Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHINA
( Zhongguo Guoji Bowuguan;
www.en.chnmuseum.cn
;
admission with
passport only, audio guide ¥30; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun; Tian'anmen East;
)
After years of renovation, China's premier museum, housed in the im-
mense 1950s building on the eastern side of Tian'anmen Sq, finally re-
opened in 2011. The Ancient China exhibition on the basement floor is out-
standing. Also worth seeking out is the Ancient Chinese Money exhibition
on the top floor. The Bronze Art and Buddhist Sculpture galleries, one floor
below, are also impressive.
2 BEIJING POLICE MUSEUM
( Beijing Jingcha Bowuguan; 36 Dongjiaomin Xiang; admission ¥5, through
ticket ¥20; 9am-4pm Tue-Sun; Qianmen)
Learn how Beijing's first
PSB college operated from the Dongyue Temple in 1949, and how the
Beijing PSB was destroyed during the 'national catastrophe' of the Cultural
Revolution. Upstairs gets to grips with morbid crimes and their investiga-
tions; for police weapons, head to the 4th floor. The building was formerly
the First National City Bank of New York.
3 CHINA ART MUSEUM
( Zhongguo Meishuguan; 1 Wusi Dajie; 9am-5pm, last entry 4pm;
Chinese Museum of Art)
This revamped museum has received a healthy
shot of imagination and flair, with absorbing exhibitions from home and
abroad. Note, you must bring your passport to gain entry.
FORMER FOREIGN LEGATION QUARTER
( Qianmen or Tian'anmen East)
For grand shades of Europe, the former
Foreign Legation Quarter where the 19th-century foreign powers flung up em-
bassies, schools, churches, post offices and banks is worth a quick stroll if you
are in the Tian'anmen Sq area.
Historic Site
