China Red Sandalwood Museum, Beijing

Museum Introduction: 1. The China Red Sandalwood Museum is the first and largest museum in China dedicated to the collection, research, and exhibition of red sandalwood art and the appreciation of traditional Chinese classical furniture. It is a privately owned museum founded by Ms. Chen Lihua, a national-level inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of "sandalwood carving". The museum was built over two years and officially opened to the public on September 19, 1999. 2. The museum consists of a large complex of Ming and Qing dynasty-style buildings. The main gate is constructed from over 400 cubic meters of wood, supported by four pillars, each 8 meters high and 0.6 meters thick. The scale and materials used in the museum's construction are rare among Beijing's antique-imitating buildings. The main building utilizes the meticulous "grinding brick to fit joints" technique, with millimeter-level precision. The 1,000-plus square meter plaza in front of the museum is paved with large bluestone bricks laid in a traditional pattern and treated with tung oil. Chen Lihua specifically hired woodworking, tile-laying, and painting experts who had worked at the Palace Museum since the founding of the People's Republic of China to oversee the entire project. Exhibition Introduction: 1. The China Red Sandalwood Museum is the largest museum of red sandalwood art and traditional Chinese furniture in China, invested in and managed by the Hong Kong Fuhua International Group. The museum houses 300 pieces/sets of artifacts. While the number may seem small, each piece is incredibly valuable and precious. 2. The museum's most treasured exhibits are models of ancient Chinese architecture crafted from precious woods. These include models of the Temple of Heaven, the corner towers of the Forbidden City, the Qianqiu Pavilion and Wanchun Pavilion, Yongding Gate, the Longquan Temple archway in Wutai Mountain, Shanxi, and the emperor's throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony of the Forbidden City. The model of the Temple of Heaven is particularly impressive, with its ornate details and imposing presence. 3. The museum showcases a wide variety of classical Chinese furniture, primarily in Ming and Qing dynasty styles. The furniture is exquisitely carved and meticulously crafted, reflecting the grandeur and solidity of traditional Chinese furniture. Key Artifacts: 1. Red Sandalwood Corner Tower: Modeled after the corner towers of the Forbidden City wall, this piece utilizes traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of red sandalwood. 2. Red Sandalwood Carved Wanchun Pavilion: Replicating the Wanchun Pavilion in the Imperial Garden of the Forbidden City, this model embodies the concept of "a round heaven and a square earth," reflecting the wisdom of ancient architecture. 3. Red Sandalwood Carving of Qianlong Emperor's Calligraphy "Ode to Fighting Deer" Ten-Panel Screen: The main body of the screen is carved with the Qianlong Emperor's calligraphy of "Ode to Fighting Deer," written when he was 57 years old. It represents a perfect fusion of calligraphy and carving art. 4. Red Sandalwood Model of Tiananmen Gate Tower: This model is based on Tiananmen, the main gate of the imperial city during the Ming and Qing dynasties, demonstrating the application of red sandalwood in large-scale architectural models. 5. Red Sandalwood Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Temple of Heaven): This 1:10 scale replica, weighing nearly 10 tons, is the largest red sandalwood artwork in the museum, a truly breathtaking masterpiece. Tickets: 50 yuan/person; seniors and students with valid ID 20 yuan/person; children under 1.3 meters free. (Free admission on the first Saturday of each month) Transportation: Subway: Take Subway Line 1 to Gaobeidian Station, Exit A1 West, and walk about 500 meters. Car: Driving is recommended, with free parking available on-site. Address: No. 23 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00–17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:30), closed on Mondays Tips: 1. There are more visitors on free admission days. The guided tour, covering Chinese history, architecture, culture, and rosewood and red sandalwood knowledge, is worth listening to (including: the meaning of "five ridges and six beasts," who the "immortal riding a phoenix" is, the characteristics of Ming and Qing furniture, the origin of the "jiaoyi" chair, explanation of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," etc.). 2. Restrooms are available on each floor, but with limited stalls. 3. Stamps and souvenirs are available on the second floor. 4. No hot water dispensers were found. 5. There is a rest area on the second floor. 6. Live demonstrations of craftsmanship can be seen on the third floor. 7. In addition to furniture and miniature architectural sculptures, the exhibits also include large-scale paintings by Director Chen.