2. Beihai Park, Line 6

Lying west of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park offers everything you could possibly want for an ideal evening - live music, fine restaurants, lakeside scenery and creative shops, to name just a few.

As one of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in the country, the park is a classic combination of the magnificence of China's northern gardens and the refinement of its southern ones.

The park has become a popular venue for local residents to cool down and relax in the summer, while providing a magnificent natural skating rink in winter.

For those longing to experience the country's oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial garden, this is a must.