Is it possible to touch the pulse of 700 years of history? Here at the Xiju Village History Museum in Beijing you can. It showcases Zhongguancun’s evolution. This evolution includes its history of science technology and innovation.
Welcome to the Xiju Village History Museum. This isn’t just a museum. It is a portal into the past. It is located at Shuangyushu West. The museum occupies 1300 square meters. It presents the story of Zhongguancun. The story involves its transformation. It shows the area’s development. The museum highlights scientific and technological advancements. It also tells stories of scientists and entrepreneurs.
The Xiju Village History Museum has five exhibition areas. These areas include a Preface Hall and Zhongguancun Memories. There is also Science Advances and Entrepreneurial Experiments. Finally there is China World. These sections describe Zhongguancun’s history. It shows its transformation into an innovation center.
In 1951 the Chinese Academy of Sciences built its first modern scientific research facility. This facility significantly changed Zhongguancun. The facility became a hub for Chinese nuclear science. Seven Two Bombs One Star recipients came from here. Several academicians also came from here. For over 50 years Zhongguancun Science City has been a place for new disciplines. It continually incubates scientific research institutions.
The Xiju Village History Museum collects old items from residents. These items include old tape recorders and computers. Residents have donated 236 exhibits. Nine research institutes and local enterprises have donated 116 exhibits.
The exhibition recreates Qian Sanqiang’s study. Visitors can enter his study using VR goggles. More than 110 academicians live in the Zhongguancun area. The museum displays hand molds of over 60 academicians.
The red brick building that houses the Xiju Village History Museum is historic. In 1986 Shuangyushu Street built it as an office building. It housed over 30 enterprises. In 1994 the joint venture moved. The building then became a place for pure business operations. In 2017 Zhongguancun Street terminated its agreements with merchants. The small red building was vacated. In 2018 Zhongguancun Street decided to build the Xiju Village History Museum. It commemorated the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up.
The name Zhongguancun has appeared in different forms on maps. These forms include Zhongwan and Zhongguan. In 1953 the Chinese Geographical Records editorial department moved here. They printed the name as Zhongguancun on public correspondence. Later the Chinese Academy of Sciences used Zhongguancun as its address. In 1961 the Zhongguancun Subdistrict Office was established. This marked Zhongguancun’s official recognition as an administrative district.
Leaving the Xiju Village History Museum we carry stories of innovation. We remember the scientists and entrepreneurs who shaped Zhongguancun. Their legacy inspires future generations. The museum preserves the memory of this place.