Jordan and Girls Aloud

At the heart of the Chinese capital lies the Forbidden City. Once the imperial palace to the emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it's now home to a wealth of stunning sights. The Pearl Market is great for shopping, but be prepared to put your haggling skills into practise! Beyond Beijing stands the Great Wall Of China - the highlight of any trip to this region. And, when night falls, enjoy a traditional opera experience at the Lao She Teahouse, near Tiananmen Square.

A twin room at the lovely Wangfujing Grand Hotel - within easy walking distance of the Forbidden City - costs from 65 per night.

Return fares with Air France start from 367.