From Revolution To Space, 100 Years Of China Showcased In A Museum

From Siti Zanariah Nor Zin

(The writer is a journalist with the National News Agency (BERNAMA) who was selected to represent the Malaysian media in the three-month China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) fellowship programme organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association)

BEIJING, May 23 (Bernama) -- China’s long journey from a nation plagued by war and poverty to becoming a global powerhouse in the economy, high technology and space exploration is comprehensively showcased at a museum located in the heart of the capital city.

The writer recently had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Communist Party of China as part of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) 2026 fellowship programme in Beijing.

Located near Beijing’s Olympic Green area, which is also home to the iconic Beijing National Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest”, the museum houses thousands of exhibits chronicling more than a century of the country’s development.

The visit took the writer through China’s historical journey from the rise of the revolutionary era to its emergence as a global economic and technological giant today.

Spanning nearly 150,000 square metres, the museum welcomes visitors with a row of 28 tall and massive pillars inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, further enhancing the grandeur associated with the Great Wall nation.

According to information shared by the curator, the museum is divided into four main sections based on the historical journey of the Chinese people – from the era of national awakening and economic development to the country’s rise as a major world power.

Here, local and foreign visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an immersive experience in a 5D multimedia simulation hall equipped with motion and visual effects, making them feel as though they are travelling through China’s historical journey themselves.

The writer was particularly excited to experience the immersive deep-sea exploration simulation and was also ‘flown’ through aerial simulations showcasing the development of modern cities and China’s high-tech projects.

Interestingly, the three-storey museum also features more than 2,500 photographs and over 4,500 historical artefacts that extensively depict the party’s struggles and detailed chronology.

The exhibitions on the museum’s second floor focus on the sacrifices, struggles and theoretical explorations undertaken by the party in its efforts to develop the country and improve the people’s standard of living.

Through these exhibitions, visitors can also better understand the major challenges faced by China in establishing a new government, developing the nation and strengthening its socialist system with Chinese characteristics.

Among the main attractions are a replica of the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai in 1921, as well as exhibits related to the “Red Boat” in Jiaxing, which is regarded as a symbol of the beginning of the country’s revolutionary struggle.

The museum also highlights the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, including footage of Mao Zedong proclaiming the establishment of the new nation at Tiananmen Square, along with the first national flag raised at the time.

Besides showcasing the revolutionary struggle, the museum also presents China’s major transformation following the reform and opening-up era introduced by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, which paved the way for the country’s rapid modernisation.

The final section of the exhibition focuses on China’s modern achievements, including its poverty eradication programmes, rural development, artificial intelligence technology, deep-sea exploration and aerospace advancements.

Among the most eye-catching exhibits are displays on China’s space programme, including the Chang'e programme lunar missions, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission and the development of the locally made COMAC C919 commercial aircraft.

With its wide range of engaging exhibition spaces and collection of artefacts, it is no surprise that the museum has received various national-level recognitions, including the Luban Award in 2021 and, most recently in 2025, the title of the 7th National Civilisation Unit.

The museum was officially opened to the public free of charge in July 2021. It is open daily except Mondays, from 9 am to 5 pm, with strict security checks conducted at the entrance.

-- BERNAMA