The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Drum and Bell Towers - all of these architectural wonders stand on a line that runs like a spine through the centre of Beijing.  It is known as the Beijing Central Axis, a World Heritage site containing a spectacular array of ancient buildings that together tell the story of Beijing, from its Yuan dynasty foundations through the spectacular building projects of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Dan Snow cycles through Beijing, pedalling along the length of the Central Axis, exploring these great sites, travelling in the footsteps of the emperors and workers who created this great city - a city whose modern shape still reflects its original centuries-old plan. As he rides, Dan discovers clues about Beijing’s past, from the detailed decoration of the Forbidden City to a man-made mountain and the courtyards of the humble hutongs, where the people who serviced the empire lived.  Join us on a fascinating journey into China’s past with special access to some of Beijing’s finest locations.