Fly from Nice to Beijing

Within its walls, Beijing holds the memory of a boundless and sophisticated empire that gave us silk, powder, paper, even the compass. This is what attracts so many visitors from the world over. They all come, as a couple or with the whole family, to experience for themselves this incredible history through palaces, temples, and museums of this 300 year old city. A history full of dragons, Buddhas, hostile warriors and legendary dynasties so sophisticated that porcelain bears their names.
But while it cherishes its past, Beijing is racing towards the future, following in the path laid down half a century ago by Mao and his followers. The result is a city and culture that bring together innovation, tradition, and revolution, which you can see in old bicycles ridden next to huge Western SUVs, or skyscrapers juxtaposed with Siheyuan, traditional houses found in the older areas of Beijing, and the esteemed sets of the Chinese opera with the eccentric style of the fashionistas on Wangfujing Street. A blending of styles that make Beijing magical, even for those who live there.

• Go and take in The Great Wall of China, the largest structure ever produced by humans, at 6,200 kilometres long. Many of the best-preserved sections, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, are near Beijing.
• Venture into the Forbidden City, the residence of the Emperor of China and the largest palace in the world. Built six centuries ago by the Ming Dynasty, it holds nearly a thousand buildings behind its ramparts, evidence of the exceptional skill of Chinese craftsmen and artists.
• Take on the most charming of labyrinths, the one made up of hutongs, ancient streets lined with hundreds of traditional homes. The most beautiful of these mazes can be found in the Bell and Drum Towers district and in Sichahai.
• Discover the Temple of Heaven, hands down one of the most magnificent temples in China. This was a place of sacrifice in the time of the emperors, lauding the union of Heaven and Earth. It's spread out across 300 hectares of sublime gardens and gorgeous buildings.
• Meditate (or levitate!) among the monks in the Hall of Harmony of the Lama Temple. This ancient imperial abode is one of the best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temples in the country.
• Visit the National Museum of China, the largest in the world, and one of the 3 most visited. It brings together millions of artefacts that tell the story of the country, from prehistoric times to the Empire to the Revolution.
• If the sky is blue, climb to the top of Jingshan hill in the centre of Jingshan Park to see the wonderful pavilions, the talents of calligraphers, dancers, and singers, as well as the most breathtaking view over Beijing.
• Get some fresh air in the lavish gardens of the Summer Palace, a grandiose residence that reflects the extravagance of the emperors of China. A true masterpiece.
• Meet a few of China’s thousands of contemporary artists by visiting the 798 Art District, a former military factory-turned-village for artists.
• Get up with the sun to take in the raising of the red flag over Tian’anmen, the largest city square in the world. Explore it further at the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Monument to the People's Heroes.