Built in the mid-18th century for the Qing emperors as a retreat from the heat of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden centred on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, both man-made. The lake was modelled on Hangzhou’s West Lake, with islands, bridges, and long covered walkways. Scattered around are pavilions, temples, and a recreated riverside street designed to look like a traditional market town. Later restored under Empress Dowager Cixi, it became her favoured residence. Today, it’s worth visiting not just for the palaces themselves, but for the long lakeside walks, shaded courtyards, and the sense of space that feels very different from central Beijing.

Built in 1694 as the residence of the future Yongzheng Emperor, the site was later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and remains one of the most important of its kind outside Tibet. The complex is a series of richly decorated halls and courtyards filled with incense smoke and prayer wheels. Inside the Falun Dian stands a bronze statue of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school. The highlight for many is the towering 18-metre-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, housed in the Wanfu Pavilion.

The Hotel del Coronado, affectionately known as "The Del," is Coronado's crown jewel and a must-see landmark. Opened in 1888, this iconic beachfront resort has welcomed U.S. presidents, international dignitaries, Hollywood legends, and travelers from around the globe. A masterpiece of Queen Anne architecture, its distinctive red turrets and sprawling wooden structure make it one of the most recognizable historic hotels in the world. Recently restored, "The Del" seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern amenities, offering luxury dining, boutique shopping, and a prime spot on Coronado’s stunning beach.