If you’re looking for some unique and memorable experiences in China, you might want to skip the usual tourist attractions and explore some of the country’s hidden gems. Here are 10 offbeat activities that will make your trip to China unforgettable.

Visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

This museum, located in the basement of an apartment complex, showcases hundreds of propaganda posters from the 20th century, revealing the political and social changes that shaped modern China. You’ll also see some beautiful Shanghai Lady Posters that depict the fashion and culture of the city in the 1920s and 1930s.

Walk among world literary giants at Lu Xun Park

Lu Xun was one of China’s most influential writers and critics, and his former residence in Shanghai is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Nearby, you’ll find Lu Xun Park, a peaceful green space with a large lake, where locals gather to fish, play music, and practice tai chi. The park also features a World Literary Giant Square, where you can see statues of Shakespeare, Dickens, Tolstoy, and other famous authors.

Make a furry friend at Canil Dog Café

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll enjoy spending some time at Canil Dog Café, where you can order a coffee and a dog biscuit and cuddle with some of the café’s resident pooches. The café also offers dog grooming services, dog training classes, and dog adoption events.

Watch an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World

For an evening of gravity-defying Chinese acrobatics, head to Shanghai Circus World. This 1,600-seat venue in northern Shanghai hosts domestic and international performances that include acrobatics, magic, music, dancing, and martial arts. You’ll be amazed by the skills and stunts of the performers, who will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Explore the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao

Zhujiajiao is one of the oldest and best-preserved water towns in China, dating back to more than 1,700 years ago. It’s located about an hour’s drive from Shanghai, and it’s a great place to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of southern China. You can wander along the canals, cross the stone bridges, visit the historic temples and gardens, and sample some local delicacies.

Learn about Chinese medicine at Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum

Hu Qing Yu Tang is a famous pharmacy in Hangzhou that was founded in 1874 by a wealthy businessman named Hu Xueyan. It’s now a museum that displays more than 4,000 items related to traditional Chinese medicine, such as herbs, tools, books, and prescriptions. You can also see how the medicines are prepared in the workshop, or try some yourself at the clinic or tea house.

Ride a glass slide on top of a skyscraper

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try riding a glass slide on the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai. The slide is 60 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, and it offers a thrilling view of the city from 340 meters above the ground. You’ll need to wear protective clothing and a helmet before you slide down at a speed of up to six meters per second.

Experience rural life at Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Rice Terraces are a stunning sight to behold, especially in spring and autumn when they are filled with water or golden crops. The terraces were built by local ethnic minorities over hundreds of years ago, and they still use them to grow rice today. You can hike along the trails, admire the scenery, and visit some of the villages to learn about their customs and culture.

Discover contemporary art at M50

M50 is a former textile mill that has been transformed into a hub for contemporary art in Shanghai. It’s home to more than 100 galleries, studios, and art spaces, where you can see works by emerging and established artists from China and abroad. You can also find some cafés, restaurants, and shops in the complex, making it a perfect place to spend a day exploring the creative side of Shanghai.

Enjoy a hot spring bath at Hailuogou Glacier Park

Hailuogou Glacier Park is a natural wonder in Sichuan province, where you can see the largest glacier in China. The park also has a hot spring resort, where you can soak in the mineral-rich water and enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains. The hot spring baths are open all year round, and they are especially relaxing after a day of hiking or skiing in the park.