China’s capital, the sprawling city of Beijing, is one of those bucket-list cities with a rich history and substantial modern significance. It was the first stop on my China adventure, and I loved every second. Here are my top 5 things to do in Beijing:

1. Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City – The most-visited tourist attractions of Beijing, these landmarks are a must-see. Tiananmen Square, though infamous for the 1989 protests and massacre, boasts a rich history – the gate was built as far back as 1415. The Forbidden City feels like something straight out of Mulan, with gorgeous architecture and stunning artwork.

2. OCT Theatre’s “Golden Mask Dynasty” – This 80 minute show is performed every night, and is a spectacular mix of music, dance, acrobatics and impressive production value. The play is set in the Golden Mask Dynasty in ancient China and tells the story of a queen who sets out to build a magnificent dynasty. Even if you’re not usually a theatre fan, this production will leave you in awe.

3. Take a rickshaw ride in Beijing’s Old City – One of my favourite parts of Beijing is the Old City, and what better way to see it than by rickshaw! The Old City is a stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers and busy roads of Beijing. Wander the clothing and craft stores, duck into a cafe for a bite and watch the old men play Mah-jong on the sidewalks.

4. Have a traditional dinner with a Chinese family – Our tour group was lucky enough to have a traditional Chinese dinner with a local family in their home. This is a great way to learn more about everyday life and culture in Beijing. Add to that a good helping of starfish wine and a presentation by a professional fighting grasshopper trainer (I’m not making this up), this was one of the highlights of my trip.

5. See the Giant Pandas at the Beijing Zoo – Pandas are one of my favourite animals, and getting to see them at the Beijing Zoo was a beautiful experience. I had expected them to all be asleep but I was pleasantly surprised – most of them were playful and active.

Have you been to Beijing? What was your favourite thing to do?