Liao and Jin City Wall Museum
The Beijing Archaeological Site Museum preserves and displays important archaeological discoveries from Beijing's rich history. The museum features excavated artifacts, ruins, and exhibits that trace the development of human civilization in the Beijing area from prehistoric times through various dynasties. Interactive displays and detailed explanations help visitors understand the significance of these archaeological findings in the context of Chinese history.
Information
Ticket price
Time
Location
Baotai, Huaxiang, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
View maps
More about the trip
Liao and Jin City Wall Museum: Unearthing Beijing's Ancient Foundations
The Beijing Archaeological Site Museum, officially known as the Liao and Jin City Wall Museum, preserves and displays important archaeological discoveries from Beijing's rich history. Located in Fengtai District, it is built on the site of the original city wall of the Liao (907-1125 AD) and Jin (1115-1234 AD) dynasties. The museum features excavated artifacts, ruins, and exhibits that trace the development of human civilization in the Beijing area from prehistoric times through various dynasties, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's ancient past.
What to See and Do
Original City Wall Remains: The highlight of the museum is the preserved section of the Liao and Jin Dynasty city wall, which is displayed underground. You can walk along the excavated sections and see the original brickwork and foundations, providing a tangible connection to ancient Beijing.
Archaeological Discoveries: Explore the various exhibition halls that showcase artifacts unearthed from the site and other archaeological digs in Beijing. These include pottery, porcelain, bronze ware, and daily life objects, illustrating the culture and society of the Liao and Jin dynasties.
Historical Context: Learn about the history of Beijing as a capital city during the Liao and Jin dynasties, its urban planning, and the lives of its inhabitants. Informational displays and models help to reconstruct the ancient city.
Interactive Displays: Some exhibits may feature interactive elements or multimedia presentations to enhance the visitor experience and make the history more engaging.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is an indoor attraction, making it suitable for visiting year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Arrive early to make the most of your visit.
How to Get There
The Liao and Jin City Wall Museum is located in Fengtai District. Take Metro Line 10 to Shoujingmao Station (首经贸站) and then take a short taxi ride or a local bus (e.g., 67, 300, 368, 691, 820, 958) to Baotai (葆台) station. It's a bit off the main tourist routes, so using a map app is recommended.
Travel Tips
Allow ample time: Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing some walking within the museum.
Educational focus: This museum is particularly interesting for those with a keen interest in Chinese history, archaeology, and the development of Beijing as a capital city.
Related attractions
Dashilar
A 500-year-old cultural history district. Daguaren Street was originally called Liangfang Fourth Lane and has a history of nearly 500 years. It is also one of the first batches of Chinese historical and cultural districts in Xicheng District. It‘s a traditional commercial area in Beijing, formerly known as "Four Courtyards Lane."Daguaren was first built in the 14th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1420). At that time, it was called Liangfang Fourth Lane; in the first year of Hongzhi of the Ming Dynasty (1488), a fence was set up at the entrance of the alley, so it was renamed "Daguaren". Historically, it was home to century-old brands such as Tongrentang, Ruifuzhao, and Renlinseng, which covered industries including medicine, silk, and shoes and hats, forming a commercial pattern known as "top is Ma Juyuan, bottom is Renlinseng." The street once had five opera theaters and Beijing's earliest cinema, Da Guanlou, and had both commercial and entertainment functions.
Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall
Huanghuacheng, also known as the "Water Great Wall," is a unique section of the Great Wall located about 70 kilometers north of Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this section is famous for its picturesque setting where parts of the wall are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir, creating a stunning combination of mountains, water, and ancient architecture. The area is also known for its beautiful wild flowers, particularly yellow flowers that bloom in summer, giving the section its name "Yellow Flower Wall."
Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling is a section of the Great Wall of China located about 130 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is known for its well-preserved original features and breathtaking mountain scenery. This section stretches for about 10.5 kilometers with 67 watchtowers and is less crowded than other sections, making it popular with hikers and photographers. The varied terrain and stunning vistas make it one of the most picturesque parts of the Great Wall.
Liao and Jin City Wall Museum
The Beijing Archaeological Site Museum preserves and displays important archaeological discoveries from Beijing's rich history. The museum features excavated artifacts, ruins, and exhibits that trace the development of human civilization in the Beijing area from prehistoric times through various dynasties. Interactive displays and detailed explanations help visitors understand the significance of these archaeological findings in the context of Chinese history.
Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site
The Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where fossils of Homo erectus pekinensis, dating back 200,000 to 700,000 years, were discovered in the 1920s and 1930s. Located about 50 kilometers southwest of Beijing, the site includes caves, archaeological excavations, and a museum displaying fossils, stone tools, and exhibits about human evolution. It provides valuable insights into prehistoric human life and evolution in East Asia.
