Discover Beijing’s quirky tourist attractions – from a century-old bathhouse to VR theme park
- The Great Wall and the Forbidden City are probably at the top of your must-see list when you visit the Chinese capital, but why not look further afield?
- Next time you visit, head to the watermelon or Eunuch museum, or even try your hand at acting
Beijing is famous for its imposing historical landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, and other must-see attractions such as Tiananmen Square. But for those who want to venture off the beaten track, Beijing also has plenty of quirky attractions which give a refreshing and sometimes humorous take on the life and history of the city.
Here are six unconventional tourist spots for you to visit on your next trip to the Chinese capital.
1. Watermelon Museum
Located in Daxing, the district known for watermelon production, this museum introduces visitors to all aspects of the fruit.
The detail in which every part of the watermelon is explored at this museum shows the love Daxing people have for their favourite produce. Visitors can learn about its use in medicine, read about Chinese watermelon experts and their research, and see artwork dedicated to this juicy fruit.
The quirky interior appears to have been inspired by outer space, with an intergalactic colour theme of starry blue and spaceship silver. There is a section explaining how watermelon seeds were sent to space in China’s quest to develop a new, genetically mutated species.