A historical tour of Beijing through 5 sites

The place we know as Beijing today has seen the rise and fall of dynasties and the comings and goings of millions of people. Let's see the development of Chinese capital through five unmissable historical sites.

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Capital Museum

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A vast space with multiple levels, the Capital Museum is a comprehensive look at how Beijing has developed, starting with its earliest days of inhabitation. The most interesting section is the highest floor, dedicated to the folk art and customs of old Beijing. Here, you can see artifacts from the past, including hand-sewn silk ‘tiger shoes’ (cloth slippers were typically worn by children with the face of a lion), festival props like lion-dance heads, Peking opera costumes and more.

Yuan Dadu City Wall

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Beijing was first designated as a capital in the Yuan Dynasty, which was founded by the grandson of Genghis Khan. Across different dynasties, the boundaries of Beijing fluctuated. The second ring road that traces a shape around Central Beijing is the city border established during the Ming Dynasty. But the earliest city fortification was built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. Remnants of this wall can be seen in an open-air park just above the third ring road.

Shijia Hutong Museum

Once Beijing was selected as a capital, it began to grow and attract people from around the country. Outside of the emperor’s palace, the common folk would live in single-level courtyard homes made of timber called siheyuan (literally translated means ‘four-jointed courtyard’). The history of these structures and the narrow alleyways that formed the arteries of the city is presented at the Shijia Hutong Museum. The hutong lanes dominated old Beijing for some 700 years but many have been demolished to make way for multi-lane roads and more space-efficient apartment blocks. Learn more about this distinct part of Beijing history while it still stands.

Beijing Postcard Museum

This intimate exhibition space focusses on the historic Dashilar neighborhood, located just south of Tiananmen Square. For centuries, this part of Beijing has been home to the city’s greatest artisans and performers. It has also acted as the Ellis Island of Beijing, the first point of entry for migrants from around the country. The Beijing Postcard Museum has amassed a small collection of beautiful maps that present how the city has evolved in recent centuries.

Peking Man

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Discovered in 1923-1927, and then incredibly misplaced during World War II, the fossil remains of Peking Man were unearthed near Beijing in the town of Zhoukoudian. This skeleton of Homo erectus pekinensis is estimated to have lived around 400,000 years ago. Zhoukoudian is about a 1.5-hour drive from southwest of Beijing. There is a modest museum at the site that introduces some facts about Peking Man and his discovery.

Read more: A day to visit Beijing, China

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Ideal destinations to go partying in Asia

A lot of people travel so they can enjoy the incredible nightlife that’s happening around the world. Bookmark this page, as we reveal Asia’s best islands for party lovers.

Phuket, Thailand

We have to open with a classic. Phuket is well established as a party paradise and isn’t known for being classy in any way – to set your expectations correctly. If you’re simply just looking to get drunk, dance and have a good time…this is it. No questions asked, no judgements made, just straightforward, cheap, unadulterated fun (just be responsible, obviously, we don’t accept any responsibility for misjudged drunken antics).

The epicentre is Patong Beach, which is wild with colours and drinks flowing. More inland, the party continues at Rock City and more. Live long and prosper here folks.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Famous for its Full Moon Party (there is also the Half Moon Party, and it doesn’t have to be half as crazy if you don’t want it to be), Koh Phangan is firmly on the backpacker trail for those who love a good beach party. By the end of the night, if that even exists, you’ll be covered in neon paint, have consumed bucket after bucket of alcohol and have sand in places you didn’t think possible.

This is the place where you could easily wake up somewhere other than your hostel dorm with an item of clothing missing but having somehow acquired a sombrero. It’s all fun and games here, but now for some adult advice: keep an eye on your drinks and always make sure a friend knows where you are.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Just an hour from Kuala Lumpur by plane, the point of Langkawi is simple: enjoy island life. With umbrellas dressing up your cheap drinks, great access to the beach and a nightlife that just won’t quit, Malaysia has created the perfect place for party lovers. Pentai Cenang beach is where it’s at until late, and then hop on over Sunba Retro Bar, where you’ll party into the early hours.

Boracay, The Philippines

While it might be the most touristy place in the Philippines, Boracay sure is fun. There’s a reason people swarm here, with the paradisiacal White Beach, good weather and plenty of bars. Relative to some areas of Southeast Asia, Boracay can be on the pricier side, but you don’t have to break the bank if you know where to look.

Most of the action will take place at Station 2 (Boracay is split into three areas, based on the old boat terminals) but the real party starts at 10:30 pm, but there are happy hours on the beach until it begins, for example at Wave Bar and Lounge and Coco Bar.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

The largest of the Gili Island archipelago and definitely ‘The Party Island’ of the three, Gili T is where you want to go for a good time. The bars here are so committed to nightlife that they coordinate one huge party a night and that lasts until 4am, multiple times a week. It’s likely that you’ll end up partying until sunrise, however. Check out Blue Marlin rave party and the Drunken Monkeyz yacht party.

Bali, Indonesia

Another of the classics, the city of Kuta in Bali is party central. Surf or build up that tan during the day and let loose at night at the multitude of bars and clubs where you’ll meet backpackers and travellers all over the world. If you want a slightly more sophisticated setting for lively after-dark antics, check out Seminyak.

See more: Best Asia destinations for Yoga lovers

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A guide to Busan's best beaches

South Korea’s second largest city, Busan, contains historic temples, mountains, over 3.5 million inhabitants and beaches that rival those in Florida’s Miami. As the city is built right on the seafront, there are lots of beaches to choose from. Here’s our quick guide to Busan’s best beach spots.

Haeundae

Haeundae is Busan’s party beach. Bars and clubs line its streets, as do backpacker hostels and Western food joints. Haeundae is popular with Koreans and foreigners alike, and its sands are often the site of art or music events. On a clear day, you can spot Japan’s coast from Dalmaji Hill, and at night, the sea reflects the skyscrapers of Marine City. When you’ve had enough sun, head to Haeundae Market for fresh seafood or explore Busan’s popular Sealife Centre.

Gwangalli

Gwangalli is a little closer to Busan’s centre and a little less popular with foreigners, although it’s still a must-visit place for any tourist itinerary. Come at night to see Gwangan Bridge lit up (for fans of Marvel, the bridge was featured in the recent superhero movie Black Panther). Although the waves are very small, the occasional surfer does venture down here.

Songdo

Songdo Beach is smaller and more geared towards day visitors. Like the other beaches, Songdo is full of swimmers in the summer, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes around. Walk above the sea on Songdo skywalk or take a cable car ride for a stunning view over the bay (best at sunset). It has a relaxed vibe and is most popular with locals.

Dadaepo

Dadaepo Beach is one of Busan’s hidden gems. It’s fairly far from the city centre (hence fewer visitors), but is one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. A little higher up the coast is marshland full of migratory birds (depending on the season). Dadaepo is most popular with locals in the know, and it’s a day trip kind of place; bring a picnic.

Songjeong

Even though it’s close to Haeundae, the smaller Songjeong beach is much less crowded. It’s popular with surfers, as Busan’s most reliable waves are to be found here. In the summer, it’s a family destination, and children paddle in the beach’s shallow water. Songjeong Beach is home to the annual Songjeong Beach Festival and the Harvest Full Moon Seaweed Festival. At the northeast side of the beach are fishing spots, and you can also go on boat trips from here.

Read more: Enjoy the best dishes from seafood in Busan

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