China Fire Museum

The Fire Museum displays practical methods for surviving earthquakes, fires and subway fires, and has historical artifacts used in fire prevention from ancient to modern times.

Address: No 70 Guang'anmen Nandajie, Xicheng district

Open: 9 am-5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday

Tel: 6626-7926

Web: www.cfm119.com

西城区广安门南大街70号

Apiculture Museum

Hidden inside Fragrant Hills, this museum is a secret city populated by those mysterious and highly organized animals - bees. The museum is free to enter and the curious are rewarded with an in-depth look at how bees are bred and raised. One of the must-sees here is a vivid bee fossil formed 23 million years ago. You can buy all kinds of bee-related products in the gift shop, or relax on a walk in the beautiful surroundings.

Address: Inside Bee Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (in Beijing Botanical Gardens), Xiangsha Nanlu, Haidian district

Open: 8:30 am-4:30 pm, closed in winter

Tel: 8259-4910

海淀区北京市植物园密封博物馆

Beijing Police Museum

Located in an antique Western-styled building, formerly a Citibank branch, the museum is home to all kinds of police weapons in service from 1945 to 2000, uniforms and precious relics from milestones in the city's history. There are opportunities to play computer-simulated exercises, such as driving and shooting, which are considered necessary skills for a police officer.

Address: No 35 Dong Jiao Min Xiang, Dongcheng district

Open: 9 am-4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

Tel: 8522-5018

Ticket: 5 yuan a person, 20 yuan a package ticket including souvenirs and shooting simulation

东城区东交民巷35号

Diabolo Museum

The diabolo, the hollow bamboo that makes a whistling sound, was once a beloved and traditional pastime of Beijing people. Playing a diabolo is now considered a sport and a skill. The museum, free to enter, has detailed displays about the making, changes in style, and playing of diabolos. A team of interpreters, led by National Master Li Lianyuan, is there to guide you through time and culture, and to teach you how to play. You can also see the favorite diabolo played by the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

Address: No 9 Baoguosi Xiaoxing Hutong, Xicheng district

Open: 9 am-4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

Tel: 8316-5726

西城区报国寺小星胡同9号

Ancient Coins Museum

Interested visitors can see ancient coins in unusual shapes and material: from shell, cloth, to knife and grimace. The museum also has a market for collectors.

Address: No 9 Deshengmen Dongdajie

Open: 9 am-4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

海淀区德胜门东大街9号

Great Wall Museum

The history and beauty of the Great Wall are on display. Great Wall lovers are welcome to visit and to learn all kinds of fascinating things about the magnificent structure.

Address: Near Badaling Great Wall

Open: 9 am-4:30 pm in winter/autumn, Tuesday to Sunday

Tel: 6912-1890, 6912-1830

延庆县八达岭镇八达岭风景区内

Beijing Museum of Natural History

A special event, called Being Museum Workers for One Day, has been organized for International Museum Day on May 18. About 30 families or 50 visitors and members are invited to be involved in managing the warehouse and arranging specimens. A nice experience for nature lovers and children.

Address: No 126 Tianqiao Nandajie

Open: 9 am-5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

东城区天桥南大街126号

China Daily

(China Daily 05/17/2011)