Three Gorges Museum

Introduction

The Three Gorges Museum, located in the heart of Chongqing, stands as a cultural treasure that chronicles thousands of years of history in the Ba-Yu region. This institution serves as a bridge between past, present, and future, offering visitors an immersive experience into the unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical developments of the Three Gorges region.

Planning Your Visit

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
• Extended summer hours (July-August): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM)

Admission

Free admission with advance reservation. Reservations can be made 1-7 days in advance through the official WeChat mini-program. All visitors under 60 years old must make a reservation. Children without ID cards can be registered under their guardian's reservation.

Transportation

By Metro

• Line 2 or 10 to Zengjiayan Station (Exit 3, 10-minute walk)
• Line 10 to Great Hall Station (Exit 1, 10-minute walk)

By Bus

Multiple routes available:

• Routes 145, 152, 181, 262, 322, 338, 829, 862, 881, T002 to Xuetianwan Station
• Additional routes: 132, 261, 265, 421, 866, 215, 104, 112, 609 to Great Hall Station

Essential Items

• Valid ID card or passport
• Reservation QR code
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Notebook and pen (optional, for taking notes)

Museum Complex Overview

The Three Gorges Museum complex consists of five venues:

1. Main Building (236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District)
2. White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum
3. Soong Ching-ling Memorial Hall
4. Tushan Kiln Site
5. Three Gorges Cultural Relics Protection Base

The main building forms part of a iconic architectural complex alongside People's Square and the People's Great Hall.

Exhibition Highlights

Permanent Exhibitions

The Magnificent Three Gorges

This exhibition offers a comprehensive journey through the Three Gorges region. Key features include:

• A 3D digital presentation of the gorges' formation
• Natural specimens showcasing local flora and fauna
• Historical artifacts including the Wushan Human Mandible fossil
• Cultural relics representing the Ba people's civilization
• Interactive displays of traditional river shipping and folk songs
• A collection of precious artifacts with a 60% rotation rate

Ancient Ba-Yu

This exhibition traces the prehistoric origins of the Ba-Yu region:

• Stone Age artifacts from Wushan
• Pottery and tools from the Neolithic Fengdu Yuxi culture
• Bronze artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties
• The Bird-Shaped Bronze Vessel (小田溪鸟形尊), a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship

Chongqing: The City's Journey

Chronicling Chongqing's urban development through:

• Large-scale city models
• Historic photographs
• Recreation of old street scenes
• Industrial development exhibits
• Revolutionary history displays

The War Years

A powerful exhibition featuring:

• Over 400 historic photographs
• 300+ wartime artifacts
• Multimedia presentations of the Chongqing Bombardment
• Displays of wartime tunnels
• Documents from the city's role as China's wartime capital

Museum Treasures

1. Wushan Human Mandible Fossil

   • Age: 2 million years
   • Significance: Key evidence for human origins in East Asia

2. Three Rams Bronze Vessel (三羊尊)

   • Height: 42.8cm
   • Period: Shang Dynasty
   • Significance: Earliest large bronze vessel from Ba culture

3. Bird-Shaped Bronze Vessel

   • Dimensions: 28cm length, 16.8cm width, 29cm height
   • Period: Warring States
   • Features: Unique hybrid design with turquoise inlay

Visitor Routes

Standard Route (2-3 hours)

1. Start at the Magnificent Three Gorges exhibition
2. Continue to Ancient Ba-Yu
3. Proceed to Chongqing: The City's Journey
4. Conclude with The War Years exhibition

Family Route (1.5-2 hours)

1. Begin with interactive displays in Three Gorges exhibition
2. Visit the "Walking in Old Chongqing" section
3. Explore the Youth Education Area
4. Participate in hands-on activities

Scholar's Route (3-4 hours)

1. Detailed exploration of Ancient Ba-Yu
2. In-depth study of wartime exhibits
3. Special exhibitions
4. Cultural relics restoration viewing area

Services

Guided Tours

• Professional guides available
• Rates:
  • 300 CNY/60 minutes (2 halls, up to 30 people)
  • 450 CNY/90 minutes (3 halls, up to 30 people)
• Advance booking required: (023) 63679067

Audio Guide

Free audio guide available through WeChat Official Account:

• Three Gorges Exhibition: 13 stops
• City Journey: 29 stops
• Ancient Ba-Yu: 21 stops
• War Years: 26 stops

Dining and Shopping

Museum Dining

• Café offering coffee and light refreshments
• Quick service area for sandwiches and salads

Nearby Dining

• Traditional Chongqing noodles (重庆小面) at Yangou Market
• Hot pot restaurants featuring local specialties
• Local snacks including Triangle Rice Cake (三角粑) and Iron Rice Cake (熨斗糕)

Museum Shop

Cultural products including:

• Refrigerator magnets featuring museum artifacts
• Traditional ceramic teacups
• Stationery with Ba-Yu cultural elements
• Books and souvenirs

Visitor Tips

1. Best visiting times:

   • Weekdays are less crowded
   • Afternoon visits recommended on weekends

2. Photography guidelines:

   • No flash photography
   • No selfie sticks or tripods
   • Maintain safe distance from exhibits

3. Facility rules:

   • Proper attire required
   • Maintain quiet environment
   • No smoking or running
   • Free storage for large items

4. Accessibility:

   • Elevator access available
   • Wheelchair friendly
   • Assistance available upon request