Established in 1951 as the Southwest Museum, it underwent name changes to Chongqing Museum (1955) and its current dual name in 2000, approved by China’s State Council. Officially opened in 2005, the museum spans 30,000 square meters, with a 45,098 square meters building housing 23,225 square meters of exhibition space.
Its collections originated from the Southwest Museum, featuring Anti-Japanese War-era artifacts like chinaware, calligraphy, paintings, and traditional instruments. Over time, it expanded to include paleoanthropological specimens, Ba and Shu bronze wares, Three Gorges relics, Han dynasty stone carvings, and materials from socialist construction and southwest minorities. Core exhibitions highlight regional history, minority cultures, natural specimens, and revolutionary heritage.
Annually, the museum hosts 10 permanent and 50 temporary exhibitions, drawing 1.7 million visitors. Recognized as a national first-class museum, it receives government support and serves as a key educational base for patriotism, youth, and science. Its blend of historical preservation and innovation underscores its role in showcasing Chongqing’s cultural and historical legacy.
Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum (Chongqing Museum) Travel Guide
Essential Information
Address: No. 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing (opposite Chongqing People’s Great Hall).
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM; closed Mondays except public holidays).
Admission: Free (ID required for reservation; special/exhibition may charge extra).
Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours.
How to Get There
By Metro:
Line 2: Exit at Zengjiayan Station (Exit A), 5-minute walk.
Line 10: Exit at People’s Great Hall Station (Exit 1), 8-minute walk.
By Bus:
Routes 145, 152, 181, 262, or 322 to People’s Great Hall Station.
By Car/Taxi:
Navigate to “Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum.” Limited parking available (public transport recommended during peak seasons).
Best Time to Visit
Spring & Autumn (March–May, September–November): Mild weather (20–25°C), ideal for exploring. Avoid summer heatwaves (June–August, often above 35°C) and chilly winter rains (December–February).
Weekday Mornings: Less crowded than weekends.
Night View Bonus: The illuminated People’s Great Hall across the street offers stunning photo opportunities after sunset.
Must-See Highlights & Itinerary Tips
1. Permanent Exhibitions
The Magnificent Three Gorges: Scale models, boat-tracking artifacts, and immersive displays on the world’s largest hydropower project.
Ancient Ba-Yu Civilization: Paleolithic fossils, Bronze Age relics (tiger-shaped Chunyu bells, bird-shaped wine vessels) from the Ba and Shu kingdoms.
Han Dynasty Stone Art: Stone Que gates, carved bricks, and tomb sculptures depicting myths and daily life.
Anti-Japanese War Memorabilia: Bombing footage, wartime documents, and artifacts from Chongqing’s role as China’s wartime capital.
Ceramics Gallery: Song Dynasty celadon, Ming-Qing blue-and-white porcelain, showcasing China’s ceramic mastery.
2. Unique Experiences
360° Dome Theater: Free screenings of The Three Gorges documentary (schedule at entrance).
Temporary Exhibitions: 50+ annual rotating displays—check the museum’s website for themes like international art or archaeological discoveries.
3. Suggested Routes
History Buffs: Ancient Ba-Yu → Three Gorges → Han Dynasty Art → Anti-Japanese War → Ceramics → Southwest Ethnic Cultures.
Families: Natural History Hall → Dome Theater → Interactive Zones → Kids’ Workshops (holidays only).
Travel Tips
Reservations:
Book free tickets 1–3 days in advance via the official WeChat account or website (time slots required).
Guided Tours:
Free audio guides (200 RMB deposit) or paid guided tours (100–200 RMB/hour; reserve ahead).
Facilities:
Rest areas, free lockers, and water dispensers available. Souvenirs (Three Gorges-themed items) sold at the 1st-floor shop.
Nearby Eats:
Zhongshan Fourth Road: Local snacks like Chongqing noodles (Xiaomian) and glutinous rice balls (Tangyuan).
Jiefangbei CBD: 10-minute taxi ride to iconic hotpot restaurants (Hongyadong or Dezhuang).
Nearby Attractions
Chongqing People’s Great Hall (opposite the museum): A grand Soviet-inspired landmark (10 RMB entry).
Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence & Guiyuan Garden (15-minute walk): Historic sites of 1945 Chongqing negotiations.
Liziba Light Rail Transit Station (Line 2): Viral “train-through-building” spot for quirky photos.
Why Visit?
As one of China’s first-tier national museums, this institution masterfully bridges ancient heritage and modern innovation. From the engineering marvels of the Three Gorges Dam to the resilience of wartime Chongqing, its collections narrate the soul of a city shaped by rivers, mountains, and revolutions.
