An ugly city blackened by the coal dust of surrounding mines, Datong wouldn’t be at the top of many must-see sights in China lists. However it has two jewels that are as good as any other examples of their kind in the rest of China: the Yungang Grottoes and a monastery that hangs off a cliff. Unlike the far more famous grottoes at Dunhuang, at the beginning of the Silk Road, Datong’s caves are open caverns that allow the visitor to enter and walk between the enormous carved Buddhas and under the 50,000 or so tiny carved faces all over the ceilings and walls. The Hanging Temple, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty between 386 and 534 AD, is just an hour out of town.

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For something completely different with huge skies, swinging grass and the freshest air you are likely to breathe in non-mountainous China, the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, the birthplace of warrior Genghis Khan, offer horse riding, wrestling, lamb kebabs and brain-numbing rice wine. Fly to Hohhot, the provincial capital, and check into one of the many local five-star hotels, then head for a night under the stars for singing and dancing on the prairies. Sleep in the accommodation of the nomads--the yurts used by shepherds as they wander with their sheep--then head back for a bath.

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Beijingers will make it out to Huairou and the Wall near Mutianyu, but not many foreign tourists will make the effort. In fact the roads are so good that it takes just an hour and a half to reach the village of Da Zhen Yu, where the Beijing Cheng Tian Zhi Great Wall Conference Centre offers ultra-modern accommodation in a series of unique houses with the Wall as the backdrop. From there, stroll through the village on a 40-minute hike through orchards and a tiny village complete with chickens roaming the streets, and you will see the Great Wall, called Yunling here, ahead. Keep going for a half an hour to arrive at well-preserved watchtower that you will have to yourself.

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For a taste of the tropics, head to the island of Hainan, which now has Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Four hours from Beijing, it’s the only beach destination in China that could be compared to those of Thailand--fresh coconuts included as well as freshly caught seafood, scuba diving, a Buddhist park and 125 miles of coastline. The perfect weather affords trips to nearby islands or just soaking up the sun in the 19 bays.

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The stone karsts and pinnacles of Guilin have become synonymous with Chinese art and poetry. This is where the China of calendars and silk scrolls can be seen, the water buffalo, rice paddies, fishing cormorants and peasants in straw hats. Tours take travelers to Yangshuo, the ancient town that has kept its original character but has also now become hotel central. A little far from Beijing, flights take just over three hours, but the experience is a completely Chinese one.

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A great river cruise route, the Three Gorges down to Shanghai can include a four-star overnight boat through the gorges then a conclusion in China’s most modern city, Shanghai, for a longer break from the Games. But if it’s just a quick stay in Shanghai you’re after, make sure the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, Yuyuan Gardens, Oriental Pearl tower in Pudong and the Bund at night are on your itinerary. Shanghai is awash with top-quality hotels and restaurants. It’s interesting to assess the differences between Shanghai’s rather shabbier cousin, Beijing, and the colonial impact on this ‘pearl of the Orient.’

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Also possible to be incorporated with a visit to Shanghai and the lake most famous for its beauty among Chinese at Hangzhou, the ancient water towns, or "little Venices," are just that: canals, Chinese bridges and low-rise, traditional buildings with shops, hotels and restaurants right along the riverbanks. Visit the old gardens at Suzhou, the largest and busiest water town because of its transport connections, Zhouzhuang, which was the first water town to realize its tourism potential, or wander along to Xitang, less known as yet—and less touristy.

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One of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Terracotta Warriors at Xi’an are just an hour’s flight from Beijing. The story goes that in 1974 a local farmer digging a well uncovered a clay head, which led to one of the most fascinating discoveries of modern times—an entire legion of clay warriors, made bodily with a few of the same casts but with unique faces. The museum has photographs of the warriors as they were excavated, and the 7,000 that have been dug up are placed in rank and file as, presumably, they would have been to guard the body of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang. Apparently one-third have yet to see the light of day. Xi’an also has an ancient city wall and an interesting Muslim quarter, and plenty of high-end hotels.

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Though a bit of a hike to get to, the small town of Pingyao--now a UNESCO World Heritage site--is an exceptionally well-preserved classical Chinese town within an 11th-century town wall. The old buildings and dark wooden courtyards are the epitome of Han Chinese style dating back to the Qing and Ming Dynasties. Qiao’s family's 313-room courtyard, used to film Raise the Red Lanterns by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, director of the Olympics Opening Ceremony, is open and right next door for a day trip. There are no luxury hotels on this trip, but the point is tradition.

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Home to many different nationalities, Yunnan has far too much to see for a couple of days, so choices must be limited to one or two of several. There’s the deepest gorge in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge, to hike; the cobbled streets of old Lijiang; the Naxi villages where, according to tour guides, the Naxi have lived in the same ways and traditions for centuries; the Bai people’s town of Dali; the ancient Stone Forest; or a little further afield, the wildlife, including elephants, at Xishuangbanna. Talking to a tour guide is a must.

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