One of the largest medicinal plant botanical gardens in China, the garden at the Medicinal Plants Research Institute in Haidian district boasts a wide variety of medicinal plants from all over northern China. The gardens are alive with famous plants such as peonies and Chinese skullcaps as well as many rare and little-known medicinal plants. Except for the deep Beijing winter, anytime is a good time to visit the garden. Along with the gardens, the institute has one of the best medicinal food restaurants in China and a morning at the garden wouldn't be complete without a lunch in the restaurant.

Where to meet: Catch coach at the China Culture Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.