While in Beijing for summer vacation, be sure to explore the city's diverse museums. With options ranging from comprehensive to historical, artistic, and relic museums, there is something for every museum enthusiast. Let's take a look at some of the special museums you wouldn't want to miss!
Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum
Situated in the Temple of Agriculture, an imperial temple dating back to Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum boasts the biggest single building in the temple, Taisui Hall. This hall exhibits the most precious collection of the museum on its ceiling—the heavenly caisson from Longfu Temple's Zhengjue Hall.
Opening Hours: During the summer vacation from July 17 to August 31, the museum is closed on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. It will offer extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays during this time from 09:00 to 19:00.
Normal Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
The Grand Canal Museum of Beijing
[Photo via The Beijing News]
The Grand Canal Museum of Beijing draws its design inspiration from three elements: ships, sails, and water depicted in ancient canal pictures. Within its regular collection focused on Historical and Cultural Exhibition of Beijing and the Grand Canal, visitors can explore over 1,000 cultural relics and artworks across eight chapters. These exhibits unfold the deep historical ties between the Grand Canal's changes and Beijing. The museum is currently hosting a free exhibition under the theme of Unveiling Sanxingdui and Jinsha of Ancient Shu Civilization for the public.
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00; The last admission is at 19:00. The museum is closed on Mondays (except on statutory holidays.)
China National Film Museum
As the world's largest national professional film museum, the China National Film Museum boasts 21 permanent exhibition halls. Among its amenities are six screening rooms, including one with a massive screen and can accommodate over 1,000 audiences simultaneously.
Opening Hours: The museum opens at staggered times in summer vacation from July 17 to August 31, 2024. It is only closed on Tuesdays. Extended opening hours will be available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Beijing Olympic Museu
The Beijing Olympic Museum, a dedicated museum centering on Olympics, features a permanent exhibition under the theme of Dual Olympic Games for a Better Future. Covering an area of 8,604 sqm, the permanent exhibition hall displays 1,394 exhibits and a large number of wonderful pictures and videos across three sections: Grand Winter Olympic Games, Highlights of Summer Olympic Games, and Dual Olympic City.
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00, Tuesdays to Sundays (The last admission is at 16:00). The museum is closed on Mondays except for statutory holidays.
Beijing Red Mansion Culture and Art Museum
[Photo via VCG]
Beijing Grand View Garden, inspired by the Chinese classical masterpiece A Dream of Red Mansions, stands as a themed scenic location and filming site for hundreds of TV dramas like A Dream of Red Chamber. Today, the garden is a tourist destination known for its classical garden aesthetics, cultural essence of A Dream of Red Mansions, and well-designed museum facilities.
Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30, April 1 to October 31 (Last admission: 17:30. The museum is closed at 18:00)
Which museum do you plan to visit this summer vacation? Share with us in the comments!
Source: Official WeChat Account of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism
