Weird & Unusual Attractions in Beijing, China

Beijing, China, Beijing, Unique & Fun, Weird & Unusual Attractions

Weird & Unusual Attractions in Beijing, China

798 Art District

1. 798 Art District

This is a unique art zone transformed from old military factory buildings. Visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of galleries, installations, and street art. The space embraces modern art and challenges traditional norms, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
  • Accessibility: Be prepared to walk as the area is expansive.
  • Art Variety: Different art forms from installations to paintings.
  • Atmosphere: Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds.
The Underground City

2. The Underground City

Built in the 1960s, this vast network of tunnels was designed as a fallout shelter. It offers a glimpse into Cold War-era survival plans and includes eateries, schools, and theaters. Most tunnels are closed, but select areas are open for tours.
  • Historical Context: Provides insight into Cold War history.
  • Tour Availability: Limited access, so check opening times.
  • Guided Tours: Recommended to understand the network's significance.
Dong Yue Miao

3. Dong Yue Miao

This Taoist temple features numerous statues representing hell and punishment. The unique display offers a fascinating and eerie look into Taoist beliefs about the afterlife. The temple's intricate carvings and haunting atmosphere provide a distinct spiritual experience.
  • Religious Significance: Offers insight into Taoist culture.
  • Photography: Some areas might restrict photography.
  • Atmosphere: The temple has a somber atmosphere.
The China Aviation Museum

4. The China Aviation Museum

This aerospace museum, set in a former underground hangar, showcases over 200 aircraft. It's unique due to its cave-like layout under Datangshan Mountain. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the wide range of both Chinese and foreign aircraft on display.
  • Location: Located outside downtown, plan travel accordingly.
  • Collection: Features rare and historical aircraft.
  • Audience: Suitable for aviation enthusiasts.
Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum

5. Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum

Located in the Five Pagoda Temple, this museum displays fascinating stone carvings. It includes intricate statuary and inscriptions dating back several dynasties. The unique combination of history and art is ideal for those interested in ancient craftsmanship.
  • Artistry: High attention to detail in exhibits.
  • Interpretive Signs: Limited, so self-research could enhance understanding.
  • Preservation: Exhibits show centuries-old techniques.
The Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

6. The Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Known for its endless rows of eateries serving late-night food, Ghost Street has a strange name that belies its lively atmosphere. It's a must-visit for adventurous food lovers eager to try unusual local dishes. The street's red lanterns create a unique and festive environment.
  • Culinary Adventure: Offers a variety of exotic foods.
  • Operating Hours: Best visited at night.
  • Atmosphere: Busy and bustling most evenings.
Beijing Tap Water Museum

7. Beijing Tap Water Museum

This museum offers a quirky look at the history of Beijing's water supply. Originally a waterworks, it showcases old machinery and the city’s water purification process. A visit here is an unconventional dive into the world of utilities and engineering.
  • Niche Interests: Best suited for those interested in engineering.
  • Crowds: Usually less crowded than major attractions.
  • Educational Value: Highlights essential urban functions.
Eunuch Museum

8. Eunuch Museum

This small museum is dedicated to the often hidden history of eunuchs in Chinese imperial history. It offers artifacts, stories, and documents, shedding light on the lives of these individuals. The museum's unique focus provides a fascinating perspective on imperial court life.
  • Historical Insight: Highlights a unique aspect of Chinese history.
  • Rare Exhibits: Displays artifacts rarely seen elsewhere.
  • Atmosphere: Intimate with a focused collection.
National Centre for Traditional Performing Arts

9. National Centre for Traditional Performing Arts

Unlike other attractions in Beijing, this center highlights China's rich performing arts heritage. It's home to traditional opera and dramatic performances in impressive settings. A visit here offers an offbeat cultural exposure different from mainstream tourist stops.
  • Cultural Depth: Offers insight into traditional arts.
  • Show Times: Performances have specific schedules.
  • Dress Code: Consider formal attire for some performances.
Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution

10. Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution

This unusual museum is the largest of its kind in the country, showcasing military artifacts. It includes unique exhibitions on China's military history, from ancient weapons to modern defense equipment. The collection aims to deepen understanding of China's role in global conflicts.
  • Exhibit Variety: Covers extensive historical periods.
  • Language Barriers: Some exhibits lack English translations.
  • Interactive Displays: Limited, mainly static exhibits.
Beijing Museum of Tap Water

11. Beijing Museum of Tap Water

Unique and odd, this museum charts the history of the city’s water supply. Visitors can explore vintage waterworks equipment and machinery. It’s a step into a rarely considered but vital aspect of urban life.
  • Interest Level: Best for those curious about urban planning.
  • Admission: Usually free or low-cost entry.
  • Museum Size: Relatively small—expect a short visit.
The China National Film Museum

12. The China National Film Museum

Boasting an unusual size, it's one of the largest film museums worldwide. It celebrates Chinese cinema history with its massive collection of films, equipment, and memorabilia. Movie buffs will find this a goldmine of quirky filmmaking insight.
  • Film Showcases: Exhibits rare films and equipment.
  • Museum Scale: Requires ample time to explore fully.
  • Off the Beaten Path: Less crowded than other attractions.
Red Snail Temple

13. Red Snail Temple

While not eerie, this temple is unusual due to its unique architectural style and serene setting. Its surprising quiet amidst the bustling city offers a tranquil experience. The temple’s lesser-known status makes it a peaceful retreat.
  • Tranquility: Ideal for relaxation and reflection.
  • Accessibility: Public transit may require multiple connections.
  • Historical Value: Not as widely recognized as larger temples.
Daxing Space Theme Park

14. Daxing Space Theme Park

This theme park dedicated to space exploration is a quirky attraction in Beijing. It is filled with educational exhibits about space technology and interactive installations. It’s ideal for families seeking an offbeat, educational experience.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Great for engaging younger visitors.
  • Educational Focus: Offers learning opportunities about space.
  • Travel Time: Located on the outskirts of Beijing.
Ming City Wall Relics Park

15. Ming City Wall Relics Park

Unlike Beijing's other more famous landmarks, this park features the remaining sections of the original Ming Dynasty city walls. It provides historical context in a peaceful, natural environment with limited visitors. It’s an unusual, serene alternative to the manic pace of Beijing's tourist hotspots.
  • Preservation State: Only sections of the wall are intact.
  • Ideal for Strolls: Perfect for a leisurely walk.
  • Visitor Numbers: Typically not crowded, offering quiet exploration.
Beijing Nature Museum

16. Beijing Nature Museum

Known for housing rare fossils and odd exhibits, this museum gives a unique natural history perspective. Its taxidermy collection and dinosaur bones make it a quirky stop for science lovers. The museum provides an exploration of prehistoric times with a local twist.
  • Fossil Display: Unique and ancient fossil presentations.
  • Family-Friendly: Exhibits catered towards children’s education.
  • Museum Layout: Designed for easy navigation.
The Museum of Dabaotai Han Tomb

17. The Museum of Dabaotai Han Tomb

This small yet intriguing museum features the well-preserved tomb of a Han dynasty prince. Its underground setting and exquisite burial artifacts provide a rare, haunting glimpse into ancient mourning customs. The oddity and historical significance make it an unconventional but rewarding visit.
  • Archaeological Insight: Offers unique funerary artifacts.
  • Artifact Quality: Well-preserved relics.
  • Exploration Space: Limited in size but rich in content.
The Capital Museum

18. The Capital Museum

While it covers a wide range of exhibits, its focus on cultural evolution makes it stand out. It includes odd and rare artifacts that capture Beijing’s peculiar cultural dynamics over time. This museum is a quirky yet insightful way to understand the city's development.
  • Comprehensive Collection: Covers wide historical timelines.
  • Exhibit Oddities: Features rare and strange pieces.
  • English Labels: Not all items are translated for non-Chinese speakers.
Beijing Police Museum

19. Beijing Police Museum

This museum shares the peculiar history of Beijing’s policing with exhibits on crime-solving methods and equipment. Its focus on the law enforcement aspect of the city’s history offers a distinct and sometimes eerie glimpse into public safety evolution.
  • Crime Artifacts: Displays unusual crime-solving tools.
  • Niche Appeal: Primarily interesting for history or law enforcement buffs.
  • Exhibit Size: Smaller, more specialized collection.
Ancient Observatory

20. Ancient Observatory

Far from being a standard historical site, this observatory showcases the ancient Chinese art of stargazing. Visitors can see unique astronomical instruments and learn about their uses. It's a fascinating peek into ancient scientific methods that shaped early understanding of the stars.
  • Historical Tools: Features amusingly old instruments.
  • Educational Tours: Available to explain historical applications.
  • Offbeat Learning: Offers a different historical perspective than other sites.