“Museums are important halls for protecting and passing down human civilization, serving as bridges connecting the past, present, and future, and playing a special role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among world civilizations.”

A museum is a great school. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, guided by Xi Jinping’s cultural thought, China’s museum and cultural heritage endeavors have flourished, with a number of key museums being built and opened one after another. People are immersed in culture through rich and diverse museum educational activities, and through touching history and continuing the cultural lineage, they cultivate a sense of national identity and nurture spiritual depth.

2026 is the first year of the “15th Five-Year Plan,” which clearly proposes to vigorously develop cultural undertakings, improve the public cultural service system, inherit and promote fine traditional Chinese culture, and allow the people to enjoy a higher quality of cultural life.

When culture thrives, the country thrives; when culture is strong, the nation is strong.

Today, China’s museums in the new era are guarding tradition and embracing the future with a renewed appearance, telling the world the ancient yet vibrant story of China.

Museums

Museums are institutions that collect, preserve, and display objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance for public education and enjoyment. The concept dates back to ancient times, with the Museum of Alexandria in Egypt (founded around 300 BCE) often considered an early precursor, but modern public museums emerged during the Enlightenment, such as the British Museum (opened in 1759). Today, they serve as vital cultural repositories, offering insights into human heritage and fostering learning across diverse fields.

Communist Party of China

The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the founding and ruling political party of the People’s Republic of China, established in 1921 in Shanghai. It led the Chinese Revolution, culminating in the establishment of the PRC in 1949 under Mao Zedong, and has since overseen the country’s transformation into a major global power. The CPC remains the central authority in China, guiding its political, economic, and social policies under the principle of “socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

China’s museum and cultural heritage endeavors

China’s museum and cultural heritage efforts have evolved significantly since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, with a focus on preserving and showcasing the nation’s vast historical legacy. The country now boasts over 6,000 museums, including world-renowned institutions like the Palace Museum in Beijing, and has implemented extensive conservation projects for sites such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. These endeavors reflect a commitment to safeguarding China’s rich cultural identity while promoting public education and international cultural exchange.

Museum of Alexandria

The Museum of Alexandria, also known as the Alexandria National Museum, is located in a restored Italian-style palace in the city’s historic center. It houses a vast collection of artifacts that trace Egypt’s history from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods through the Coptic and Islamic eras. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Alexandria’s rich cultural heritage, including items from its ancient Lighthouse and the legendary Library of Alexandria.

British Museum

The British Museum in London is one of the world’s oldest and largest museums, founded in 1753 based on the collection of Sir Hans Slo

Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, located in the heart of Beijing, is housed within the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. It served as the home of Chinese emperors and the political center of government for nearly 500 years, until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. Today, it is a world-renowned museum, showcasing a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across northern China, with construction beginning as early as the 7th century BCE and continuing through the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Originally designed to protect Chinese states from invasions and raids, the wall stretches over 13,000 miles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it stands as a symbol of China’s historical strength and enduring cultural heritage.

Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is a vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, around 210–209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 near Xi’an by local farmers, the army consists of thousands of uniquely crafted figures, each with distinct facial features. It is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering remarkable insight into ancient Chinese military practices and artistry.

Museum of Alexandria

The Museum of Alexandria, also known as the Royal Library of Alexandria, was one of the most renowned cultural and scientific institutions of the ancient world, founded in the 3rd century BCE during the Ptolemaic dynasty. It served as a major hub for scholars, housing a vast collection of texts and fostering advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Though the original museum and library were destroyed over time, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inaugurated in 2002 near the original site, reviving the spirit of learning and cultural exchange.

British Museum

The British Museum in London is one of the world’s oldest and largest museums, founded in 1753 based on the collection of physician Sir Hans Sloane. It first opened to the public in 1759, and its vast collection spans over two million years of human history, featuring iconic artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles. The museum’s history includes significant expansions and ongoing debates about the repatriation of certain items acquired during the British Empire.

Related news

Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday sees estimated 2.432 billion cross-regional trips
From October 1st to 8th (Mid-Autumn Festival and N...

China’s women’s flag football team shines in stunning debut
On August 14, the women's flag football competitio...

CCTV.com Live Broadcast
Live Broadcast | About Us Business Overview More L...

Gridlines: The Child Counting Sheep, The Teacher Counting Stars
In May of this year, a reply letter from President...

2025 “Mysterious Charm of Sichuan, A Hundred Works of Sichuan Promotion” Online Audiovisual Excellence Awards Ceremony Held
Summary: As one of the key events of the 13th Chin...