Ming City Walls - This city enjoyed great prosperity during the Ming Dynasty and has many remains dating back to this time, the greatest of which is probably this impressive 33km long structure. A section of this 14th century wall is open to walk along. Amazing to think that each brick of the wall is stamped with its place of origin, the building overseer's and the brickmakers names.

Chaotian Gong - Originally built as a place of learning for noblity, Heaven Dynasty Palace also houses a Confucius Temple and is currently used for a variety of purposes, one of which being Chinese opera performances.

Zhong Lou - A bell tower built in 1889 that houses - yep, a bell, caste in 1338. The adjacent tearoom and garden are open in the evening for a pleasant breath of fresh air and a cup of tea.

Grouse Pub - Off Shanghai Lu. Popular with foreigners and always busy, situated opposite to the foreign student university residency- very convenient to all concerned…

Casablanca Disco - Xuanwu Hotel. If you want to loosen up your limbs after a cramped day tour this could be the place to do it.

City Hunter - Beijing Xi Lu - huge premises and decidedly Western in ambience, enjoy a drink and game of darts with the locals here.

Zhongshanling Yinyue Tai - Drift away on the lawn under the trees, while listening to the classical music at this open air music hall.

Zhiwu Yuan - the sprawling local botanical gardens with an amazing collection of over 3000 species, including uniquely Chinese medicinal plants and bonzai exhibitions.

Ming Xialing Fengjingqu - West of Zhongshan Ling is this peaceful park with a swimming lake, perfect for a dip on a hot afternoon after a picnic.

Xu Yuan - Changjiang Lu. Also known as the Balmy Garden, this park was the site of the royal residence during the Ming Dynasty. A classical Ming Garden is now situated in the grounds.