Song Tang Zhai Museum of Traditional Chinese Folk Carving 松堂斋民间雕刻博物馆

If there’s a “hidden” museum in Beijing, then this is it. Located behind a trinket vendor on the eastern end of Liulichang arts and crafts street, the Song Tang Zhai looks just like any of the other stores lining the block. Inside, however, the museum has two small floors full of old fashioned doors, wood blocks, furniture and a variety of other Chinese wood and stone carvings. Some of the pieces are really extraordinary, and the atmosphere gives the feeling of walking through a collector’s home. On-site guides will give you a free tour in Chinese, and there’s no admission fee, though donations are gladly accepted as you leave. The whole building can be browsed through in 30 minutes (maybe a little longer, if you take the tour or read the Chinese captions), so it isn’t worth going out of your way to visit, but if you’re in the area, it shouldn’t be missed.