Welcome to the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture (MCGALA) (中国园林博馆), a pioneering institution nestled at the base of Yingshan Mountain in Beijing’s Fengtai District.
This unique museum, launched in May 2013, occupies a vast 65,000㎡, featuring a blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Its primary building alone spans 28,200㎡ of exhibition space.
The Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture stands as a beacon of Chinese cultural heritage, showcasing the elegance of garden art and the depth of landscape architecture. It’s an educational hub for the public, students, international visitors, and experts alike, offering insights into the storied history and multifaceted role of Chinese garden and landscape design.
Embracing the motto “Chinese Gardens, Ideal Homes,” the museum not only exhibits the beauty of these spaces but also celebrates the resurgence of Chinese cultural identity.
How to Get There
Journeying to the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture is an adventure in itself. You are encouraged to have eco-friendly travel options like the subway or bus for a seamless experience.
For Beijing subway travelers, hop on Line 14, alight at Garden Expo Park Station (园博园站，A出站口), and switch to either Bus No. 55 or No. 115, disembarking at the MCGALA stop (中国园林博物馆站).
If you prefer buses, take either No. 327 or 951 to Lu Jing (芦井站), followed by a short 15-minute eastward stroll.
Conveniently, the museum also provides 200 parking spaces for those driving. Located at No. 15, Shejichang Road, Fengtai District (丰台区射击场路15号), the museum is a gateway to an immersive cultural journey. Reach out to the Musuem at [email protected] and its official website for any inquiries.
Opening Hours and Ticketing
The Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00, with the last entry at 15:30. Note that it closes on Mondays, except on public holidays.
For any assistance, contact the Tourist Service Center at 010-63915025 during operational hours. Tickets are available for free at the Ticket Centers, located to the left of the main entrance.
Don’t forget to bring a valid ID for ticket collection. Additionally, the museum offers facilities such as a left luggage area, a reception desk for inquiries and audio guide rentals, and a restaurant in Xijia Pavilion. For accessibility, wheelchair-friendly facilities are conveniently located on the first floor.
Permanent Exhibition Layout
MCGALA’s exhibition is a symphony of natural and architectural beauty, divided into indoor and outdoor displays:
Outdoor Exhibition:
- Northern Mountainous Garden
- Alpenglow Garden
- Northern Flatland Garden
- Banmu Garden
- Northern Waterscape Garden
- Pagoda Shadow Garden
First Floor:
- Chinese Modern Hall
- Suzhou Garden
- Chang Garden
- Chinese Ancient Garden Hall
- Guangzhou Garden – Yu Yin Mountain Garden
- World Famous Garden Hall
- Four Seasons Courtyard
- Multi-Function Hall
- A Replica of Yuanmingyuan – the Old Summer Palace
Second Floor:
- Chinese Garden Technique Hall
- Garden Interaction Hall
- Changyuan Garden of Suzhou (Roofless)
- Chinese Garden and Landscaping Culture Hall
- Yu Yin Mountain Garden (Roofless)
This layout ensures a comprehensive understanding of the evolution, styles, and techniques of Chinese garden and landscape architecture, from ancient times to the modern era.
Guided Tour
To enhance your experience, the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture offers complimentary guided tours in Mandarin at fixed times. Tours occur at 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. and last approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
To join, register at the Reception Desk with a valid ID and collect a number plate. Please gather at the Reception Desk 10 minutes before your tour. Groups range from 5 to 30 participants for optimal engagement.
Tours with more than 15 visitors include voice receivers to ensure clarity. Care for the equipment is essential; return it to the guide or Reception Desk if you leave early.
Visitors are responsible for any damage to the receivers. Cooperation and quiet are required during the tours. Please note, tours may be suspended during major events, and the museum retains the right to interpret these terms.
For group visits (over 10 people), please book guided tours three days in advance. Contact the museum for more details.
Reception Service
The MCGALA offers exceptional visitor facilities, including five toilets and six lounges across a 5300 m2 area. Additionally, four service areas, totaling 1300 m2, are available for rest, luggage deposit, inquiries, and various services.
The Museum ensure a comfortable experience with free guides, volunteers, and cultural support. The stalls and visitor center provide books and other products for a memorable visit. The museum is dedicated to making your time at MCGALA as enjoyable and informative as possible.
Visiting Notice
For a smooth visit, please adhere to the guidelines. Drinks are allowed post-inspection; however, food undergoes thorough checks. Restricted items like cutting tools, lighters, disks, dangerous items, and pets are not permitted.
Dress neatly and keep noise levels down to respect fellow visitors. Exhibit interaction is prohibited, and food consumption is restricted to designated areas.
Smoking, running, climbing, or lounging within the exhibition areas is not allowed. Help the museum maintain order and cleanliness.
Photography is permitted in permanent and thematic exhibitions, barring the use of flashlights and tripods. Temporary exhibition photography follows specific gallery signs.
Visiting the MCGALA is more than just a tour; it’s a journey through the heart of Chinese garden and landscape art. The museum, with its rich collection and thoughtfully designed exhibits, offers a window into the soul of traditional Chinese culture.
It’s an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the intricate relationship between nature and architecture that defines Chinese garden art. Whether you’re a curious tourist, a passionate student, or a landscape aficionado, the Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture promises an enriching experience that connects you with the legacy and future of Chinese landscape architecture. Come, discover, and be inspired.
