Beijing is dotted with museums of various characteristics. These museums not only showcase the rich historical and cultural heritage of Beijing, but also provide an interesting learning place for children. Father's Day is coming soon. Come and check in these museums suitable for parent-child tours!

National Zoological Museum of China

National zoological museum of China, also known as the Specimen Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was formerly the Beiping Fan Memorial Institute of Biology established in 1928 (the 17th year of the Republic of China). The Specimen Exhibition Hall of the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences was established in 1957 and officially opened to the public on May 17, 2009.  

The most astonishing in the hall is the 24-meter-long skeleton model at the top, which showcases the blue whale, the largest mammal in the ocean world. The exhibition halls of endangered animals and birds are distributed on both sides of the first floor. Many large animal specimens are exhibited here. The exhibition hall of endangered animals displays extremely precious species such as the South China tiger and the baiji. The vast majority of them are national wildlife under first class protection and wildlife under second class protection. The bird exhibition hall is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts. There are nearly 1,500 species of birds distributed in China, and about 550 specimens are exhibited here. The number is so large that it is astonishing. Birds living in various places gather together, birds of the same family live next to each other, and there are all kinds of raptors and various songbirds. It is a luxurious visual feast.

On the second floor, there are three exhibition halls: the Animal and Human Hall, the Insect Hall, and the Butterfly Hall. The Animal and Human Hall showcases unique and rare animal specimens from China, featuring well-known animal stars as well as unfamiliar, never-before-seen species. The Insect Hall highlights the representative groups of insects, the most abundant creatures on Earth, with over one million species. The Butterfly Hall displays more than 2200 species of butterfly specimens of 15 families from all over the world as well as 10 species of national butterflies of various countries. Here, the dazzling creatures created by nature amaze every visitor.

The basement houses four major exhibition halls. Here, visitors can learn about the principles of animal classification and naming, observe the achievements of national biosafety efforts, marvel at the wonders of microscopic life in nature, and explore zoological knowledge through various special thematic exhibitions presented in multiple perspectives and formats. The content of the exchange exhibition hall is updated periodically, featuring scientific popularization themes, photography exhibitions, painting exhibitions, and special exhibitions of various specimen competitions.

Address：No. 5, Yard 1, Beichen Xilu（Rd West）, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution

The Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution is one of the ten major buildings in the capital, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The museum chronicles the glorious history of the revolutionary wars led by the Communist Party of China and showcases the great achievements of the People's Army's construction. It is also an important venue for inheriting 5,000 years of Chinese military wisdom and enhancing national defense education.

The museum building itself is a historical artifact. The plaque above the main entrance, inscribed by Chairman Mao himself, and the 6-meter-diameter military emblem on the roof are precious, irreplaceable relics. In 2014, to ensure public safety, this "large-scale relic" underwent a three-year renovation. The total area expanded from 60,000 square meters to 150,000 square meters, and the exhibition area increased from over 30,000 square meters to nearly 70,000 square meters. The museum now has four open floors: the basement, first, second, and third floors, and features more advanced and sophisticated weaponry and equipment, transforming it into a modern, high-level comprehensive military museum oriented towards the future and the world.

The museum's basic exhibitions include displays on the revolutionary wars led by the Communist Party of China, the construction of national defense and the armed forces in the new China, weaponry exhibitions, Chinese military history across dynasties, military technology exhibitions, and "Red Memories" showcasing the museum's collection of revolutionary military art.

In addition to its basic exhibitions, the main hall of the Military Museum also hosts large-scale themed exhibitions and temporary special exhibitions.

Address：No. 9 Fuxing Lu（Rd）, Haidian District, Beijing

Civil Aviation Museum

The Civil Aviation Museum, hosted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, is a specialized museum focusing on civil aviation. It is the fifth batch of national first-class museum and features a unique modern building designed by the German OWP company to resemble an aircraft engine.

The museum has collected a large number of artifacts and actual aircraft, including

transport planes such as Lisunov Li-2, British Aerospace 146, IL14, Trident, Xian Y-7, and Airbus A310 -200, which were used in different historical periods of China's civil aviation. The museum also displays a wealth of precious historical documents and materials on special topics such as the Two Airlines Uprising, the August 1st Flight, and the Lhasa Trial Flight.

The museum's multifunctional cinema has three screening halls, including an IMAX giant screen theater, a digital screening hall, and a film screening hall. The science education and interactive zone features flight simulators of the Airbus A320, Cirrus, and Dreamliner, providing visitors with educational and recreational services.

Address：No.200, Capital Airport Side Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Beijing Auto Museum

The Beijing Auto Museum, completed and opened in 2011, is a national public welfare automotive theme museum in China. With a building area of approximately 50,000 square meters, it combines the functions of a museum, exhibition hall, and science center. The architectural design, resembling a bright "eye," symbolizes the museum's vision of looking at the world and facing the future.

The exhibition halls are themed around "Science - Technology - Society," featuring three sections and one zone that showcase the century-long development of the global automobile industry, from inception to maturity, as well as the rise, development, and expansion of China's automotive industry. The exhibits highlight the great contributions and impact of the automotive industry on human civilization and social development. The museum displays various classic cars, vintage cars, racing cars, vans, old buses, and many creative cars, blending history with future innovations, making it a favorite among visitors of all ages.

The exhibitions break the traditional display methods, offering various interactive experiences that allow visitors to see, listen, touch, interact, and experience a multi-dimensional space. This immersive approach enables a deep appreciation of the limitless charm of technology and culture, technology and art, and technology and life. Additionally, the museum organizes practical, participatory, and educational thematic activities from the perspective of the audience. These include a series of special exhibitions themed around "International Museum Day" on May 18th, patriotic education activities centered on "Lei Feng - The Story of an Automobile Soldier," science education camps like the "Race Car Carnival" during winter and summer holidays, and brand activities such as "Talking about Military Vehicles," "Car@City@People," and more.

Address: No. 126, Nan 4 Huan Xilu (S.4rd Ring Rd West), Fengtai District, Beijing