Weekend explorer: Things you haven't done (yet) in Beijing

Beijing's not just the capital of China, it's also home to plenty of unique things to do and experiences that you literally can't find anywhere else in the world. And while we're sure that you've taken the kids to the usual suspects such as Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, there are still most likely some activities and attractions, unique to Beijing, that you haven't done. Here's a couple of our picks – how many have you been to?

Visit the Tunnel Warfare Site

Photo: Tunnel Warfare Site website

About 60 kilometres (37 miles) northeast of Beijing, the memorial of Jiaozhuanghu Tunnel Warfare Site is a striking reminder of China's efforts to repel Japanese occupation during the Second World War. An 800-metre-long tunnel and a five-storey blockhouse have now been renovated and opened to the public to commemorate the use of tunnel warfare during China's War of Resistance against Japan (1937-1945). Within you can find meeting rooms, command posts, individual shelters and warehouses.

Jiaozhuanghu village, Longwantun town, Shunyi district (60461906) 顺义区龙湾屯镇焦庄户村 Open 9-5pm (last entry 4pm), Wed-Sun. Free.

Meet your special godfather

Photo: Ma Ke

Respect for elders has long formed an important pillar of Chinese culture, and there are a few really old folks kicking around our capital to pay homage to, among them Yuanmou Man – or his teeth, at least. Housed in the National Museum, these dated dentures were originally believed to be as old as 1.7 million years, though recent study suggests closer to 600,000. Further afield is Zhoukoudian, better known as the site of Yuanmou’s homo erectus contemporary, Peking Man.

1 Zhoukoudian Dajie, Fangshan district (6930 1080). 房山区周口店大街1号周口店 Open 8.30am-4.30pm daily. 30RMB

Watch a movie in China's oldest cinema

First opening its doors in 1903, Dashilan’s Daguanlou is the oldest movie theatre in China and, while it’s somewhat of a disputed title, it also claims to be the 'longest-running cinema in the world'. An exhibit inside even credits founder Ren Qingtai with coining the Chinese word for film (电 影, dianying), as well as directing the first Chinese motion picture in 1905. In recent years, the cinema has been renovated, and while it has lost just a touch of its historic charm, an updated space means you can catch everything from new domestic releases to recent Hollywood blockbusters in 3D (from 39RMB; some of the cheapest in town) at the birthplace of China’s film industry.

36 Dashilan, Xicheng district. 西城区大栅栏36号 Open 9am-midnight daily. 

Gaze from one of the world's oldest observatories

Photo: Wikipedia commons

There aren’t many places left in the world where you can do exactly what people have been doing there for nearly a millennium, but the Beijing Ancient Observatory is one such rare gem. Operating in some form since 1442, this unassuming grey slab and its various apparatus helped emperors past scour the skies, and are still pointing skyward today, even if the surrounding skyscrapers are a new addition. It’s only open until 5pm, so constellations might not be on the agenda, but head up late on a clear day to gaze up and become uncomfortably aware of just how small and insignificant you are compared to the universe and the CBD.

 2 Dong Biaobei Hutong, Dongcheng district (6524 2202) 东城区东裱褙胡同2号 Open 9am-5pm daily. 20RMB; 10RMB for concessions.

Walk the roof of the Bird's Nest

Photo: Pat Moore

Called the Top Wonder, the kilometre-long walkway on the roof of the Bird's Nest (or more uncommonly called, the National Stadium) covers half the stadium’s roof and has several new viewing platforms for those mandatory selfies. The pass (80RMB) allows you to take a perch in all three tiers of the stadium and freely wander the often deserted hallways encircling it. To reach the roof you’ll need to look out for the wonderfully named 'Love Elevator' and take it to the fifth floor, where you’ll pass through a museum of assorted Olympic artefacts. From there, head towards the southern point of the stadium and, another lift ride later, you’ll emerge in the upper echelons of its steely skeleton, an impressive tangling of intertwining beams, wiring and walkways.

On a good day, you'll have great views of the stadium and the surrounding Olympic Park area. It might be a mundane outing for some kids who aren't easily impressed, but then again, it's not every day the family gets to walk on top of one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.

1 Guojia Tiyuchang Nan Lu, Chaoyang district (8437 3008) 朝阳区国家体育场南路1号. Open 9am-7pm daily. 80RMB (purchase from kiosks between Gates C and D)

Attend a Buddhist initiation

Fayuan Temple near Niu Jie in southwest Beijing is the oldest surviving temple in Beijing. Its secluded setting and ancient gingko trees create a peaceful backdrop for the initiation ceremonies. The rites are open to the public – for 5RMB entry – and take place the last Saturday of every month (next one on Sat 30) at 10am.

 7 Fayuansi Qianjie, Xicheng district. 西城区法源寺前街7号 Open 8.30am-3.30pm daily. 5RMB per entry.

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