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At the Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing, visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of Yanjing. It’s highly recommended to take guided tours to gain deeper insights into the exhibits, particularly the famous “Eight Wonders” which are central to the museum’s theme. Enjoy the interactive displays and artifacts, and don’t miss the museum’s unique collection of ancient relics.
The Beijing Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing (formerly the Beijing Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing) houses hundreds of pieces of Yanjing's Eight Wonders crafts, including gold and lacquer inlay, filigree inlay, cloisonné, ivory carving, jade carving, lacquer carving, Beijing embroidery, and imperial carpets, as well as ancient wood carvings, root carvings, and stone carvings. Mr. Bai Qun, a sixth-generation successor of the Imperial Household Department of the Qing Dynasty and a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of gold and lacquer inlay and lacquer decoration, is the museum's founder and current director.
The Beijing Yanjing Eight Wonders Museum is the first non-state-owned museum in Shijingshan District officially registered and approved by the Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau and the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau. It is the first non-state-owned museum in Beijing established in a national key cultural relic protection unit. It is the first intangible cultural heritage museum in Beijing that combines the display of court art with the experience of court skills. It is also the first ingenious museum in China that was jointly created by nearly 100 masters of arts and crafts and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage over a period of ten years.
Warm temperate semi-humid semi-arid monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
[Beijing Cheng'en Temple]
Legend has it that the foundation of Cheng'en Temple dates back to the Wude reign of the Tang Dynasty. It was rebuilt during the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty (1510-1513) and given the name "Cheng'en Temple," meaning "receiving Heaven's grace." Cheng'en Temple served as both a temporary residence for the Zhengde Emperor and a secret agency of the Imperial Guard. Since its Ming Dynasty renovation, Cheng'en Temple has been known for its "three no's": it does not accept incense, does not host a Taoist temple, and does not open its doors, earning it the nickname "Beijing's most mysterious temple."
【Main Hall (Main Exhibition Hall of Beijing Yanjing Eight Wonders Museum)】
Appreciate the gold-lacquer inlaid imitation of the Forbidden City's cloud-piercing dragon screen, the gold-lacquer inlaid imitation of the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony throne, the cloisonné longevity bowl, the ivory carving of Eighteen Scholars, the Qing Dynasty imitation Han Dynasty jade carving incense burner, the mid-Qing Dynasty carved lacquer holding box, the Beijing embroidered dragon robe, the mid-Qing Dynasty small-leaf red sandalwood Eighteen Arhats, the Hainan Huanghuali root carving of plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, etc.
[Filigree Inlay Exhibition Hall (Hua Li Yuan)]
The exhibition features some fine pieces such as a filigree inlaid five-blessing longevity plate and a filigree inlaid waist knife, supplemented by Qing Dynasty Hainan Huanghuali pine and crane longevity painted jar, Huanghuali root carvings of Eighteen Arhats, and a Qing Dynasty Suzhou-made Huanghuali multi-treasure box.
【Cloisonné Exhibition Hall (Nanxiang Room)】
The exhibition displays some fine cloisonné Western clocks, cloisonné bottles and other fine products, supplemented by golden nanmu water ripple painting tables, golden nanmu official leather boxes, golden nanmu landscape painting tables and other furnishings.
[Lacquerware Exhibition Hall (Red Sandalwood Pavilion)]
The exhibition features some fine pieces such as carved lacquer boxes with lychee patterns, carved lacquer purple clay teapots, carved lacquer brush holders, and furnishings imitating the Palace Museum's Hall of Mental Cultivation and the Hall of Diligence and Virtue, small-leaf red sandalwood tables, large red sandalwood painting tables, small-leaf red sandalwood Guanyin Bodhisattvas, and small-leaf red sandalwood Ruyi Ruyi.
It is recommended to visit for half a day;
The Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of Yanjing, an ancient city that once played a significant role in the development of Chinese civilization. The museum highlights eight famous wonders that embody the city's architectural, cultural, and natural heritage.
The Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing is located in the heart of Beijing. Visitors can take the Beijing metro to the nearby station, or opt for a taxi or bus to reach the museum. Walking from nearby landmarks like the Forbidden City is also an option, though it takes about 20 minutes.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning on weekdays, as it tends to be less crowded. Weekends and public holidays may see more visitors, so it’s advisable to visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee is typically around 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased both on-site at the museum or online through official platforms. It’s recommended to book tickets online during peak tourist seasons to avoid long queues.
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, particularly during peak seasons or holidays. Booking a few days ahead should be sufficient, but during major holidays, booking a week in advance is recommended to secure entry.
A visit to the Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to participate in a guided tour or spend time exploring every exhibit in detail, allow 3 hours.
The must-see highlights include the eight iconic wonders showcased in the museum’s central exhibit. Other notable areas are the ancient artifacts collection, the interactive historical displays, and the section dedicated to Yanjing’s cultural evolution over the centuries.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for rent at the entrance. It’s a good idea to use these for a more enriched experience.
The best photography spots are near the central exhibits of the Eight Wonders, especially the ones that showcase intricate details of ancient artifacts. The museum’s architecture itself provides interesting angles for photos, especially around the courtyards and scenic areas outside.
Start your visit with the introduction section to understand the context of the “Eight Wonders,” then proceed to explore each exhibit in chronological order. End with the interactive areas for a deeper engagement with the exhibits.
Night visits are not available, but the museum occasionally offers special thematic tours during holidays or cultural events. It's best to check the museum's website or inquire on-site for any special offerings during your visit.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings during weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday.
The museum has well-maintained restrooms, a small café offering snacks and drinks, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs. Water stations are available throughout the museum.
The Museum of Eight Wonders of Yanjing is accessible for elderly visitors and those with mobility issues, with ramps and elevators available. It is also child-friendly with interactive exhibits suitable for younger visitors.
Both cards and mobile payment options (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted throughout the museum. Cash is still accepted but not required.
There is a café inside the museum offering light refreshments. Nearby, there are a variety of restaurants ranging from local Chinese cuisine to international options, particularly around the Wangfujing area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some nearby restaurants, particularly in the Wangfujing district. Halal food options are available at specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels within walking distance of the museum, including budget options and high-end accommodations like the Wangfujing Grand Hotel and Beijing Hotel.
Nearby attractions include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum of China. These landmarks are all within a short distance and can be easily visited on the same day.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in and around the museum. Popular items include replicas of the Eight Wonders, traditional Chinese art, and cultural trinkets.
After visiting the museum, the best options for continuing your trip are the Beijing metro, taxis, or buses. The Wangfujing area is well-connected to various parts of the city.
