Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, Beijing

Constructed in 1958 on Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution is a majestic building that has been open to the public since 1960. Covering an area of 93,700 square meters, the museum is also the largest in China.

The total built-up area of 136,000 square meters includes the exhibition area and the Boxing Mansion that houses the Hall of Military Science and Technology. The museum building houses a tall seven-storied main building that is 94.7 meters high and two four storied wings. The main building features a gilded emblem of the Chinese PLA or People’s Liberation Army. This emblem measures six meters in diameter.

Chairman Mao Zedong’s gilded calligraphy title is featured over a giant bronze plaque that hangs over the museum’s main gate. There are two white marble sculptures on both sides of the front gate. On one side, you will find sculptures of a man and woman militia fighters and on the other a group of three soldiers from the air, marine and land forces.

At this museum, you will find a stunning array of over 140,000 military artifacts, some of them dating back to ancient times. Also on display are a few military artworks and special Chinese People’s Revolutionary war-related artifacts.

Why You Should Visit:
If you haven't seen any/many military artifacts up-close, then you can appreciate the size of the guns, missiles, canons, airplanes, tanks, etc.
It's not all modern weaponry, though – the history buffs have plenty to see, including a couple of terracotta warriors on display.
In addition, the Hall of Weapons displays equipment from China's space program, such as satellites and a two-seat orbital capsule.

Tip:
Free entry, as expected, but don't forget to bring your passport/ID if you are a foreign tourist!