“Butterfly Staircase” they call it. This unique spiral staircase is hidden inside the Zhongyuan Building. Have you seen it?
Let me introduce you to the Zhongyuan Building. It stands as a proud landmark in Guangzhou. Many pass it without noticing its historical importance. Today we will discover its story.
The Zhongyuan Building was built in 1930. It commemorates Deng Zhongyuan a general of the Xinhai Revolution. Originally, it functioned as the Zhongyuan Library. The building’s design is special. It merges Chinese and Western architectural styles. You can see Qing Dynasty palace-style railings and colored paintings. This makes it an elegant example of early Republican architecture in Guangzhou.
In 1957, the Guangzhou Art Museum was established here. The Zhongyuan Building became its home. Later in 2000, the art museum moved to Luhu Lake. Since 2004, the Zhongyuan Building belongs to the Guangzhou Museum. It now serves as an exhibition area.
Inside the Zhongyuan Building, you will find three floors. These floors host various exhibits. The second and third floors showcase Cantonese handicrafts. They also display photos of Guangdong’s maritime trade history during the Qing Dynasty. Currently, the Zhongyuan Building hosts a special exhibition. It is titled “Treasures of Maritime Trade: Guangzhou Export Artworks from the 18th to Early 20th Century.”
The exhibition features many traditional crafts. There are ivory carvings and silk embroideries. You can also admire Canton porcelain and export paintings. These artworks tell the story of Guangzhou’s trade history. They highlight Guangzhou’s role as a major port on the Maritime Silk Road.
Don’t miss the “Butterfly Staircase”. It is a unique spiral staircase inside. Its symmetrical design resembles butterfly wings. The red hollowed-out floral railings add to its beauty. One level has an old white style. The other level shows brick red. This staircase brings a special charm. It reflects Guangzhou’s Republican era style.
Besides the Zhongyuan Building, there is also a natural science museum. It features the “Earth History and Life Evolution” exhibition. Here, you can see meteorites and minerals. There are also plant and animal fossils.
Before you leave, take a look at the blue double-decker bus. This bus was made in Guangzhou in 1993. It was the first domestically produced double-decker bus in China. The bus’s second level is only one and a half meters high. Passengers could only sit not stand. This was because Guangzhou’s overpasses were low at the time. They were not built for double-decker buses.
As you explore the Zhongyuan Building, remember its history. It started as a library. It honored a revolutionary hero. It became an art museum. Now it is a museum showcasing Guangzhou’s rich past. The Zhongyuan Building represents Guangzhou’s blend of cultures. It stands as a tribute to its past. It inspires future generations.