The capital city of China has become a major tourist destination since the death of Mao Zedong in 1976.  Although not the largest city in the nation, Beijing was the seat of power during both the Ming and Qing dynasties and contains major landmarks dating from these periods.

Tiananmen Square

The largest public square in the world, Tiananmen Square is the single most visited site in the city.  Important buildings that are attractions in their own right, including the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Museum of Chinese History, the Great Hall of the People, and the Qianmen Gate, surround the square. 

However, it is the complex of the Forbidden City that has the most allure for many visitors.  This is the site from which the imperial court ruled – a city that was forbidden to ordinary inhabitants of China for most of its long history. 

The National Stadium

Visitors who watched the 2008 Olympics on television may be interested to see the ‘Bird’s Nest’, or National Stadium where many of the sporting events took place.  The stadium is located in the Chaoyang District, as is the new World Trade Centre Tower.

Medieval China

The inner core of Beijing is also home to significant remains dating from the time of the Ming Dynasty.  In the Chongwen District, tourists can see the remains of the medieval city wall, while the Dongcheng District boasts ancient drum and bell towers. 

The Great Wall of China

Although not technically in Beijing, no visit to the city is complete without taking a trip to see the nearby Great Wall of China.  The sections near Beijing date from the Ming dynasty, a time when rammed earth construction gave way to stone and brick, making the wall here more impressive to view as well as harder for invaders to breach.

Many people instantly recognise Barcelona from Freddy Mercury’s haunting song, recorded for the 1992 Olympics.  The city itself is just as memorable, offering a bright collision of culture and commerce, style and attitude that is relaxed and friendly.

Barcelona doesn’t observe siesta in the same ways the smaller towns do, so visitors need not feel rushed into lunch and can spend a leisurely day taking in the sights before enjoying some tapas.

Park Guell is one of Antonio Gaudi’s great gifts to the city.  The monument garden is situated in the north; it’s an enclave of quiet contemplation and playful architecture.  The hill summit reveals a beautiful panorama of the city and its bay.

The Sagrada Familia is also visible from this point.  This giant Basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is unlikely to be completed for at least another 50 years.

When you are ready to eat, why not try Caj Chai on Sant Domènec del Call.  In a city of coffee drinkers, it is Barcelona’s only teashop serving rare leaves from around the world.  The friendly staff and elegant interior offer a cool haven from the afternoon sun, with a variety of refreshing brews on offer.  The Walnut cake is especially good.

The city of San Francisco is very well known for its Golden Gate Bridge and rolling inner-city streets, which only add to its charm. It is also a city of great beauty and entertainment, which has helped it become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Its ocean side location provides a nice retreat for those who are interested in something different as San Francisco offers some of the best ocean views along the entire American coastline.

With so much to do you may not know where to begin. One wonderful day out is a trip to Pier 39. Here you will discover Fisherman’s Wharf, which is filled with great seafood restaurants, cafes, souvenir shopping, fair grounds and sea lions. The mass of regular sea lions can be heard, and smelled, from quite a distance. To find them, simply follow your nose. Pier 39 is also a superb area for cost-effective accommodations. Some major hotel chains can be found here, making this area ideal for families.

San Francisco is also the place to hop on board an old cable streetcar as you tour parts of the central city. For the ultimate streetcar experience, enjoy a thrilling ride as you head up and down Lombard Street. This street has been named as the most twisted and windiest in the world. From atop one of the high peaks of the street you may be able to catch a glimpse of Alcatraz Island. Also known as The Rock, Alcatraz Island remains home to the prison that once housed some of America’s most dangerous and notorious prisoners.

San Francisco has a varied climate, mostly due to its exposed, ocean-side location. During the summer months you can expect pleasant, mild temperatures while the winter months often bring cool days. When visiting, it is a good idea to remember that the weather changes quickly and often. It is best to be prepared for a little bit of everything. San Francisco can be a rainy city; the least amount of rainfall occurs between the months of March and May.