Amidst the scorching summer days, Beijing, a city rich in museums, offers a series of cool cultural oases. These museums are not only guardians of history, but also treasure troves of knowledge and temples of art. Today, let's follow this "Summer Museum Guide" and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery through these museums, perfect for a City Walk this summer, full of endless possibilities!
Kind Reminder: Before your visit, please check the museum's opening hours and plan your trip according to the museum's actual schedule for the day.
China Numismatic Museum
The China Numismatic Museum, established in 1992, is a national-level numismatic museum directly under the People's Bank of China, with a collection of over 200,000 items. The museum is housed in the former Commercial Guarantee Bank of China and the former Peiping Branch of the Central Bank, both of which are protected cultural heritage sites and part of the modern banking architectural complex in Xijiaominxiang.
"The Exhibition of the Chinese Currency History" delves deeply into the historical and cultural significance behind the coins, using various exhibition techniques to tell the story of China and its history through actual coins. The exhibition traces the origin of currency, covers the period of red currency under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and goes up to the establishment of the People's Bank of China and the issuance of the Renminbi. It displays over 2,800 pieces of currency made from various materials across different dynasties, supplemented with numerous images, texts, and background information, fully illustrating the continuous 2,000-year history of currency minting and issuance in China.
Location: No. 17, Xijiaominxiang, Xicheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM, Closed on Mondays)
Beijing Police Museum
The Beijing Police Museum is located at the former Citibank site within the Dongjiaominxiang embassy district, now it is a national-level protected cultural heritage site. Opened in July 2001, the museum covers an area of over 2,500 square meters, with more than 2,000 square meters of exhibition space. Its rich historical background and unique cultural significance attract countless visitors.
The museum has four floors of exhibition halls, each bearing different historical memories and cultural meanings. The museum ingeniously combines a chronological approach with major thematic displays, allowing every visitor to experience the glories and hardships of Beijing's public security through various historical periods. The Beijing Police Museum is open to the public for free, providing an excellent platform for the general public to gain a deeper understanding of police culture and appreciate the splendor of the police force.
Location: No. 36, Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:30 PM, Closed on Mondays)
China Court Museum
The China Court Museum, sponsored by the Supreme People's Court of the People’s Republic of China, is a national industry museum that officially opened to the public for free on January 6, 2016. The museum is housed in the former Yokohama Specie Bank building in Dongjiaominxiang, a nationally protected cultural heritage site. It features three main exhibition halls, six thematic exhibition halls, three interactive legal education areas, and a legal film screening room.
The mission of the museum is to inherit and promote China's excellent judicial culture, showcase the brilliant achievements and historical experiences of the people's judicial work under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, enhance the collection, protection, research, and utilization of judicial relics, and meet the growing judicial cultural needs of the people. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed numerous international and domestic groups and individuals, organized activities such as legal education in schools and communities, and received widespread recognition and praise from various sectors of society.
Location: No. 4, Zhengyi Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM, Closed on Mondays)
China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen)
The China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen) is located at the southeast corner of Tiananmen Square. It was converted from the former Zhengyangmen East Railway Station. The museum covers an area of 2,439 square meters, with a building area of 9,485 square meters and an exhibition area of 5,086 square meters.
The main exhibition, "History of China's Railway Development," is divided into four sections: "Tentative Beginnings," "Struggling Progress," "Striving for Strength," and "Steady Advancement." Through detailed artifacts, exquisite locomotive and carriage models, a three-dimensional railway panorama, a high-speed train driving simulator, 3D technology, and more, the exhibition systematically showcases the development of China's railways. It particularly highlights the significant achievements in network construction, equipment transformation, technological innovation, and service to the public since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Location: No. 2A, Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM, Closed on Mondays)
Translator: NIU Lihuaing
Reviewer: BAI Jing
