798 Art Zone

This well-known modern art centre is based inside a defunct, 1950s concrete factory with works of artists from all over the world. It features photographic exhibitions, video installations, sculptures and other artwork. Displays change regularly. Restaurants and cafes serve fabulous food.

• Web:

  www.798district.com

• Address:

  2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  24/7

Beihai Park / 北海公园

Beihai Park is one of the oldest and largest ancient imperial gardens in China which is located in the city centre, and one of its best-preserved parks. It has over 1,000 years of history and is located just behind the Forbidden City. This is a nice quiet park with a relaxing atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.beihaipark.com.cn//english/index.html

• Address:

  24 Dianmen Xi Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6403 3225

• Opening hours:

  6h30 - 20h

Beijing Aquarium / 北京海洋馆

Beijing Aquarium is the biggest inland aquarium in the world, located inside the Beijing zoo. It consists of seven exhibition halls with thousands of marine species, presenting also endangered creatures. In addition, there are shows with adorable animals like dolphins and seals. This is a great attraction for both adults and children.

• Web:

  www.bj-sea.com

• Address:

  18 Gaoliangqiao Xie Jie, Haidian District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6217 6655

• Opening hours:

  9h - 17h30

Beijing Capital Museum / 北京首都博物馆

Beijing Capital Museum was formally open to the public in 1981, and the Confucian Temple was its original site. In order to accommodate a larger collection, a new museum was built in December 2001. There are more than 5000 pieces of cultural relics here like porcelain ware, calligraphy works, paintings, coins, jades, seals and Buddhist statues.

• Web:

  en.capitalmuseum.org.cn

• Address:

  16 Fuxingmen Wai Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6339 3339

• Opening hours:

  9h - 17h

Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatics Show / 朝阳剧场

Enjoy a performance of acrobatics at the Chaoyang Theatre which was built in 1984. The program contains tricks with cycling and chairs and other magical Chinese stunts. This spectacular show lasts for one hour and it is much appreciated by tourists.

• Web:

  www.chaoyangacrobaticshow.com

• Address:

  36 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 186 1235 9093

Dashilan / 大栅栏

Dashilan used to be the busiest suburban commercial area, and one of those most steeped in history. This traditional market is kept as it once was; some of the longest-standing brand boutiques started here, as well as the very first cinema in Beijing - and all of them are still running. Dashilan represents the other side of Beijing. It shows you that this city is not only about royal families but also about regular residents who lived outside the palace. This place breathes vitality of daily life. This is also the main exhibition spot of Beijing International Design Week, making for a unique chemistry between the area's traditional vibe and modern art and design exhibits.

• Address:

  Xicheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6310 9680

• Opening hours:

  24/7