The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Beijing

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

Unusual Attractions in Beijing

The Forbidden City

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

Dragon Escalator

The world's longest outdoor escalator takes visitors to the top of China's largest dam and is also shaped like a dragon.

Great Wall of China Slide

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

China Watermelon Museum

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

Ming Dynasty Tombs

Ming Dynasty necropolis raided during the Cultural Revolution.

798 Art District

This probably wasn't what Mao had in mind.

The World Park

Beijing's World Park offers the excitement of international sites without the travel.

Dongyue Temple

This sensational Chinese temple walks visitors through the 76 weird departments of the afterlife.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Beijing

China Watermelon Museum

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

Atlas Obscura Trips

China: The Great Cuisines of the Middle Kingdom

From bustling night markets to fine-dining institutions, this journey down China’s east coast reveals the story of countless delicious dishes and culinary traditions.

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Jiānbǐng	1 July 23, 2019	1418	July 23, 2019
Sword of Goujian	1 October 31, 2019	1366	October 31, 2019
Labrang Meditation Huts	1 July 3, 2019	1440	July 3, 2019
Heicheng Ruins	1 October 23, 2019	971	October 23, 2019
The Amazing Robots of Wu Yulu	1 October 27, 2019	829	October 27, 2019

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Stories About Beijing

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.

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.

December 19, 2019

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