Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum

Located on Renmin Square in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum stands opposite the Chongqing People’s Hall. It is China’s first national-level comprehensive museum dedicated to Three Gorges culture.

• Established: June 18, 2005 (coinciding with the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam project).
• Scale: Covers a floor area of approximately 70,000 square meters, with 27,000 square meters of exhibition space. Houses over 280,000 cultural relics.
• Mission: Integrates research on Three Gorges culture, historical preservation, and social education, showcasing the civilization of the Yangtze River Basin and the monumental achievements of the Three Gorges Project.

Core Exhibitions & Highlights

1. “Magnificent Three Gorges” Exhibition Hall
   • Natural Three Gorges: Displays geological specimens, models, and multimedia to explain the formation of the gorges, river systems, and ecological diversity.
   • Cultural Three Gorges: Features ancient Ba people’s culture, salt industry heritage, and boat-tracking traditions. Key artifacts include Han Dynasty pottery figurines and Warring States bronze ware.
   • Three Gorges Project: Uses scale models, documentaries, and interactive displays to detail dam construction, the relocation of 1.3 million residents, and the rescue of 1,200 cultural heritage sites from submerged areas.
2. “Ancient Ba-Yu” Exhibition Hall
   • Traces Chongqing’s civilization from the Paleolithic era to the Qin and Han dynasties. Highlights include Ba people’s bronze weapons and Han Dynasty pictorial bricks.
3. “Chongqing: Path of a City” Exhibition Hall
   • Chronicles Chongqing’s evolution from an ancient military stronghold to a WWII provisional capital and modern municipality. Emphasizes its WWII role, including the Chongqing Bombing and its status as China’s wartime capital.
4. “Years of Resistance” Special Exhibition
   • Recreates Chongqing’s history as the WWII rear base. Exhibits wartime documents, weapons, photos, and materials related to the Chongqing Negotiations between the Kuomintang and Communist Party.
5. Temporary Exhibitions & Interactive Experiences
   • Rotating displays of calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain. VR technology recreates ancient cliffside pathways and submerged landscapes.

Architectural Design & Symbolism

• Exterior: A curved blue glass dome symbolizes the Three Gorges Dam. Sandstone reliefs on the facade depict cultural motifs of the Yangtze River Basin.
• Layout: Aligned with the Chongqing People’s Hall’s central axis, embodying a dialogue between “history and the future.”
• Treasures of the Museum:
  • Wuyang Han Que (Eastern Han Dynasty stone que, the only intact Han que in the Three Gorges region).
  • Golden Seal of the Partial General (Western Han military artifact, made of pure gold).
  • Three-Goat Zun (Shang-Zhou Dynasty bronze wine vessel, reflecting cultural exchanges between Ba-Shu and Central Plains civilizations).

How to Book

1. Online Booking (Recommended)
   • Official WeChat Account: Search for “重庆中国三峡博物馆” (Chinese interface only). Click “预约服务” (Booking Service) and fill in your details.
     • Select “Passport/Other ID,” input passport number, name (as on passport), nationality, and contact info.
     • Save the generated QR code (screenshot required).
   • Third-Party Platforms: Platforms like Trip.com or Klook offer English booking services. Search for “Chongqing Three Gorges Museum Booking.”
2. On-Site Booking
   • Foreign visitors can register at the “Foreign Visitor Counter” with their passport (paper form required).
   • Note: Expect queues during holidays; allow 30 minutes for processing.

Entry Requirements

• Mandatory Documents: Passport (original) and booking confirmation (QR code or third-party voucher).
• Tips: Keep a digital copy of your passport. Check the museum’s latest policies via its website or phone.

Language Services & Guided Tours

• English Guidebook: Free at the entrance.
• Audio Guide: Rent with a deposit (≈¥200). English available (limited stock).
• Volunteer Tours: Chinese-guided tours daily. For English tours, email service@3gmuseum.cn in advance.

Visitor Information

• Address: 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District (Metro Line 2, Zengjiayan Station, Exit 3).
• Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM). Closed Mondays (except holidays).
• Admission: Free (ID-based reservation required).
• Suggested Visit Duration: 3–4 hours.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine with Chongqing People’s Hall and Zhongshan 4th Road (WWII historic district).

Social Impact & Reflections

The museum documents the Three Gorges Project as a “century-long feat” while addressing ecological controversies (e.g., endangered species protection, geological risks) and human costs (mass relocations). Through artifacts, films, and oral histories, it sparks reflection on “development vs. preservation,” underscoring the museum’s social responsibility.

Tips

• Free guided tours are available daily (check schedules in advance).
• Don’t miss the 360° dome film The Great Three Gorges (basement level).
• Follow the museum’s WeChat account for audio guides and updates.

This museum serves as a three-dimensional encyclopedia of the Three Gorges, offering profound insights into Yangtze River civilization, Chongqing’s history, and China’s modernization. A must-visit for in-depth exploration!