Hotel Museum

Introducing Hotel Museum

At the entrance of the Nanjing Tourism Vocational College Hotel Museum, two white cubic boxes and a black suitcase are displayed, covered in colorful hotel luggage labels from around the world. While they are replicas, collecting them is not easy. While this hotel museum is only 600 square meters, it boasts a collection of over 5,000 items, making it the only one of its kind in China.

It is understood that the Hotel Museum is the first professional museum of domestic higher vocational colleges established by Nanjing Tourism Vocational College. It covers an area of ​​about 1,400 square meters and has a collection of more than 600 items including physical objects, historical documents, and video memories from the Chinese and foreign hotel industries. The time span is from the late Qing Dynasty to the present. It focuses on displaying the historical culture of the development of the world's hotel industry, especially the historical style and cultural heritage of modern and contemporary hotel development.

The hotel museum extends the classroom to the museum, allowing students to be exposed to historical culture and professional knowledge in an immersive museum space with a strong cultural atmosphere, stimulating learning situations and enhancing professional confidence; allowing professional teachers to make full use of the museum's documents and historical materials and other resources to conduct in-depth teaching research, develop new topics, seek new breakthroughs in professional teaching and fields, and give full play to the museum's cultural education effectiveness.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon climate, the hotel museum is the first of its kind in China and is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Step into the Hotel Museum and experience the development of the world's hotel industry in modern times.

It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Hotel Museum

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

The Hotel Museum in Nanjing showcases the history of the hotel industry in China, particularly focusing on the development of luxury hotels and their cultural significance. The museum provides insight into how hotels have influenced the local economy, architecture, and tourism.

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

The Hotel Museum is located in the central area of Nanjing. You can reach the museum by taxi or public transport, including buses and the metro. The nearest metro station is Xinjiekou Station, a short walk from the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the morning when the museum is less crowded.

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

The entrance fee is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance, or you can buy them online through local Chinese ticketing platforms.

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

While advance booking is not mandatory, it is recommended during weekends or peak tourist seasons to avoid long wait times. Booking a day or two in advance is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You’ll need around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the museum fully, depending on your interest in the exhibits.

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

Key highlights include the exhibition on vintage hotel artifacts, the section on the evolution of hotel architecture in China, and the collection of old hotel memorabilia and rare documents related to the hotel industry.

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

Yes, guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are also offered in English and Mandarin for an additional fee.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the exhibition halls with rare vintage hotel furniture and designs. The museum’s architecture itself also offers great shots, especially from the upper floors overlooking the city.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the introduction section to understand the historical context, then move through the main exhibits showcasing different hotel periods and architectural styles. End your visit at the final section, which discusses the future of the hotel industry.

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

The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, it may offer special themed tours during holidays or for group bookings, so check ahead if you’re visiting during peak seasons.

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

The museum can be crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays in the morning.

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

The museum has rest areas and clean toilets. There is no full-service restaurant, but you can find small vending machines offering snacks and drinks. Souvenir shops are also available for those looking for memorabilia.

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

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits, though some areas may not be fully childproof.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash as a backup, though it’s not necessary.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants and cafes near the museum, including local Chinese eateries offering Nanjing specialties. Popular spots nearby include small noodle shops and traditional tea houses.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at most nearby restaurants. Halal food is available at specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in Nanjing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are many hotels around Xinjiekou, including mid-range hotels like the Intercontinental Nanjing and budget options such as Ibis Hotel.

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

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing Museum, and the Nanjing Confucius Temple. All are easily accessible by public transport and can be combined for a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The souvenir shop at the museum offers memorabilia related to the hotel industry, including miniatures of old hotel furniture and vintage items. There are also books about the history of hotels in China.

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

Public transport options like buses and the metro are available nearby. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are convenient for continuing your trip around Nanjing.