Off Beaten Path Attractions in Beijing

Carve some extra time out of your itinerary and discover the unusual, the unexpected and the unforgettable side of Beijing. You'll find lasting memories at the coin museum and the abandoned old summer palace. The aircraft museum is an interesting visit, and you'll be learning while avoiding the mobs and crowds at Wangfujing! Beijing has a lot to offer that most tourists ignore. The antique market is especially rewarding, especially for the avid photographer or bargain shopper. Enjoy Beijing off the beaten path!

The Ruins of the Old Summer Palace are not a regular activity for the casual Beijing tourist. Nevertheless, it is a rewarding visit to see the beautiful ruins and imagine what once was. For more history and culture not trampled by tourism, try Simatai Great Wall and the Ming City Wall Park, which has the remnants of the city's boundaries of yesteryear.

The Antique Markets offers the chance to bargain for goods with merchants while looking for good deals and absorbing the culture through the art of shopping.

Want off-the-beaten-path activities?-- Check out Beijing's Museum of Ancient Animals, which is educational fun and wacky all at once. The Museum of Natural History is similarly informative and fun, and offers a great mid-morning activity.

Likewise, the Beijing Wax Museum boasts a surprising collection of wax figures that were expertly crafted and somewhat too lifelike.

Finally, the aircraft museum is a fun way to learn about China's military and commercial air power while checking out the massive flying machines and absorbing a bit of Chinese nationalism.

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