Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum - Wuta Temple.

Architecture and Environment

Unique architecture: The Vajrasana Pagoda of Wuta Temple is the core of the museum. The architecture is unique, combining Chinese and Indian styles. The pagoda is covered with exquisite stone carvings, making it a representative work of stone carving art. From a distance, it looks like Angkor Wat, making it a perfect photo backdrop.
Beautiful environment: The museum has ancient ginkgo trees, which are beautiful in autumn. There are also persimmon trees, which add a touch of rustic charm when they are full of fruit. The museum is close to the Changhe River and Beijing Zoo, with convenient transportation and a prime location.

Exhibitions and Collections

Rich and diverse: The museum has over 2,600 stone carvings, including Northern Dynasty statues, Tang Dynasty epitaphs, Jin and Yuan Dynasty stone carvings, Qing Dynasty steles, and famous calligraphy stone carvings. These cover multiple historical periods and different types of stone carvings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the development of stone carving culture in Beijing.
Orderly display: The museum is divided into three parts: the indoor "Beijing Stone Carving Culture Exhibition", the "Zhenjue Temple Vajrasana Historical and Cultural Exhibition" inside the pagoda, and the outdoor stone carving exhibition. These systematically display exquisite stone carvings, making it easy for visitors to explore.

Cultural Experience

Guided tours: Free guided tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday, with one tour at 10 am and another at 2 pm. These help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the exhibits.
Interactive experience: The museum offers interesting interactive activities, such as rubbing and a stele forest maze, which increase the fun and engagement of the visit, especially for families with children.
Stamp collection: Some exhibition halls offer free stamps, and purchases at the cultural and creative store come with colored stamps, adding to the fun of the visit.

Tickets and Value for Money

Ticket price: Adult tickets are priced at CNY 20, with half-price discounts for students and seniors. The Jing-Jin-Ji (Splendid North China) annual pass is accepted, and the first 200 visitors on Wednesdays can enter for free. The price is quite affordable.
High value for money: For a small fee, visitors can enjoy a large number of precious stone carvings, experience the rich history and culture, and enjoy a peaceful visit and high-quality cultural experience. The value for money is high.

Disadvantages

Opening hours: The museum is closed on Mondays, which may be inconvenient for some visitors.
Guided tour sessions: There are only two free guided tours per day, which may not meet the needs of all visitors.