Olympic Museum

Introducing Olympic Museum

The Xiamen Olympic Museum, China's first dedicated Olympic museum, approved by the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee, is one of the 22 members of the International Alliance of Olympic Museums and an independent, international, non-profit public welfare organization. The museum was planned, designed, and established over many years by Wu Jingguo, an IOC member, President of the International Boxing Federation, and world-renowned architectural expert, who also serves as its director. The museum houses a rich collection of Olympic-related artifacts, aiming to pass on Olympic culture and the Olympic spirit, allowing more people to understand, experience, and share the history and glory of the Olympics.

The museum boasts an open structure, with a three-story main building, inspired by the design of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. The first floor is a public area, featuring a multimedia lecture hall, VIP meeting rooms, a café, and a souvenir shop selling items related to the International Olympic Games and past Olympic Games. An 80-ton stone of Yangtze River Jasper stands in the center of the hall. The second floor consists of an introductory hall and four exhibition halls, primarily showcasing Olympic artifacts and memorabilia collected by Wu Jingguo during his 20 years as an IOC member. These include Olympic torches, medals, stamps, badges, commemorative coins, and mascots, totaling over 11,000 items. There is also a basement level, housing temporary exhibitions and a boxing ring.

The museum's primary function is to promote Olympic culture and showcase Olympic history and treasures to the public, allowing them to gain more information and knowledge about the Olympics and experience the "Faster, Higher, Stronger" philosophy of healthy life, which encourages self-transcendence and striving for progress, as well as the Olympic spirit of participation, fairness, and peace.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate; the museum's main function is to promote Olympic culture and display Olympic history and precious cultural relics to the public. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Olympic medals, torches, mascots, badges, posters and other Olympic-related relics;

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Wednesday-Sunday 9:00-16:30

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (until further notice on statutory holidays)

The invoice issuance time is 16:00 and the clearance time is 16:10

Attraction opening hours

45 yuan/person

Non-school-age children under 1.1 meters and disabled people must present relevant documents for free admission

Children (1.1-1.5 meters) and seniors over 70 years old can enjoy a discount of 30 yuan with valid ID

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Most Popular FAQs for Olympic Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Olympic Museum in Xiamen showcases the history and spirit of the Olympic Games. It features memorabilia, photos, and artifacts related to the Games' development and the participation of athletes from around the world, with a special focus on China's role in the Olympics.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located in the city center of Xiamen. Visitors can get there by:

• Taking a taxi or private car from the city center.
• Using the metro to the nearest station, followed by a short walk.
• Taking a bus, with multiple routes stopping near the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Olympic Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically ¥30 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or online through travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Booking a day or two in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Olympic Museum, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see highlights include:

• The section dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games.
• Displays of Olympic memorabilia, including torches, medals, and uniforms.
• Interactive exhibits showcasing the technology used in the Olympics.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with some availability of English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are:

• In front of the Olympic torch display.
• Near the section showcasing Olympic medals.
• The museum's exterior, which offers a nice view of the surrounding park area.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the historical section on the first floor, then move to the memorabilia area. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits on the second floor, and conclude by exploring the technology exhibits.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, the museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours can be arranged in advance for large groups or educational purposes.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has basic facilities including clean toilets, a rest area, and a small shop offering drinks and snacks. There is no full-service restaurant inside the museum.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is accessible to all visitors, including the elderly and those with disabilities. There are ramps for wheelchair access and elevators to all floors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted in all areas.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes offering both Chinese and Western cuisine. Popular options include:

• Local Chinese restaurants serving seafood and Fujian cuisine.
• Western-style cafes for a more casual dining experience.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants. Halal food can be found in specific restaurants in Xiamen catering to Muslim visitors.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby accommodations include both budget and luxury options. Some popular choices are:

• Hotel Indigo Xiamen, a modern hotel close to the museum.
• Budget guesthouses in Xiamen's city center.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Nanputuo Temple, a famous Buddhist temple.
• Xiamen University, known for its scenic campus.
• Gulangyu Island, a historical and cultural destination.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops near the museum entrance. Popular items include Olympic-themed memorabilia, traditional Chinese crafts, and postcards.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the museum, you can take a taxi or public transport to other nearby attractions like Gulangyu Island or Nanputuo Temple. Buses and taxis are the most convenient options.