Museums
Capital Museum
New high profile history and art museum located in an impressing building. Exhibits include the history of Beijing and artifacts from throughout China's history.
China Science and Technology Museum
Educuational museum with the possibility of experimenting yourself. Hall A has short films, Hall B has exhibitions, whereas Hall C is an experimental area primarily for children.
Prince Gong's Mansion and Garden
The mansion displays the life of princes during the Qing dynasty. The garden is packed with Chinese tourists. The mansion stages Peking Opera and magic shows now and then.
Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence
Museum and garden showing the life of Soong Ching Ling 1893-1981. Soong was a politician in the early days of communist China, vice president 1959â1975. She was married to Sun Yat-sen and also related to Chiang Kai-shek.
Mei Lanfang's Residence
Museum showing the life of Mei Lanfang 1894-1961. Mei was the greatest star of Peking Opera, acting for more than 50 years, primarily playing female roles. Furniture as well as costumes and other opera stuff are exhibited here.
Guo Moruo's Former Residence
Museum showing the life of Guo Moruo 1892-1978. Guo was an author, poet, historian and government official. His works seems quite dated now, but his former residence is still worth a visit.
Xu Beihong Museum
Xu Beihong 1895-1953 was one of the first and most influential modern Chinese painters. He used both Chinese and Western techniques and is most famous for traditional painting of running horses. The museum exhibits a large number of his own works as well as his large collection of other artists' works.
Beijing Lu Xun Museum
Lu Xun 1881-1936 was one of the first and most influential modern Chinese writers. He is most famous for "The True Story of Ah Q". The museum consist of Lu Xun's former residence as well as an exhibition hall with exhibits of Lu Xun's personal effects, originals and copies of his works and also exhibits not dirictly related to Lu Xun.
Temples
White Cloud Temple
Taoist temple established in 793. Houses the Chinese Taoist Association and a Taoist Health Clinic.
Guanghua Temple
Buddhist temple used to pray for success in business life.
Guangji Temple
Buddhist temple built around 1460. Burned down in 1934 and was rebuilt in 1952 and further renovated in 1972. It is supposed to look as it did originally, but it does not really look old. The temple is functioning as a center for Buddhist thinking and learning and it is also the headquarter of the Chinese Buddhist Association.
Lidai Diwang Miao
Large temple built in 1530 used to sacrifice to past emperors. Opened to the public in 2004 after a decade of renovation. Here can be seen memorial tablets for a large number of past emperors.
Beihai Park
Beihai is a good place to take a glance at Zhongnanhai ä¸åæµ· ZhÅngnánhÇi, heart of Communist China. There's a big island and white pagoda which was built in the 17th century. The giant buildings westward outside are PRC's Ministry of Defence and General Staff, which, to be honest, ruin the scene of the west bank. On the north bank, you can visit some small but beautiful gardens.
Deshengmen
City gate built in 1437 as part of the city wall, which was torn down in 1969. Now only an archery tower and a barbican is left. The gate houses an ancient coin exhibition and a snack bar.