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At the Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Painting Museum, the most recommended activities include exploring the various exhibitions of traditional woodblock prints, learning about the history of Chinese New Year art, and viewing the detailed and colorful prints that showcase Chinese cultural heritage. Visitors can also participate in workshops to try woodblock printing themselves.
The Tianjin Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Picture Museum, founded in September 2008, is a public welfare museum dedicated to the collection, research, and exhibition of Yangliuqing woodblock New Year pictures. It displays over 600 Yangliuqing woodblock New Year pictures, and houses over 10,000 New Year pictures dating back to the Ming Dynasty, along with over 6,400 ancient woodblock prints.
Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings are a unique gem of Chinese folk art. They originated in the late Ming Dynasty and are named after the town of Yangliuqing in Tianjin. They have been passed down for over 400 years.
Its establishment plays an important role in studying the folk customs and practices of Tianjin and northern China, and in better protecting and inheriting the Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings.
A major highlight of the museum is that many of its collections have never been publicly seen by the public before, including many unique copies, which show historical traces and precious value everywhere.
The warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
2 hours
free
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and holidays)
The Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Painting Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional art of woodblock printing, particularly the woodblock prints made in Yangliuqing, a village known for its woodblock New Year paintings. These paintings have a long history, originating in the Qing dynasty, and are an important cultural symbol of Chinese celebrations during the New Year.
The museum is located in Yangliuqing, a town in Tianjin, China. It is best accessed by taxi or private vehicle from Tianjin city center. Public transportation options, such as buses, are available but may require transfers and are less direct.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. The best times to visit are weekdays, as weekends can be crowded, especially around Chinese New Year when the woodblock prints are most popular.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the museum. There is no online ticketing service currently available.
Advance booking is not necessary for regular visits. However, during Chinese New Year or special events, it’s a good idea to book in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
A typical visit takes around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum’s exhibits, especially if you take time to view the artwork and participate in any workshops available.
Must-see highlights include the historical woodblock print exhibits, the gallery showcasing the techniques used in creating these prints, and the interactive sections where visitors can try printing for themselves. The display of New Year paintings with vibrant depictions of Chinese traditions is also a highlight.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in Mandarin are provided for visitors. There may be some English materials available, but it’s recommended to visit with a Chinese-speaking guide if you want detailed explanations.
The best spots for photography are in the main gallery with the colorful woodblock prints, particularly the large, detailed depictions of Chinese New Year scenes. Visitors can also take photos of the intricate printing techniques in action.
Start with the introduction section that explains the history of woodblock prints. Then, proceed to the gallery with traditional prints and observe the printing demonstrations. Finally, finish with a visit to the souvenir shop to purchase woodblock prints as memorabilia.
Currently, the museum does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours or events may be available during major holidays like Chinese New Year, where visitors can experience workshops and interactive sessions.
The museum can get crowded, especially around Chinese New Year when the woodblock prints are most in demand. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and early afternoons, especially outside of the holiday season.
The museum has basic facilities, including clean toilets and a small rest area. There is a shop that sells woodblock prints, souvenirs, and related items. Food and drink options are limited, so it’s recommended to eat before or after your visit.
The museum is accessible to elderly and children. However, some areas with printing demonstrations may have uneven flooring or narrow spaces. Disabled visitors may need assistance in accessing certain parts of the museum.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it’s advisable to use digital payment methods.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the museum, offering Chinese cuisine. For more dining options, visitors can head to Tianjin city, where there are a variety of restaurants available.
Some local eateries near the museum may offer vegetarian dishes, but options are limited. For more varied dietary preferences, such as vegan or halal food, it's recommended to visit Tianjin city for a broader selection.
There are several budget-friendly hotels in the vicinity of Yangliuqing. For a wider range of accommodation options, visitors can stay in Tianjin city and travel to the museum by taxi or public transport.
Other nearby attractions include the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, the Haihe River, and the Tianjin Eye. These can be easily combined with a visit to the museum for a full day of sightseeing in Tianjin.
The museum has a souvenir shop selling woodblock prints, paintings, and other traditional crafts. Visitors can buy hand-painted prints, postcards, and small items related to the art of woodblock printing as keepsakes.
The best transportation options to continue your trip are taxis or ride-hailing services. Alternatively, public transportation options are available to return to Tianjin city for further sightseeing or travel.
