China
Beijing
Two hours away, three thousand years deep
The nearest major city to Ulaanbaatar, reachable by train or plane. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall fit inside one weekend.
Things to do
The Forbidden City
980 buildings. Tickets must be bought online in advance.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Quieter than Badaling, with a long restored stretch.
The hutongs
Walk around Nanluoguxiang for what is left of old Beijing.