How to see Beijing in 72 hours without a visa

Sichuan Provincial Restaurant

Mapo Tofu. [Photo/VCG]

While in Beijing, apart from trying the city's signature Peking duck, enjoy regional cuisine at one of the provincial government restaurants. The Sichuan provincial restaurant, or Chuanban, as the Chinese call it, is one of them.

Behind Jianguomen's main thoroughfare, east of the Forbidden City, you will find this traditional courtyard-style restaurant sitting on a side street. It offers one of China's eight great cuisines, Sichuan, which ranges from Mapo tofu to spicy chicken. Almost everything served here is seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns, be prepared!

The Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven. [Photo/VCG]

Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven was a sacrificial temple used by emperors to appease the heavens in order to bring prosperity to their people and ensure the harvest in the coming year. The ceremonial processions traditionally started from the south gate. Enter the long corridor and navigate through the crowds, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests will soon come into view with its three-tiered roof and stunning blue glaze.