The Museum of Jade in Tengchong County, Baoshan

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Chinese Name:腾冲翡翠博物馆
English Name: The Museum of Jade in Tengchong County, Baoshan

Located in Tengchong City (腾冲市), Baoshan Prefecture (保山市), Yunnan Province (云南省), the Museum of Jade (腾冲翡翠博物馆) is China’s first museum dedicated solely to jade. With a floor space of over 4,510 square meters and an exhibition area of 2,000 square meters, this unique museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history, culture, and artistry of jade, particularly jadeite (翡翠), which has been a significant part of the region’s heritage for nearly 600 years.

The museum houses a variety of exhibits showcasing the extraction, processing, trade history, appreciation, and identification of jade. It also features various models, historical materials, and collections that fully display the rich jade history of Tengchong (腾冲).

The museum is divided into nine main sections: “Prelude Hall”, “The Creation of Jade”, “Mastery of Jade Carving”, “Jade Appreciation”, “Jade Spectacle”, “City of Color”, “Jade Merchants of the Capital”, “Historical Tengchong”, and “Modern Tengchong”. Additionally, there are auction halls, art galleries, and temporary exhibition spaces. The design concept of the museum is distinctive and holistic, blending scientific understanding with artistic expression, creating a space that combines both static and dynamic displays, educational elements, and cultural significance.

Key Features and Exhibits

Historical Significance

As China’s first museum dedicated to jade, it highlights Tengchong’s pivotal role as both a jade processing center and a jade trade hub. The museum showcases jade’s 600-year history in the region, emphasizing how the area became a global jade distribution center.

Museum Layout

The museum’s layout is divided into nine themed halls:

• “Prelude Hall”: Introduction to the history and significance of jade.

• “The Creation of Jade”: The formation and geographical distribution of jade mines.

• “Mastery of Jade Carving”: Traditional jade carving techniques and tools.

• “Jade Appreciation”: A comprehensive guide to identifying and appreciating jade.

• “Jade Spectacle”: A visual display of exquisite jade artifacts.

• “City of Color”: An exploration of how jade influences the region’s cultural and artistic development.

• “Jade Merchants of the Capital”: Highlighting the leading figures in the jade trade.

• “Historical Tengchong”: A look at the historical significance of jade in the region.

• “Modern Tengchong”: Showcasing the current role of jade in Tengchong’s development.

The museum also features an auction hall, an art gallery, and a temporary exhibition hall.

Notable Collections

The museum’s collection includes 522 jade artifacts (sets), including the world’s largest “Jadeite Raw Stone”, weighing a massive 24.75 tons. This monumental jade specimen was recognized by the World Record Association as the largest of its kind.

Other notable collections include:

• Rare Ming and Qing Dynasty jade (明清翡翠).

• Over 3,000 pieces of valuable jade artifacts contributed by collectors such as Mr. Ma Luogang (马罗刚), who donated the earliest Ming Dynasty jade bracelets discovered in Tengchong, and Mr. Du Maosheng (杜茂盛), who donated antique jade pieces from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China eras.

Museum Highlights

Jadeite Raw Stone: The Largest in the World

The museum’s centerpiece is the 24.75-ton jadeite raw stone, the largest of its kind globally, which was transported from Myanmar (缅甸) after being purchased by Mr. Duan Zhi Kui (段治葵). It stands as a monumental symbol of the historical importance of jade in Tengchong.

Ancient and Rare Artifacts

The museum is home to valuable jade pieces from the Ming (明), Qing (清), and Republic of China (民国) periods, including meticulously carved works that display the craftsmanship of past dynasties.

Exhibits Breakdown

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

The museum is open every day from 08:30 to 18:00 (closed for four days during the Spring Festival), and is closed on Mondays unless a public holiday falls on that day.

Ticket Price

The entry fee is approximately 24 RMB per person.

Recommended Visit Duration

It is recommended to spend 2-3 hours touring the museum to fully appreciate the jade exhibits and the museum’s cultural significance.

Suggested Route

Start your visit at the “The Creation of Jade” hall and continue through the various exhibits for a well-rounded experience.

A Unique Cultural Experience

The Museum of Jade in Tengchong offers an in-depth look at the history, craftsmanship, and trade of jade, with a particular focus on Tengchong’s role in the jade industry. The museum not only serves as a repository of exquisite artifacts but also as a cultural landmark that connects visitors to the heritage of one of China’s most precious natural resources. Whether you are a jade enthusiast or a traveler interested in cultural heritage, a visit to this museum promises a fascinating journey into the world of jade.