-style curtained alcoves, terrace views across the park and thumping beats ought to be experienced at least once.

West gate of Chaoyang Park (above Mirch Masala); Tel: 6593 7889

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Just a few decades ago this was almost the only accommodation for foreign tourists. Today, it is still the hotel of choice for visiting statesmen so expect to pay through the nose. Prices start at $180 to $9,000.

33 Chang’anjie street, Dongcheng District; Tel: 86-10-6513 7766; Nearest metro: Wangfujing; www.chinabeijinghotel.com.cn/

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A courtyard hotel that was formerly the residence of Chiang Kaishek, offers decent rooms for 300-800 rmb per night.

7, Houyuan Ensi Hutong; Tel: 6403-1114

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The history of this district stretches back 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty. For 120 rmb per night, you get to stay in an old courtyard house in a lively neighbourhood full of boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Nanluogu Xiang hutong, Xicheng area; Tel: 8400-2429

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Located in Beihai Park, once an imperial garden, the restaurant offers exquisite imperial food of former Qing Dynasty. Waitresses in period garb lead you to the dining room, which is splendid, with high painted ceilings and traditional Chinese art. 200-300 rmb per person.

Beihai Park, near the east gate; Tel: 010 6401 1879

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This is the place for mutton hot pot, a traditional northern dish. Expect to pay about 40rmb per head.

No 130 Wangfujing Dajie Street, Dongcheng District; Tel: 86 10 6528 0932; www.donglaishun.com/

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Directed by Zhang Yang, it is a truly modern – and award-winning - Beijing tale of what happens to a community when their public bathhouse is threatened with demolition.

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A travelogue that starts and finishes in a Beijing alleyway, but takes the reader through the geographic and political hinterlands of China in the 1980s.

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Neither the biggest nor the most beautiful of Beijing’s parks, but it is filled with a gentle communal life rather than hordes of tourists. For the 1rmb entry fee, you can see Beijing opera singers, somersaulting gymnasts, kite-flyers, pavement ballroom dancers, tai-chi practitioners and badminton players. If you feel like peace and quiet, there are quiet groves around the edges.

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Keep the kids happy with a boat ride on the lake in Chaoyang park, followed by a wander through the nearby fairground.

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For a taste of old Beijing, hire a bicycle and ride through the hutongs and leafy cycle lanes.

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The 10km stretch of the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Sumatai makes for an unforgettable hike. Wake early for the three-hour bus or taxi ride to the start and expect to return to Beijing in the early evening. The steep and crumbling steps are manageable. The only real hazard are the hawkers, whose stamina is pursuing tourists with bags full of bottled water and canned beer is as infuriating as it is impressive.

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