The 2-yuan tours

Visitors to Beijing may find themselves a bit disoriented at first: the city is massive, and navigating it is not easy. Taxi drivers speak very little English, and getting around by walking can be tiring and time-consuming. Fortunately, you can see and do a lot in Beijing simply by taking the subway. The network is extensive, easy to use and affordable (two yuan for one ticket) - a great combo for new arrivals. Below are 10 great places to check out off the subway - some well-known, and some off the beaten path.

1. Tian'anmen Square/Forbidden City

These areas are the city's icons, located in the heart of Beijing; they're usually the first destination for visitors. Tiananmen is the world's largest public square, with space for more than one million people - be sure to wear comfortable shoes, you're going to be doing some serious walking.