A day in Beijing

Beijing, China

Dawn - Jingshan Park paths

Pale dawn light spreads over the glazed imperial tiles and the symmetrical courtyards below. From the elevated paths of Jingshan Park I look down on the Forbidden City, the sprawling ancient palace complex that once housed emperors. Cold morning air sits in the courts, and the tiles catch the first light.

Morning - Ancient Beijing alleyways

Low grey walls rise close on both sides as morning light falls into this quiet lane. I make my way between them through Beijing's ancient alleyways, which sit within a metropolis that shapes global culture and commerce. The air is cool, and my steps sound soft on the old ground.

Morning - Temple of Heaven groves

Shade from the ancient cypresses lies heavy on the path beneath the dark trees. I wander through the groves toward the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing monarchs prayed for grain. The air under the trees is cool, and the ground feels soft underfoot.

Midday - Hall of Prayer

The round roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests sits clear against a bright sky. I pause on the terrace before this circular hall, where Ming and Qing monarchs prayed for grain. Sunlight falls warm on the open terrace under my feet.

Afternoon - Great Wall ridges

Wind moves over the stone as the wall snakes across the rugged mountain ridges. I hike these stone fortifications outside the urban sprawl, with wide views of the northern frontier. April to May and September to October bring mild, comfortable weather for this walk.

Afternoon - Kunming Lake shore

Broad water stretches ahead, with palace roofs beyond the far shore of Kunming Lake. I stroll the lake edge at the Summer Palace, where ornate painted corridors border the water. The afternoon air off the lake feels cool, and the surface is bright and still.

Afternoon - Painted lakeside corridors

Deep colour covers the long gallery that runs beside the lake. I follow the ornate painted corridors bordering Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace. The painted beams feel warm in the afternoon light, and the gallery stays shaded and cool.

Golden Hour - Longevity Hill summit

Golden light falls across the pavilions gathered at the top of Longevity Hill. I climb among them and look over the imperial gardens, with temples set within the grounds. The evening air cools quickly, so a light extra layer helps after the warm climb.

Golden Hour - Imperial garden pavilions

Painted eaves hang low above the path as the late light thins between them. I move through the garden pavilions of the Summer Palace, set within the imperial gardens. The wood under the eaves holds the last warmth, and the paths grow quiet.

Night - Peking duck table

Crisp skin cracks as the roasted duck is carved here at the table. I sit and eat the meat wrapped in thin wheat pancakes with sweet bean sauce and spring onions. This Peking duck comes carved tableside, and the pancakes stay soft beside the hot skin.