Anyone who knows anything about Beijing will have heard of its big-hitters. Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven Park and of course the Great Wall are all must-see sights, but there are dozens of lesser-known treasures that can help make your trip to Beijing even more of an adventure. Long-time Beijing resident Daniel McCrohan is a writer for Lonely Planet's China guide and the author of the iPhone app Beijing on a Budget. To help you track down the quirkier side of China's capital, here's his list of Beijing's Hidden Gems…
Temple of Agriculture
This is arguably Beijing's best unknown sight.
Red Gate Gallery
Beijing's beautiful Southeast Corner Watchtower, originally built in 1436, is the city's only remaining corner tower and lies at the far eastern end of the last sur
Great Leap Brewing
A hidden gem to beat all hidden gems, this micro-brewery, run by American beer enthusiast Carl Setzer and his Chinese wife
Zhuangdaokou Great Wall
The tiny rural village of Zhuangdaokou is home to what is probably the most remote stretch of the Great Wall which is accessible by public transport from Beijing.
Three Stones Kite Shop
Run by a man whose great -grandfather used to make kites for the emperor, this modest family business has to be the coolest kite shop in Beijing.
Workers Cultural Palace
Considering how close this reclusive park is to the Forbidden City, it's astonishing how few people come here.
Courtyard 7 (image courtesy of vis-a-v)
This exquisite courtyard hotel is tucked away down a quiet 'hutong' alleyway, yet just a stone&
Ball House
I wonder how many tourists stroll around Beijing's historic Bell Tower without realising they're walking past one of the coolest bars in Beijing?
