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10 Cool and Quirky Things to Do in Beijing! ✴️🗺
Beijing is a city that thrives on surprises, blending modern skyscrapers with ancient traditions. Let's step off the beaten path and dive into unusual experiences that reveal its rich history and quirky spirit.
From antique-filled alleys to miniature world parks, this guide reveals 10 unique and unusual activities ideal for adventurous souls seeking a fresh perspective on this dynamic city. Let’s explore the fun!
1️⃣ Liulichang Cultural Street
➜ What It Is
A labyrinthine alley brimming with antique shops, rubbings, and inkstone vendors, located in Xicheng District (near Hepingmen Station on Line 2 of the Beijing Subway).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Haggling for ancient scrolls or custom seals amid dusty treasures turns browsing into a treasure-hunt thrill, perfect for cultural curators and quirky souvenir seekers.
➜ The Story
Dating back to the Qing Dynasty in the 13th century as a hub for imperial exam candidates buying scholarly goods, it flourished with opera houses and teahouses; revived post-Cultural Revolution in the 1980s, it embodies Beijing's enduring literati spirit, preserving artifacts in a city of constant reinvention.
2️⃣ World Park
➜ What It Is
A quirky theme park with over 100 miniature replicas of global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal, at 158 Fengbao Road, Fengtai District (near Dabaotai Station on the Fangshan Line).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Wandering scaled-down wonders turns sightseeing into a whimsical globetrotting game, ideal for playful photos and cultural laughs amid manicured gardens.
➜ The Story
Opened in 1993 as part of Beijing's post-reform tourism boom to showcase "the world in one place," it draws from 19th-century world expo traditions; surviving economic shifts, it reflects the city's ambition to connect ancient roots with global curiosity in a kitschy, accessible format.
3️⃣ Caochangdi Art Village
➜ What It Is
A gritty artist enclave with street murals, galleries, and experimental installations in abandoned factories, northeast of Beijing in Chaoyang District (taxi from Sanyuanqiao Station on Line 10, near 798 but distinct).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Discovering avant-garde sculptures amid rural vibes sparks creative inspiration, offering an off-grid art hunt for immersive, thought-provoking encounters.
➜ The Story
Founded in the early 2000s by dissident artist Ai Weiwei as an alternative to commercialized 798, it grew from derelict village buildings into a free-spirited hub; facing demolition threats but preserved through artist advocacy, it embodies Beijing's underground cultural resistance and evolving contemporary scene.
4️⃣ Shijia Hutong Museum
➜ What It Is
A preserved courtyard home displaying everyday artifacts from 1950s hutong life, at 24 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District (near Dongsi Station on Lines 5 and 6).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Poking through vintage radios and family photos feels like stepping into a nostalgic time capsule, perfect for intimate cultural dives and storytelling sessions.
➜ The Story
Converted in 2013 from a private residence built in the Qing Dynasty, it honors vanishing hutong communities amid urban redevelopment; as Beijing's first hutong museum, it preserves oral histories, tying into the city's rapid modernization while celebrating communal roots.
5️⃣ Maliandao Tea Street
➜ What It Is
A mile-long market of tea shops offering tastings of rare Pu'er and oolong in hidden warehouses, at Maliandao Road, Xuanwu District (near Wanzi Station on Line 7).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Haggling for aged teas in aromatic dens turns sipping into a flavorful ritual, ideal for foodies seeking sensory overload and souvenir-hunting.
➜ The Story
Evolving from a 1990s wholesale hub amid China's tea revival, it's now Asia's largest tea market with roots in imperial tribute systems; this bustling strip captures Beijing's role as a northern tea gateway, blending commerce with ancient brewing traditions.
6️⃣ Gui Jie (Ghost Street)
➜ What It Is
A late-night food alley glowing with red lanterns and spicy hotpot stalls, along Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District (near Beixinqiao Station on Line 5).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Feasting on midnight skewers amid neon chaos delivers a vibrant, belly-laughing immersion, ideal for nocturnal adventurers craving local flavors.
➜ The Story
Named for its "ghostly" 24-hour bustle since the 1980s, it started as a trucker stop but boomed with migrant workers' cuisine; this fiery strip reflects Beijing's migrant-driven food evolution, turning folklore-inspired nights into a quirky social hub.
7️⃣ Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Gongyuan) Secluded Trails
➜ What It Is
Lesser-trodden forest paths weaving through maple groves and abandoned pavilions in Haidian District (near Xiangshan Station on the Western Suburban Line).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Hiking off-main routes for crimson autumn foliage offers a fairytale-like nature quest, perfect for serene photography and meditative escapes.
➜ The Story
Part of an imperial hunting ground since the Jin Dynasty in 1186, the park's secluded corners survived Qing-era expansions and 20th-century wars; designated a public reserve in 1956, it ties into Beijing's royal leisure traditions, providing whispered wilderness amid urban sprawl.
🔴 Tip: Visit in the fall for red leaves; wear sturdy shoes and stick to paths to avoid getting lost.
8️⃣ Nanxin Cang Cultural Street
➜ What It Is
A restored Ming-era grain warehouse turned art alley with street performances and craft shops, at 22 Dongsi Shitiao, Dongcheng District (near Zhangzizhonglu Station on Line 5).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Watching impromptu shadow puppets in historic silos sparks whimsical cultural delight, great for interactive folklore and artisan finds.
➜ The Story
Built in 1409 as imperial storage during the Yongle reign, it stored rice for the Forbidden City; repurposed in 2015 as a creative zone, it honors Beijing's logistical legacy while fostering modern expression in ancient structures.
9️⃣ Dashanzi's Hidden Murals
➜ What It Is
Street art alleys in the Dashanzi area beyond 798, featuring guerrilla graffiti and pop-up exhibits in Chaoyang District (taxi from Wangjing West Station on Line 13).
➜ Why It’s Fun
Hunting elusive wall art amid industrial ruins creates an urban scavenger thrill, ideal for street photographers capturing rebellious vibes.
➜ The Story
Sprouting in the 2000s from factory walls as artists fled rising rents in 798, these murals echo Beijing's underground scene; surviving crackdowns, they represent the city's creative defiance and shift from state art to street expression.
🔟 Wudaoying Hutong
➜ What It Is
A bohemian hutong with indie cafes, vinyl shops, and tea rituals in hidden courtyards, near Yonghegong Lama Temple Station on Lines 2 and 5, Dongcheng District.
➜ Why It’s Fun
Sipping matcha in tucked-away gardens offers a cozy, eclectic immersion, perfect for vinyl hunts and relaxed cultural mingling.
➜ The Story
Revitalized in the 2010s from a quiet residential lane dating to the Yuan Dynasty, it attracted expats and locals post-Olympics; this evolving strip blends Beijing's hutong heritage with global influences, creating a quirky bridge between old and new.
💥Ready to dive into Beijing’s quirkiest corners? These adventures await—share your favorites! #BeijingHiddenGems #QuirkyBeijing #OffTheBeatenPathBeijing #BeijingAdventures #HiddenBeijing
The 798 Art District is an excellent example of successfully combining industrial heritage, contemporary art, and commercial consumption. While it may have lost some of its early, more avant-garde spirit, it has transformed into a more open, inclusive, and fully functional urban cultural hub. Whether you're an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply want to experience Beijing's unique urban cultural atmosphere, it's worth a visit.
Beijing 798 Art District is located at No. 4 Jiuxianqiao, Chaoyang District. It is an art area transformed from the original North China Radio Factory. The sculptures and murals in the streets and alleys are full of artistic atmosphere and atmosphere. There are many museums, some are free, and there are many coffee houses and restaurants. Whether it is day or night, it is romantic here. You can go shopping for a day without feeling tired. You can also bring children to play. There are a lot of cute sculptures and painting exhibitions, which are all children like.
Went during the Beijing art week, bigger area than I thought, full of galleries, cute shops and cafes, quite a few galleries require a payment to access, but a lot of the smaller ones are completely free.Great place to walk around and enjoy different art styles from many chinese artists.
Environmental atmosphere: The 798 Art District was transformed from an old industrial plant, retaining the architectural features of the Bauhaus style and perfectly blending with modern art. The streets in the park are spacious, tree-lined, and have a strong artistic atmosphere, making it a great place to take photos and check in. 🎨 Art exhibitions and activities: The art district brings together many galleries, design studios, art exhibition spaces, artist studios, etc., and various art exhibitions are held all year round. The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Bahrain Cultural Center, Persian Cultural and Art Center, etc. are well-known exhibition venues in the park and are worth a visit. In addition, the 798 Art District also often holds cultural activities such as lectures, concerts, and art festivals
Autumn Streets | The Best Place for Citywalk in Beijing | The autumn breeze blows gently, and Beijing's 798 District welcomes the most beautiful season of the year. Walking in this art district where history and modernity interweave, the fallen leaves under your feet seem to be telling stories of the past. [Love to Eat] The sun shines through the mottled walls, and graffiti and art installations present unique light and shadow in the autumn light. This was once the heart of industry, but now it is full of creativity and inspiration. 🪟 Not far away, on the windowsill of an old-fashioned cafe, potted autumn chrysanthemums are quietly blooming. Looking through the window at the people walking between galleries and shops, time seems to slow down. Discover various independently designed products here with friends, or find your own inspiration in those unique art exhibitions. 🍁 Every corner hides an unfinished story. Art and nature meet here, and time flows quietly on the streets of this old industrial area.
🏞️Strong artistic atmosphere🏞️ As soon as you step into the 798 Art District, you will be surrounded by the strong artistic atmosphere here. The perfect combination of old industrial plants and modern art works constitutes a unique landscape. Whether it is the exquisite paintings in the gallery or the unique works in the design interior, you can feel the charm and power of art. Here is the source of inspiration for artists and a holy place for your mind to relax and enlighten. 📸Photography and check-in holy place📸 798 Art District is a great choice for taking photos and checking in. Whether it is the literary and retro red brick wall or the modern art installation, it can become the focus of your lens. Walking in the park, you will find that every corner is full of surprises and beauty. Whether you want to take photos in literary style, retro style or modern style, here can meet your needs. 🎭Rich cultural activities🎭 798 Art District is not only a static art exhibition space, but also a vibrant cultural activity center. Various art exhibitions, lectures, concerts and other activities are often held here, so that you can not only appreciate art, but also participate in it and feel the charm and fun of art. Whether you are an art lover or a cultural pursuer, you can find your own happiness and satisfaction here. 🍽️Unique food experience🍽️ In the 798 Art District, food is also a highlight. Here are food from all over the world, whether it is traditional Chinese food, or exotic Western food, Japanese food, etc., you can enjoy it. Moreover, many restaurants and cafes have incorporated artistic elements, so that you can feel the atmosphere and breath of art while tasting food. 🛍️Unique shopping experience🛍️ In addition to art and cultural activities, there are many unique shops and markets in the 798 Art District. You can find various handicrafts, creative gifts, etc. here, and choose a unique gift for friends or yourself. These shops are not only unique in goods, but also the shop owners are very story-telling and sentimental. It is also a rare experience to communicate with them. 🕒Suggested Visiting Time🕒 Since 798 Art District is large in area and has many attractions and activities, it is recommended to visit for at least half a day to a full day. This way you can fully experience the artistic atmosphere here, participate in various cultural activities, taste delicious food, shop and relax, etc. Moreover, you will have different experiences and feelings when you visit 798 at different time periods!
If this is your first time in Beijing, you must visit 798 and experience the different atmosphere of the art park; if you live in Beijing, you must visit 798, where there are beautiful scenery, excellent exhibitions and many activities; we have been to 798 no less than ten times, and brought our children to see "Vacation Solar System", "The 3rd International Picture Book Art Experience Exhibition", "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", "Qing Palace Series Clock and Watch Exhibition", "Dinosaur Fossil Special Exhibition", "boom! Mini Stick World", "Yulu·YO! city Infinite City Children's Art Festival", "Boundless", etc. There are also living 3D museums, outdoor VR experiences, etc. There are also a lot of delicious foods here. In short, you will find a lot of fun, beautiful and delicious things in 798, and you will want to go again!
Located at No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Dashanzi District, formerly the old factory area of electronic industry such as State-owned 798 Factory, now 798 has become a widespread concern of the media and the public at home and abroad. As a new landmark of Beijing culture, it is famous for its Danghua art and 798 lifestyle. There are many artists'shops, such as crafts, galleries, artists' studios, design companies, etc.