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All China Beijing

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Beijing

25 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Beijing, China

Updated September 11, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Beijing

The Forbidden City

Beijing, China

The Forbidden City

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.
Looking ahead on the slide.

Beijing, China

Great Wall of China Slide

Why walk on this historical site when you can zoom down instead?
China Watermelon Museum

Beijing, China

China Watermelon Museum

This Chinese museum proves that it's a watermelon world, we're all just living in it.
Ming Tombs southern entrance

Beijing, China

Ming Dynasty Tombs

Ming Dynasty necropolis raided during the Cultural Revolution.
(Flickr/Svalin)

Beijing, China

798 Art District

This probably wasn't what Mao had in mind.
Destination Club

Beijing, China

Destination Club

A progressive LGBTQ hub offers dancing, HIV testing, art, and more.
The azimuth theodolite.

Beijing, China

Beijing Ancient Observatory

This ancient Chinese observatory still contains early astronomy technology.
Dongyue Temple

Beijing, China

Dongyue Temple

This sensational Chinese temple walks visitors through the 76 weird departments of the afterlife.
See All 25 Things To Do in Beijing

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Beijing

China Watermelon Museum

Beijing, China

China Watermelon Museum

This Chinese museum proves that it's a watermelon world, we're all just living in it.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Beijing, China

A
25
Museums 6
Architecture 6
Collections 4
Temples 4
Unique Restaurants & Bars 3
Architectural Oddities 3
Outsider Art 3
Cultures And Civilizations 3
Art 3
Shops 3
Rites And Rituals 3

Beijing Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Rob
    6
  2. Luke Cata
    6
  3. kendraschaefer
    3
  4. atimian
    1
  5. serflac
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Beijing.

Places Edited

  1. Rachel
    11
  2. Martin
    11
  3. emiliekinss
    4
  4. Luke Cata
    4
  5. hrnick
    4
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. Local Leader Kaz
    24
  2. artistheartkels
    22
  3. lovedbyerae6978
    21
  4. dapolzin
    19
  5. rogue23jack
    18

Recent Beijing Activity

  • camcayer13

    wants to go to The World Park

    2 days ago
  • imoquete

    wants to go to Great Wall of China Slide

    2 days ago
  • imoquete

    has been to White Cloud Temple

    2 days ago
  • christophersr22

    wants to go to The Forbidden City

    1 day ago
  • dczippy

    wants to go to Dragon Escalator

    about 17 hours ago

Stories About Beijing

This latte, from the People’s Cafe, comes with an edible picture of the God of Wealth on top.

A Gastro Obscura Guide to Beijing

In China's capital, try edgy beers and desserts fit for an empress.
by Xiaokun Song
July 1, 2024
Today nearly 7,000 Père David’s deer roam the wetlands of China.

The French Missionary and the English Duke Who Saved a Chinese Deer From Extinction

A conservation tale 120 years in the telling. 
by Marina Wang
January 24, 2020
A hairy monkey diorama made by Ying Li, showing a picnic in the park and a vendor selling pumpkins.

How Chinese Artisans Turn Dead Cicadas Into ‘Hairy Monkeys’

These traditional handicrafts require exoskeletons, magnolia buds, and a steady hand.
by Marina Wang
December 19, 2019

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