Spanning a vast 68 hectares, Beihai Park is the oldest imperial garden in the world. Take a pleasurable boat ride to Qingdao (Jade) Island and see the 36m-tall White Pagoda, believed to hold the relics and ashes of Buddhist monks. Embark on a stroll around the island and be impressed by the impromptu performances of traditional Chinese music under the charming pavilions.

Visit the two-storey Painted Gallery walkway or dine where Empress Cixi dined at the Fangshan Restaurant. Admire the Nine Dragon Screen, which features a 27m-long glazed tile wall, emblazoned with nine dragons. This is believed to ward off evil spirits. Be sure to experience the Five Dragon Pavillion, where the Emperor and his concubines once fished. In addition, visit the Hall of Received Light to see the stunning 1.6m-tall Buddha statue, carved from a single slab of white jade and inlaid with gems, which was a gift from a Cambodian monarch to Emperor Guangxu back in the day.