The Golden Week holiday is extended to eight days this year, as China is ushering in two celebrations from Oct 1-8: the National Day holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

For anyone who is looking forward to a rich, refreshing break, here is a list of some of the best exhibitions, shows and things to do around town.

Exhibitions:

Qin and Han dynasties relics

The exhibition The Civilizations of Qin and Han celebrates the glory of those two dynasties (221 BC-AD 220) in terms of politics, economics, arts and culture. More than 300 artifacts from 30 museums and institutions across the country are on show through Nov 30.

Learn more here.

If you go:

9 am -5 pm through Nov 30. Closed on Mondays. National Museum of China, 16 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng district. 010-6511-6188.

Ticket: Free