Three Gorges Museum
The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, a national first-grade museum, stands as a cultural beacon dedicated to the history, ecology, and culture of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges region. Opened in 2005, it houses over 100,000 artifacts, including relics from the ancient Ba-Yu civilization, Ming-Qing porcelain, and interactive exhibits on the Three Gorges Dam project. Spanning 42,500 square meters, its architecture mirrors traditional Chinese pavilions with modernist curves, symbolizing the harmony between humanity and nature.
Historical Overview
Established in 2005 to commemorate the cultural legacy of the Three Gorges area, the museum evolved from the Chongqing Municipal Museum (founded 1951). Its creation coincided with the Three Gorges Dam’s construction, aiming to preserve submerged historical sites. Key milestones include the 2007 “Ancient Ba-Yu” exhibition, the 2010 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award, and the 2015 opening of the immersive “Yangtze River Ecology” digital gallery.
Structural Layout
1. The museum’s four-story layout follows a north-south axis:Lobby (1F): Grand Hall featuring a 15-meter-tall bronze sculpture of Da Yu, legendary founder of the Xia Dynasty.
2. Exhibition Halls (2F–3F):Ba-Yu Civilization: Bronze artifacts, Neolithic pottery, and tomb figurines.
Three Gorges Culture: Dioramas of ancient towns submerged by the dam.
Chongqing City History: Maps and models tracing the city’s evolution from 3000 BCE to WWII bomb shelters.
3. Special Galleries (4F): Rotating exhibits on calligraphy, folk art, and contemporary design.
Key structures include the “Flying Dragon” staircase (inspired by Han Dynasty jade motifs) and the outdoor “Three Gorges Landscape” garden.
Major Attractions
Ancient Ba-Yu Exhibition: Jade carvings from the Zhou Dynasty and a 2,300-year-old “Logboat Coffin” discovered in Pengshui County.
Three Gorges Dam Model: A 1:1000-scale replica showing the dam’s flood-control mechanisms.
Migration Stories Gallery: Personal letters and tools from families displaced by the reservoir.
Chongqing Bombing Relics: A reconstructed air-raid shelter from WWII’s “Great Chongqing Bombardment”.
Folk Music Gallery: Interactive displays of Sichuan Opera masks and huqin instruments.
Digital Yangtze: A 180° panoramic film simulating a cruise through the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges.
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Tour (1.5 hrs): Lobby → Ba-Yu Civilization → Three Gorges Dam Model → Digital Yangtze.
Deep Dive (3 hrs): Lobby → Ancient Ba-Yu → Chongqing City History → Migration Stories → Folk Music Gallery.
Family-Friendly (2.5 hrs): Lobby → Digital Yangtze → Folk Music Gallery → Outdoor Garden (scavenger hunt for dragon motifs).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Reserve via the official website (ctg.cn) or WeChat mini-program “三峡博物馆” (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Free entry with ID/passport at the 1F ticket office (queues peak 10–11 AM).
Prices: Free basic admission; ¥30 for special exhibitions (students/seniors 50% off).
Transportation
Subway: Line 2, Zengjiayan Station (Exit 5), 5-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 132, 145, 262, or 338 to Dabailu Stop.
Taxi: Direct to “中国三峡博物馆” (Zhongguo Sanxia Bowuguan).
Cruise: Some Yangtze River tours dock nearby (transfer via shuttle bus).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 20% more tourists).
Weather: Indoor exhibits suit all seasons; outdoor gardens best in spring/fall.
- Essentials:
Bring ID for free tickets.
Use free Wi-Fi for audio guides (English/Chinese).
Visit the rooftop café for views of People’s Assembly Hall.
Prohibited: Food, selfie sticks, and flash photography in galleries.
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