“Guangzhou History” unfolds before us. It is housed in Zhenhai Tower. Welcome to the Guangzhou Museum. Established in 1929 this is one of China’s earliest museums. It has been rated as a National First-Class Museum.
The centerpiece of the museum is Zhenhai Tower. This structure dates back to 1380. It has long been revered as the landmark of old Canton city. Since the Qing Dynasty the tower has been rated among the top eight scenic spots in Yangcheng. Yangcheng is Guangzhou’s nickname. It has also been named among the ten most beautiful modern scenic spots.
Zhenhai Tower stands as the sole representative of renowned Chinese historical and cultural storied buildings in South China. It is also known as “The Most Beautiful Sight in Lingnan.” Today it is designated as a key cultural site under national protection.
Inside the Guangzhou Museum you will find a collection encompassing over a dozen categories. These include ceramics bronzes and jade. Calligraphy traditional Chinese painting woodcarvings ivory carvings and silk fabrics are also on display. The museum features excavations of ancient dynasties. It also displays distinctive export arts and crafts from the Ming and Qing eras. These exhibits showcase a fusion of Eastern and Western styles.
The Guangzhou Museum also administers three other venues. These include the Art Gallery the Memorial of the Anti-British Invasion of Sanyuanli People and the Memorial of the March 29th Uprising Headquarters. The museum is a comprehensive historical museum with local characteristics. It is also an important site that keeps and displays local historical relics from Guangzhou.
The Art Gallery of Guangzhou Museum incorporates both Chinese and Western styles. It was built in 1929 and inaugurated the following year. It was built in memory of Deng Zhongyuan a general of the 1911 Revolution. The building is now a municipal heritage site. Two permanent exhibitions are displayed inside. They are called “Gems Left by Overseas Trade” and “History of the Earth and Evolution of Life”.
The Memorial of Anti-British Invasion of Sanyuanli People was installed on the site of the Sanyuanli Taoist Temple. This temple was built in the early Qing Dynasty. It once served as an assembly place. Villagers gathered here and directed a fight against British troops. This incident marked the first great victory of Chinese civilians against foreign aggressors.
The Memorial of the March 29th Uprising Headquarters was established in 1958. It is in the Lingnan-style house where the headquarters of the uprising was seated. Despite the fact that the uprising failed it marked the beginning of the 1911 Revolution.
The Guangzhou Museum is dedicated to collecting researching exhibiting and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of Guangzhou. This is where inland civilization and maritime civilization meet. The museum’s grand vision for future development is to construct a world-class museum. It will be built owned and shared by all. Take your time to explore this treasure trove of history and culture. Each artifact tells a story connecting us to the past and illuminating the vibrant heritage of Guangzhou.