Introduction, Travel Guide, and Tips for Chaoyang North Pagoda Museum:
Introduction to Chaoyang North Pagoda Museum
• Location: Situated at No. 2-1 Murong Street, Shuangta District, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, on the North Pagoda Square at the northern end of Murong Street.
• Historical Background: Built around the nationally protected Chaoyang North Pagoda, which dates back to the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (over 1,500 years ago), it is one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Northeast China. Its "Five Generations Under One Roof" structure reflects the historical essence of Chaoyang.
• Exhibition Layout: The museum covers 2,300 square meters, with both above-ground and underground exhibition halls. The above-ground section includes a grand entrance hall featuring large forged copper sculptures, the "Origins of History" exhibition area, and the "Pagoda Illuminates Chaoyang" exhibition area. The underground hall showcases the finest artifacts from the North Pagoda, including the "Treasures of North Pagoda" exhibition, featuring the "Five Generations Under One Roof" relics, exquisite artifacts, and stone carvings.
• Collections: The museum houses over 1,600 artifacts, many of which are rare treasures unearthed from the North Pagoda, such as the world's only Seven-Treasure Pagoda, national treasures like the Persian glass bottle, gold and silver sutra pagodas, gilded silver pagodas, and the true relic of the Dipankara Buddha.
Travel Guide for Chaoyang North Pagoda Museum
• Visiting Hours: Open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, with a lunch break closure from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Closed on Mondays. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Ticket Information: Museum-only ticket costs 40 RMB, while a combo ticket (museum + North Pagoda Underground Palace) is 50 RMB.
• Suggested Route: Start with the above-ground exhibitions, beginning with the grand forged copper sculpture of Sakyamuni's Nirvana in the entrance hall, then proceed to the "Origins of History" exhibition on the west side to learn about ancient Chinese pagodas, followed by the "Pagoda Illuminates Chaoyang" exhibition on the east side to admire Liao Dynasty pagodas in Chaoyang. Then head to the underground hall to explore the "Five Generations Under One Roof" and "Treasures of North Pagoda" exhibitions.
• Local Cuisine: Chaoyang offers unique delicacies like Chaoyang grilled sausages, bowl cakes, and fried pastries. Enjoy them at nearby streets after your visit.
• Nearby Accommodations: Options include downtown hotels and guesthouses, such as Chaoyang Yandu International Hotel, which provide convenient access to transportation, shopping, and dining.
Tips for Visiting Chaoyang North Pagoda Museum
• Mind the Lunch Break Closure: The museum is closed from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Avoid visiting during this time or arriving too close to closing to ensure ample viewing time.
• Secure Your Belongings: The museum can get crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings, especially when viewing exhibits or moving between halls.
• Follow Museum Rules: Do not touch exhibits, turn off flash when taking photos, maintain quietness, and adhere to all regulations to help preserve the visiting environment.