Western Line 1 is an ancient subway system by Beijing standards. Completed in 1973, it formed a link between the city and military bases on the west of the city. We have selected three spots that we believe are worth seeing.
Eunuch Museum
(Subway Stop – Pingguoyuan (Moshikou Dajie, just north of the subway stop) – Cost 8RMB)
A few kilometres walk from the Pingguoyuan subway station is the interesting but little-known Eunuch Museum. The museum grounds include a cemetery with tombs and tombstones, as well as several small rooms with photos, information, and historical items.
Our favorite part of the museum was the cemetery, located out back from the main area. The above-ground portion of the cemetery had some tombstones, statues, and flowers. Below-ground there were two tombs open to the public, though neither had very much in it.
The main grounds were composed of a few low buildings. Unfortunately, all of the signs were in Chinese, but still interesting. The collection included models and implements enough to make any man wince. While far off the beaten track, the Eunuch Museum is worth a visit for those who like to see the unusual and other sides of the city.
Babaoshan Olympic Mountain Biking Course
(Subway Stop - Babaoshan)
About 1km north of Babaoshan subway station is the mountain biking course used for the Olympics. This difficult course winds its way through a tree lined hill on the western edge of Beijing. The course is clearly marked out and is easily followed.
Andrew with one of the signs on the Olympic Bike Track.
Riding the trail is not difficult, with side roads offered at major obstacles. While my riding companion Reece was adventurous on some of the obstacles, my lack of mountain bike experience meant I always chose the easier route.
Reece on-top of one of the Olympic course obstacles.
The main challenge with the Babaoshan Mountain Bike Course is getting your bike there. With subway trains and buses banning bikes, the other alternatives are to drive or ride. As Reece and I can attest, riding your bike the considerable distance from the eastern part of town is fun, but a struggle in the summer heat.
Beijing Military Museum
(Subway Stop - Beijing Military Museum - Cost free, bring your passport.)
Beijing Military Museum is an interesting place to go if you wish to receive a different view on world history. The main area in the foyer consists of a range of different military vehicles from different technological eras.
Within the Museum, the exhibits detail the Chinese version on major international conflicts. China is given almost full credit for defeating the Japanese in World War II and America and its South Korean allies are accused of starting the Korean War.
North east of the Beijing Military Museum is the Millennium Monument, a pretty building surrounded by a nice green field. Temple fairs occur in this park during the Chinese New Year.
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