beijing in 10 days
 

What are some of the best things to do in 10 days in Beijing? I mean off the beaten path sites to see, not just the touristy things to do? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
IE museums? Art? Historical places? Where to eat that's unusual? Shopping? Thanks so much.
Pat.

Buy a guide book. Lonely Planet does one solely for Beijing as there is lots there. There is also a new book out on Beijing :

http://old.cnta.gov.cn/lyen/gl/1_view.asp?id=6814

Also buy a good city map.

I found some unusual places just by walking around. The subway is easy to use there. Don't miss the DUCK restaurant.

phart - I don't think you could do better than to read the travel report posted on this forum by ekscrunchy called "Back from 21 Superb Days in Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai". Read her section on Beijing and you'll have everything you need!

One thing we really enjoyed was tea tasting and shopping. There are many, many shops in the Maliandao Tea Street in the Western Xuanwu District of Beijing. All the shops have tasting tables where they brew tea for you to taste and tell you about it. They also sell pots, cups and other tea paraphernalia. A lovely way to spend some time in Beijing.

I put up some of my favorite Beijing restaurant suggestions on this thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35002652