Free to see

China National Film Museum

Located just east of Caochangdi, the China National Film Museum isn't likely to attract a lot of casual visitors. But those who make the trek are rewarded by what purports to be the largest professional film museum in the world; a sprawling hunk of geometrical architecture that boasts 20 permanent exhibition halls. The first ten take you through the history of Chinese film, which is rendered mostly through hokey dioramas and panels of Chinese text (though each hall does open with an English summary). Of greater interest are halls 11-20, which get into the more technical aspects of filmmaking, featuring sets, antique cameras and a special effects area. At the end, treat yourself to a screening at one of the museum's five cinemas.

Don't miss A 3D screening at the 21-metre-high IMAX hall.

Estimated time Two hours (not including film).