In the streets and alleys of Beijing, you can find various museums with unique characteristics. These museums not only showcase Beijing's rich historical and cultural heritage but also provide an enjoyable learning experience for children. With Father's Day approaching, why not visit these museums that are perfect for family outings?
National Zoological Museum of China
The National Zoological Museum of China, also known as the Specimen Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was originally established as the Beiping Jingsheng Biology Survey Institute in 1928. In 1957, it became the Specimen Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and officially opened to the public on May 17, 2009.
Upon entering the museum, you'll be greeted by the impressive sight of a 24-meter-long skeleton model of a blue whale, the largest mammal in the ocean. The ground floor houses the endangered animal exhibition hall and the bird exhibition hall, where an astonishing array of large animal specimens awaits your admiration. The endangered animal exhibition hall showcases the rarest of creatures, including the South China tiger and the finless porpoise, most of which are the first and second grade wild animals under national protection. The bird exhibition hall is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, displaying approximately 550 specimens out of nearly 1,500 bird species found in China. From various regions, birds of the same family and genus coexist, and you'll also find a diverse range of raptors and songbirds, providing a magnificent visual feast.
The second floor consists of three exhibition halls: The Animal and Human Exhibition Hall, the Insect Exhibition Hall, and the Butterfly Exhibition Hall. The Animal and Human Exhibition Hall showcases unique and rare animal specimens in China, featuring both familiar and unfamiliar species. The Insect Exhibition Hall highlights representative groups of insects, the most abundant and diverse class on Earth, with over one million species. The Butterfly Exhibition Hall displays more than 2,200 butterfly species from around the world, including 10 national butterflies from different countries. The splendid creatures created by nature in this hall are truly awe-inspiring.
The underground area features four major exhibition halls, where visitors can learn about animal classification and naming principles, observe a miniature representation of national biosecurity achievements, experience the wonders of microscopic life in the natural world, and explore zoology through various special exhibitions presented in different perspectives and formats. The interactive exhibition hall regularly updates its content, featuring themes on popular science, photography exhibitions, painting exhibitions, and various special exhibitions of specimens.
Address: No. 5, Yard 1, Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
The Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution is one of Beijing's top ten landmarks dedicated to commemorating the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The museum chronicles the glorious history of the Chinese Communist Party's leadership in revolutionary wars, showcases the remarkable achievements in the development of the people's army, and serves as an essential venue for preserving China's five thousand years of military wisdom and promoting national defense education.
The military museum building itself is a historical relic. Whether it's the plaque with Chairman Mao's handwritten inscription above the main entrance or the 6-meter-diameter military emblem on the roof, these are extremely precious and irreplaceable cultural artifacts. In 2014, to ensure public safety, this “grand cultural relic” underwent a three-year “transformation”. The total area expanded from the original 60,000 square meters to 150,000 square meters, and the exhibition area expanded from over 30,000 square meters to nearly 70,000 square meters. It now comprises four open floors: basement, first floor, second floor, and third floor. The museum has also introduced more “cutting-edge” weapons and equipment, becoming a modern, high-level comprehensive military museum that looks towards the future and the world.
The basic exhibition of the military museum includes the Revolutionary War Exhibition led by the Chinese Communist Party, the Exhibition of New China's National Defense and Army Construction, the Weapons Exhibition, the Exhibition of China's Military History, the Exhibition of Military Science and Technology, and the Red Memory - Exhibition of Revolutionary Military Artworks in the Collection.
In addition to the main exhibitions, the museum also hosts large-scale thematic exhibitions and temporary special exhibitions. Since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, major thematic exhibitions have been held, including the “Remembering the Great Victory, Upholding Peace and Justice - Exhibition Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea”, “Advancing under the Banner of the Party - Exhibition Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China by the People's Army” and “Leading the Strong Military Towards Rejuvenation: Exhibition of Achievements in National Defense and Military Construction in the New Era”.
Address: No. 9 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
Civil Aviation Museum
The Civil Aviation Museum, sponsored by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, is a specialized museum dedicated to civil aviation. It is one of the fifth batch of national first-class museums and features a modern architectural design with a unique appearance, modeled after the shape of an aircraft engine, created by the German company OWP.
The museum has gathered a large collection of artifacts and actual aircraft, including Li-2, BAe146, Ilyushin-14, Trident, Xi'an Y-7, Airbus A310-200, and other transport planes that have been used in different periods of China's civil aviation history. It also showcases a wealth of precious historical documents and materials related to special topics such as the Two Aviation Uprisings, the Inaugural Flight of August 1st, and the Test Flight to Lhasa.
The museum's multifunctional cinema comprises three screening halls, featuring an IMAX giant screen theater, a digital theater, and a film projection theater. Visitors can also explore the popular science interactive area, which offers flight simulators for Airbus A320, Cirrus, and Menghuan. These interactive experiences provide both educational and recreational opportunities to visitors.
Address: No. 200, Fu'an Road, Capital Airport Auxiliary Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Beijing Auto Museum
Established in 2011, the Beijing Auto Museum stands as a national nonprofit institution dedicated to the world of automobiles. Covering an impressive building area of approximately 50,000 square meters, it seamlessly integrates the roles of a museum, an exhibition hall, and a science and technology center. The museum's architectural design draws inspiration from a radiant “eye”, symbolizing its visionary perspective on the world and its forward-thinking philosophy.
Themed around “Science, Technology, and Society”, the exhibition halls encompass three distinct sections and an additional area. They meticulously showcase the hundred-year development history of the global automotive industry, as well as the origins, growth, and accomplishments of China's own automobile sector. The museum's displays highlight the profound contributions and influences of the automotive industry on human civilization and social progress. Among the exhibits, visitors will encounter an array of classic sedans, vintage cars, racing vehicles, vans, and nostalgic buses, alongside imaginative and innovative automotive creations. This diversity makes the museum a beloved destination for individuals of all ages.
Breaking away from traditional display methods, the exhibition offers visitors a multidimensional and interactive experience, immersing them in a space where sights, sounds, touch, interaction, and exploration intertwine. Additionally, the museum organizes thematic activities that are practical, participatory, and enjoyable for visitors. These include brand events centered around the theme of “International Museum Day on May 18th”, patriotic education initiatives like “Lei Feng - A Automotive Soldier's Story”, and popular science education activities such as the “Racing Carnival” experiential camp held during winter and summer vacations. Special exhibitions like “A Discussion on Military Vehicles” and “Vehicles@City@People” further enrich the museum's offerings.
Address: No. 126, South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing
