Step into Ancient Buildings to Learn About the Delicacy and Inheritance of Chinese Woodwork

Almost all ancient Chinese buildings were mainly constructed with wood. The Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures has been inscribed by UNESCO on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Let us delve into history by exploring ancient Chinese architecture and appreciating the delicacy of and learning about the inheritance of Chinese woodwork.

The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is a must-visit for all tourists coming to Beijing. As one of the world's largest and most well-preserved wooden architectural complexes, it showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship achieved by artisans throughout Chinese history spanning various dynasties.

/ Tips /

Opening Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00); closed on Mondays throughout the year

Reservation Method: Ticket purchases through real-name reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. The peak season is from April 1 to October 31, during which each entrance ticket costs CNY 60/person. The off-season is from November 1 to March 31 of the following year, during which each entrance ticket costs CNY 40/person. The admission tickets for the Treasure Gallery and the Gallery of Clocks are sold separately, each priced at CNY 10/person.

Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing.

Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum

Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum is located within the Temple of Agriculture in Beijing. It is China's first museum dedicated to collecting, studying, and exhibiting the ancient Chinese architectural craftsmanship and the developmental history of ancient Chinese buildings.

/ Tips /

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30); closed on Mondays

Reservation Method: Follow the official WeChat account of " Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum" for ticket reservations in advance. The admission fee is CNY 15 per adult and CNY 8 per student. Free admission is granted to minors (aged below 18). The first 200 visitors on Wednesdays can also enjoy free entry (first-come, first-served).

Address: 21 Dongjing Road, Xicheng District, Beijing.

Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture

Being China's first national museum themed on traditional Chinese gardens, the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture grants a panoramic view into the long history, splendid culture, diverse functions, and brilliant achievements of Chinese gardens.

/ Tips /

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 from Tuesdays to Sundays

Reservation Method: Search the official WeChat account of the "Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture" for reservation. Admission is free.

Address: 15 Shejichang Road, Fengtai District, Beijing.

Beijing Wenwangge Woodwork Museum

Beijing Wenwangge Woodwork Museum is the city's only museum dedicated to the traditional woodwork culture and craftsmanship of China, showcasing tens of thousands of century-old wooden artifacts.

/ Tips /

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 from Mondays to Sundays

Reservation Method: Follow the Douyin (Tiktok) official account of Beijing Wenwangge Woodwork Museum for reservation, or call 010-61537326.

Address: 147, South Development Zone, Dongxiaying Village, Taihu Town, Tongzhou District, Beijing

(Source: Beijing Association for Science and Technology)