Five Fun and Free Things to Do in Beijing

Collecting “Silly” Signs, Unusual Trash Cans Adds to Trip Experience

Dec 29, 2008
Cheryl Probst

Bird's Nest at Olympic Green - Cheryl Probst

Beijing is filled with things to do that are fun and free. They start with "collecting" humorour signs. And end with just walking around various neighborhoods.

Here are some tips for fun and free things for visitors to Beijing to do:

1. Start a photo collection of “silly” signs

The signs may make perfect sense in Chinese characters, but something is lost when they’re translated into English. For example, a museum’s “don’t stroke the works” sign really means “do not touch.” A sign that translates as “No entry who be sloppily dressed” really means, “no shirt, no shoes, no service.” And “visitors are forbidded” is the Chinese way of saying “keep out." Look also for signs displaying names of businesses. There’s the “Peking Thai Chalet,” “God-Chosen Travel Service,” “Fine Feet Clinic,” “Margaret’s Fine Eating Establishment” and “Ladies Shopping City.”

2. Start a photo collection of unusual trash cans

Waste baskets aren’t at all like the typical trash cans found in Western countries. In China, trash cans are transformed into pandas, apples, gold fish, logs, etc. Disposing of litter just became fun. Be sure to take pictures of them. When you get home, count how many different waste baskets you saw.

3. Make a list of weirdly-named dishes found on restaurant menus

English menus in top Western restaurants will be error-free, but not as much fun as those found in neighborhood restaurants where the menu may have been translated by someone with limited English. How about a bowl of “three fried things?” A plate of “three odd fellows” certainly has possibilities. Many restaurants these days provide picture menus with the English translation below the dish’s picture. This cuts a lot of mystery out, but lets diners see what they’ll be eating.

4. Work out on street "gyms"

No time for a workout at the gym? Not to worry. There’s exercise equipment located throughout Beijing’s residential areas. The Beijing government put the equipment there in an effort to stem growing obesity among its citizens. The equipment is pretty basic, but gets the job of working off last night’s Peking duck dinner done. Two good areas to look for the exercise equipment are between the Drum and Bell towers on Gulou Dajie, and along the east side of Houhai Lake. There’s even a ping pong table there, but paddles and balls are not provided.

5. Take a walk

Not only is walking good exercise, but it allows visitors to get up close and personal with Beijing. Good places to walk and people watch are Tian’anmen Square and the Olympic Green (there are charges to tour the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, however). Take a leisurely stroll along Houhai Lake and the lakes north, with detours to explore what’s left of the hutongs. Hutongs are quaint residential neighborhoods which are falling prey to the wrecking ball as Beijing rushes to modernize.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun and free things to do in Beijing. Imaginative travelers will quickly be able to put their own list together.