Beijing

A canal-laced old town at the foot of the Simatai section, the only Great Wall stretch open for night visits; soak in a hot spring after descending.

China's old treaty port mixes Italian and French concession architecture with the riverside Tianjin Eye ferris wheel and the original Goubuli baozi.

Walk the Sacred Way's avenue of stone elephants and officials to the tombs of 13 Ming emperors, pairing it with the Juyongguan Great Wall pass.

Peking Duck

Fruit-wood-roasted duck with crackling mahogany skin, carved tableside and wrapped in pancakes with scallion and sweet bean sauce.

Try it at: Siji Minfu, Dengshikou

Zhajiangmian

Beijing's iconic wheat noodles tossed with a dark fried soybean-and-pork sauce and crisp julienned vegetables.

Try it at: Hai Wan Ju, near the Temple of Heaven

Shuan Yangrou (Copper Pot Lamb)

Paper-thin lamb slices swished in a charcoal-fired copper hot pot and dipped in sesame sauce, the city's winter ritual.

Try it at: Donglaishun, Wangfujing

Jianbing

The beloved breakfast crepe of egg, crispy cracker, scallion, cilantro and chili-bean sauce folded hot off a street griddle.

Try it at: Morning street carts around Gulou and office districts