Besides the famous cultural landmarks in Beijing like the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and the Great Wall, there are lesser-known destinations where you will discover different sides of the capital while avoiding crowds this summer.
China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
At the "Ever-changing and Magnificent: Thematic Exhibition on Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection in China", you will discover over 100 items in 10 categories, totaling more than 600 sets of exhibits, through which you will learn about the production processes of embroidery works and Chinese New Year paintings.
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays
Free reservations can be made on the official WeChat account of the China National Arts and Crafts Museum (中国工艺美术馆).
Cloisonne Art Museum of China
You will have the opportunity to experience cloisonné making and enameling at Beijing Enamel Factory. In this summer, you can also find cultural night markets and attend masters' lectures.
Opening hours: 9:00 to 16:30 everyday
Entry is free and no reservation is needed.
Yanliao (Pigment) Guild Hall
This 400-year-old guild hall was a place for the merchants from Shanxi Province. It is now a cultural performance space, offering Peking Opera, cross-talk, and stand-up comedy performances on weekends.
No reservation is required for weekday visits. However, tickets are required for weekend shows, and you can buy tickets on Damai.
Fayuan Temple
Built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Fayuan Temple is Beijing's oldest Buddhist temple, and houses a rich collection of Buddhist scriptures, statues, and stone carvings.
Opening hours: 8:30 to 16:00
Entry is free and no reservation is needed.
Dongyue Temple (Beijing Folk Customs Museum)
It is the only state-run folk culture-themed museum in Beijing, showcasing China's ancient folk rituals of various kinds.
Opening hours: 8:30 to 16:30, closed on Mondays
Tickets are available for CNY 10 each on the official WeChat account of the museum (北京民俗博物馆).
Do you know any other off-the-beaten-path spot in Beijing? Feel free to share with us!
(Source: Beijing Daily App)
