The 6 that are worth your visit
Museums have long been a gateway to the cultural, historic and artistic nature of a country, and with China having such a rich and varied history, its no doubt that visiting a museum would be a worthwhile experience.
In this article we introduce you to some of the best museum you could visit during your time travelling in and around the middle kingdom.
1. The Palace Museum, Beijing
The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is home to one sixth of the country’s cultural relics. A key distinction of this museum is the chance to explore the building where feudal emperors and concubines lived.
2. National Museum of China, Beijing
National Museum of China, which stands at approximately 200,000 square metres, is the largest museum in the world. The museum is divided into 5 floors and 48 exhibition halls, and houses the richest collection of Chinese artifacts, which range from ancient to the modern era. You will need multiple visits to this museum if you are to appreciate the exhibitions it has to offer.
3. Henan Museum, Zhengzhou
Henan museum is among the most visited museums in China. It has eight exhibitions that showcase both the modern and ancient history, art and culture of Henan. There are also performances of ancient Chinese music at the museum that is worth a listen.
4. Shaanxi History Museum, Xian
Shaanxi History Museum, located in the ancient capital of China, and known as the treasure trove of China, houses some 370,000 cultural relics. These relics range from bronze wares of the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the ancient terracotta warriors, to murals of the Tang dynasty. It is great place for anyone to get a sense of what the ancient capital of China was like.
5. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai
A distinctive feature of the Shanghai Museum, compared to the others in this list, is the large and distinctive collection of calligraphy and paintings by some of the most famous ancient artists of China. These works of art are reported to be the pearl of China, and definitely worth a visit.
6. Sichuan Museum, Chengdu
Sichuan museum is a comprehensive museum that contains exhibits from the Han dynasty. Some of these works include classical Chinese calligraphy to works composed of Tibetan Buddhism and the folk customs of the people of Sichuan.
A key selling point of this museum is the opportunity to visit the Du Fu Thatched Cottage where you can inspire your inner poet from the once famous poet, Du Fu, who resided in these quarters and wrote most of his literary masterpieces. While also taking your time to snack on some of the best street food in Sichuan by strolling through the Wuhouci and Jinli old street.
