As someone who has lived in Beijing for more than one year, I can say with confidence that you can't do this city in just two days and try as he may, US President Barack Obama is no exception.

Obama's visit to the capital began on Monday after a townhall-style meeting with students in Shanghai.

During his two-day visit, Obama took in the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. But I think in order to capture the true essence of Beijing you need to step out of the confines of traditional tourism.