Unusual Things To Do in Beijing

1.      Visit the Beijing Ancient Observatory: one of the world's oldest royal observatories, intriguing, built in 1442, historic site, filled with busts of historical figures, documenting the history of Chinese astronomy, armillary spheres, celestial globes

2.      See the Marco Polo Bridge (Lugou Bridge): this historic bridge, spans the Yongding River, intricately carved stone lions, built between 1189 and 1192, stretches 874 feet long, hundreds of stone lions  

3.      Explore the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution: China's first comprehensive military history museum, spanning over 159,000 square metres, history and achievements of the Chinese military, cultural relics, documents, and artefacts – more information

4.      Check Out the Beijing Railway Museum: only national museum dedicated to the history of China's railways, Zhengyang Gate Museum, eastern Suburbs Museum, and Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall, unique exhibitions, development of China's railways – more information – more information

5.      Visit the White Cloud Temple: one of the three "ancestral courts" of the Quanzhen Sect of Taoism, built in 739, and 1886, centre of the Chinese Taoist Association, attracts pilgrims, touching the stone monkeys for good luck, tossing coins at Wofeng Bridge