Off the beaten path in bohemian Beijing

For those looking to pick up something a little more unusual, Plastered's self-titled "Creative Dictator," Dominic Johnson-Hill, recommends the Jindian Consignment Shop.

You won't find any stuffed pandas, jade chopsticks or cloisonne dragons here. But you will find "Flying Pigeon bicycles from the 1970s, stereo systems from the 1980s, old bus passes, beautiful old clocks," he says.

At the Nali Mall in the Sanlitun bar district, you'll find a warren of tiny boutiques selling clothes, shoes and jewelry. Expect to bargain. The offerings are a mix of local design plus some imports and knockoffs.

Beijing is most conveniently seen by taxi, but keep in mind that you contribute to the city's ever-present shroud of smog with every trip. Consider taking the subway or grabbing a "sanlunche," or three-wheeled rickshaw, if you are not going too far.

Pedaled by migrants from neighboring provinces like Shanxi and Anhui, they are cheap and a fun way to see the city. A ride costs around $1.30.

The Beijing city government stopped giving out new rickshaw licenses a few years ago, so most are illegal but police generally turn a blind eye especially if a foreigner is on board.

Though it's laid out on a grid, Beijing can be a hard place to wrap your head around, especially if you are here just for a short visit.

Get a headstart by first visiting the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, which might sound dull but is a wonderful surprise. You can walk around an astounding 3,250-square-foot model of the city.

If you tire yourself out touring the model or the real thing, a nice antidote is a massage at one of the many outlets of the Oriental Taipan Massage and Spa. This Hong Kong-owned chain is clean and reliably good, with four outlets around the city.

The masseurs here are often young migrants from the countryside. They are well-trained. One who would not give her name said she and most of her colleagues live 40 minutes away by bike in dormitory-style housing and that they receive $3 for each $19 massage they give.

Sights of Sin City Lights, night life, extravagance all contribute to magic of Las Vegas

Taipan serves complimentary drinks and snacks and also offers facials, manicures and pedicures. Unlike many Beijing massage parlors, the Taipan outlets are not sex shops in disguise.

For nightlife, rock star Cui reeled off a few clubs where he likes to go for live music: New Get Lucky Bar, Nameless Highland and CD Cafe.

Finally, regardless of what Cui says, see the Great Wall. A nice stretch is found at Mutianyu. The wall itself is breathtaking but people are frequently as stunned by the fresh air and gorgeous green mountains north of the city.

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