Dashilan used to be the busiest suburban commercial area, and one of those most steeped in history. This traditional market is kept as it once was; some of the longest-standing brand boutiques started here, as well as the very first cinema in Beijing - and all of them are still running. Dashilan represents the other side of Beijing. It shows you that this city is not only about royal families but also about regular residents who lived outside the palace. This place breathes vitality of daily life. This is also the main exhibition spot of Beijing International Design Week, making for a unique chemistry between the area's traditional vibe and modern art and design exhibits.

This museum narrates the history of Hong Kong. Go through the eight rooms that range from prehistoric times to the hand-over to China in 1997. Here you can see everything from traditional Chinese clothes and an old reconstructed street from 1881 to toys from the 1970s.

The Senso-ji temple is an old-town Buddhist institution. Though a major tourist attraction, this is primarily a traditional, local site where worshippers cast coins, clap ceremoniously and bow in respect to an image of Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion.

A visit to the Makasutu Culture Forest (about a 45-minute drive out of Banjul) is an experience to be had by visitors to the area looking to experience Gambian wildlife guided by an experienced local. There is a free to use on-site pool, so do bring your swimwear.