Beijing is dense and busy at the best of times. During the Olympics an additional two million visitors are expected. That's why the organisers have chosen six other Chinese cities to host some of the sports events. Hotels will be easier to find there and so will super-star athletes. Each one of the six has something unique to recommend itself, offering glimpses of very different parts of the country. From Shenyang close to the Mongolian desert to Hong Kong on the southern coast, from tiny Qinghuangdao to vast Shanghai, and from German-colonial Qingdao to British-colonial Tianjin.

1. Tianjin

Where: Tianjin is the nearest big city from Beijing - an hour by car or train. With a rapidly growing population of around five million it is set to step out of the shadows of its neighbour.

What: In May 1858, Admiral Sir Michael Seymour and his troops gained control of Tianjin at the end of Opium Wars. For the rest of the 19th century the city was run by British administrators. While Chinese residents do not recall this period fondly, it did leave them with splendid colonial architecture. Worth trying are Tianjin's famous snacks - goubuli (steamed buns) and mahua (twisted dough sticks).

Olympic sport: football

Hotel: Astor Hotel, built in 1863, but recently renovated. Doubles from £45. 00 86 22 2331 1688

2. Qingdao

Where: Qingdao is some 650km (400 miles) down the coast from Tianjin. Its beaches are popular and Qufu, the stunning hometown of the sage Confucius, can be reached by train or car from here.

What: The city is one of the few examples of successful German colonialism. Many streets are lined with gabled roofs and half-timbered walls behind neat picket fences. The Germans came here around the same time as the Brits arrived in Tianjin, but managed to become a lot more popular - not least because they started an Oktoberfest that's still going. Home of Tsingtao beer, usually served with fresh seafood.

Olympic sport: sailing

Hotel: Crowne Plaza, from £40.

3. Shanghai

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?