The parade cars for Mao Zedong and Military Commander, Zhu De, on display at Beijing's Military Museum. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com]

A model of the Dafu Ship, the main warship of the South Sea Navy of the Ming Dynasty on display in the Military Museum's Hall of Ancient Wars. [Photo:CRIENGLISH.com]

Beijing's Military Museum dominates a busy section of Fuxing Road with a grand hall typical of most important Chinese buildings. Built in 1958, it was created as a tribute to the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The main hall of the first floor is the biggest attraction. Here, tanks, missiles, airplanes, boats, anti-aircraft guns, and other equipment are lined up in rows, taking up the whole room, as well as two outside areas.

While the English descriptions are brief in this area of the exhibition, this is perhaps the area most interesting to history and military enthusiasts. The majority of the equipment is Chinese, but weapons made in the United States, Japan, and Russia are all well-represented. Several countries in Europe also make an appearance. The equipment is lined up categorically, side-by-side, and ranges from around World War I to today, allowing visitors to compare visually the changes in machinery across countries and across time.

Parts of the second floor showcase every style of gun that one would find in combat from various countries and time periods. The expanse of the military equipment collection offers an in-person look into the world's military technology that the public could rarely access elsewhere. The exhibition could be improved only with the increased use of multi-lingual displays.

The rest of the 4-story museum houses themed exhibitions on subjects including the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, ancient wars, and Chinese Rescue Missions. These exhibitions have more extensive English explanations, and are enhanced by photos, artwork, maps, artifacts, equipment replicas, and large simulation displays.

The Hall of Ancient Wars is particularly interesting, taking visitors on a journey through China's formation and development. Displayed replicas of ancient suits of armor are among the curiosities. A fun diversion from wars and battles is the Hall of Gifts, where guests can muse on the gifts presented to the People's Liberation Army in goodwill, and find souvenirs sent by their home countries.

The museum is massive, and will easily take up an afternoon for interested tourists. While national pride is obvious, the comprehensive display of military equipment is rare and unique while the other exhibition halls offer an educational narrative of Chinese history.

The Logistics:

Location: 9 Fuxing Road, Haidian District

Transportation: Beijing subway line 1 Military Museum stop

Hours: 8:30 am- 4:00 pm (closed Mondays)

Cost: Free (Foreigners should bring passports)