DK Travel : Beijing : Places of interest

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798 Art District

Although it’s called the 798 Art District, Factory number 798 is only one of a number of former industrial units that have been taken over by artists and galleries to form what is often referred to as Beijing’s answer to New York’s Meatpacking District (see 798 Art District).
Agricultural Exhibition Center

In 1959 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, this was one of ten “key” buildings commissioned in “modern” Chinese style.
Ancient Architecture Museum

Housed in the Hall of Jupiter, part of the Xiannong Tan temple complex, this museum offers an excellent introduction to the ancient construction techniques of Beijing buildings, all helpfully illuminated with detailed models. A fascinating three-dimensional plan shows the city as it was in 1949, with the city walls and gates largely intact.
Ancient Observatory

Dating to 1442, Beijing’s observatory is one of the oldest in the world. In fact, there was an even earlier Yuan-dynasty (1279–1368) observatory also located on this site but no trace of that remains. Today, a collection of reproduction astronomical devices lies in the courtyard, some decorated with fantastic Chinese designs. There are more impressive instruments on the roof.
Bei Hai Park

A beautiful example of a classic imperial garden, Bei Hai was a summer playground for successive dynasties that ruled from the neighboring Forbidden City. Today, it is well and truly open to the public, and thronged daily by locals who come here to socialize. There are a couple of small temples, a fine, small ornamental garden, and a noted restaurant. This is arguably the most lovely of Beijing’s many fine city parks (see Bei Hai Park).
Beijing Amusement Park

An old-style fairground with a Ferris wheel, teacup merry-go-round, mini rollercoaster, and go-kart track set lakeside in grassy Long Tan Park. Avoid at weekends and on public holidays, when the place gets uncomfortably crowded.
Beijing Aquarium

Located in the northeastern corner of the zoo is this new and very impressive addition. It’s reputedly the largest inland aquarium in the world, with massive tanks containing thousands of weird and wonderful fish, plus a shark tank, coral reefs and an “Amazon rainforest.” There are also several dolphin and seal shows held throughout the day.

Beijing Aquarium
Beijing Aquarium

Located in the northeastern corner of the zoo, this is a new and very impressive attraction, which will keep children happy for hours, especially the dolphin shows (see Beijing Aquarium).
Beijing Botanical Gardens

About a mile (2 km) northeast of Xiang Shan Park lie these pretty gardens, containing some 3,000 plant species and some pleasant walks. The garden’s Sleeping Buddha Temple (Wofo Si) is renowned for its magnificent 15-ft (5-m) bronze statue of a reclining Buddha. China’s last emperor, Pu Yi (see The Last Emperor), ended his days here as a gardener.
Beijing Exhibition Hall

A monument to the one-time ideological union between China and the USSR, the hall is a Muscovite-styled period piece (built 1954) fronted by a red-star-topped spire. Although not generally open to the public you can usually access the entrance lobby, which is festooned with massive crystal chandeliers.