Overview

The Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (云南省中医药民族医药博物馆) is a provincial-level museum dedicated to traditional medicine. It is located within the campus of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (云南中医学院) in Chenggong University Town (呈贡大学城), Kunming City (昆明市). In August 2024, it was officially recognized as a national三级博物馆 (third-level museum).

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 云南省中医药民族医药博物馆
• English Name: Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Location: 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong New City, Kunming City (昆明市呈贡新城雨花路1076号)
• Category: State-owned museum in other industries
• Opening Year: 2012
• Completion Year: 2012

A Cultural Treasure of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine serves as a rich cultural repository showcasing the heritage of traditional Chinese medicine within a university setting.

Historical Development

Established by Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the museum reflects traditional architectural styles, resembling a courtyard typical of Dai (傣族) culture, combining solidity with grace. The construction began in 2009, with initial funding from Mr. Wu Daguan (伍达观) from Hong Kong and subsequent financing from the Yunnan Provincial Health Department.

On October 8, 2024, the Medical Man Tang Hall (医曼唐馆) was officially inaugurated, adding to the museum’s offerings.

Architectural Layout

Formally approved by the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau in November 2010, the museum encompasses a total area of 4,651.59 square meters with 12 exhibition rooms, each around 220 square meters. The layout includes three floors, each containing four exhibition rooms:

• First Floor:
  • Two historical exhibition rooms (院史展室)
  • One room on the dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine (中医西传展室)
  • One cultural exhibition room (中医药文化展室)
• Second Floor:
  • Ethnic medicine exhibition rooms, including:
    • Yunnan ethnic medicine culture (云南民族医药文化)
    • Diagnostic features of ethnic medicine (云南民族医药诊治特色)
    • Developments in ethnic medicine (云南民族药开发成果)
    • Specimen exhibition room (云南民族药标本展室)
• Third Floor:
  • Traditional Chinese medicine specimen exhibition rooms, featuring:
    • “Dian Nan Ben Cao” (滇南本草)
    • “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” (神农本草经)
    • Yunnan specialty drugs (云南特色药物)
    • Traditional medicinal materials (传统药材)

Currently, seven exhibition rooms have been completed and are open for free public access, while the remaining rooms are under construction, expected to be finished by 2012.

Exhibition Content

The museum boasts over 400 types of ethnic medicine specimens and more than 2,000 traditional Chinese medicine specimens, which include:

• 170 soaking specimens (浸泡标本)
• 460 processed specimens (饮片标本) Additionally, the museum houses over 50 ancient texts (古籍) and more than 100 artifacts (文物) related to traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine.

Honors Received

In 2012, the museum was recognized as a base for promoting and educating traditional Chinese medicine culture in Yunnan Province, and it officially became a base for popular science education. In August 2024, it was acknowledged as a national三级博物馆 (third-level museum).

Value and Importance

The museum’s collection emphasizes locally sourced Chinese medicinal herbs and ethnic medicine resources, aiming to promote traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine cultures. It demonstrates the scientific rigor of traditional Chinese medicine and the originality of ethnic medicine. Since its establishment, the museum has hosted thousands of visitors from various sectors, conducted numerous science popularization activities, and has become a platform for enthusiasts and researchers to exchange ideas and knowledge regarding traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: The museum can be reached by local buses that serve the Chenggong area. Taxis are also a convenient option for direct access.
• Location Tips: Utilize navigation apps for the most efficient routes, as Chenggong is a developing area with diverse transportation options.

Travel Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check the museum’s opening hours and any specific entry requirements before visiting.
• Explore Nearby: Consider visiting other attractions in Chenggong to enhance your experience.
• Photography: The unique architecture and exhibits provide excellent photography opportunities—make sure to capture your visit.
• Engage with Exhibits: Take your time to read about the exhibits and ask museum staff for insights to deepen your understanding of traditional medicine.
• Cultural Respect: Be mindful of the cultural significance of the exhibits and maintain a respectful attitude while exploring the museum.

Overview

The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum (云南省科学技术馆), formerly known as the Provincial Exhibition Hall, is situated beside the picturesque Cuihu Lake (翠湖) in the center of Kunming City (昆明市). With over forty years of exhibition experience, it has become one of the most prominent exhibition venues in Yunnan Province. The museum features a science service building equipped with an auditorium, various-sized lecture halls, and meeting rooms. Additionally, it offers high-quality services through an elegant guesthouse, restaurant, and a dance hall. Covering an area of 60.4 acres, the museum boasts an exhibition building with a total area of 9,750 square meters.

In March 2022, the museum was selected as one of the first national science popularization education bases for 2021-2025.

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 云南省科学技术馆 (Yunnan Science and Technology Museum)
• Location: Kunming City (昆明市中心)
• Total Area of Conference Rooms: 500 square meters
• Load Capacity: 600-800 kg/m²

Recent Developments

The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum temporarily closed to the public starting August 20, 2021, and reopened on February 1, 2022. Visitors are now required to make real-name reservations in specific time slots and enter the museum with a reservation code. On the first day of reopening, many parents brought their children to explore the museum. The museum’s opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM, and it is closed on Mondays.

Historical Development

• In 2004, a “Science Popularization Paradise” covering 1,300 square meters was established and opened to the public for free.
• In September 2012, the museum completed renovations that expanded the permanent exhibition area to 3,550 square meters, featuring 312 exhibits. The exhibition was themed “Exploration of Science” and included four themed exhibition halls, six special exhibition areas, and two permanent experimental venues.

Ongoing Activities

The museum regularly conducts a series of science popularization activities, including the Dream Laboratory (梦想实验室), Dream Theater (梦想剧场), and Dream Classroom (梦想课堂). It also engages in outreach programs, bringing science exhibitions to schools, communities, and rural areas. Throughout the year, the museum operates mobile science exhibitions across 16 prefectures (州), 129 counties (县), and some towns (镇) in Yunnan Province.

Honors Received

Due to its significant contributions to science popularization, the original Yunnan Science and Technology Museum was designated as a national science popularization education base by the China Association for Science and Technology. Additionally, it was named a Yunnan provincial science popularization education base by the Yunnan provincial government, becoming a vital platform for promoting scientific spirit, disseminating scientific ideas, popularizing scientific knowledge, advocating scientific methods, and enhancing scientific literacy among citizens.

Future Plans

The construction project for the new Yunnan Science and Technology Museum is a large public cultural facility project developed through a partnership between Yunnan Province and Kunming City. It has garnered significant attention from all sectors of society. The new museum is located in the Wujia Ying area of the Chenggong New District (呈贡新区) and is designed based on the concept of “Global Vision, Chinese Characteristics, and Yunnan Elements.” The project faces challenges, including financial constraints and significant funding gaps, which have hindered progress. The Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government have placed a high priority on advancing the project. The Yunnan Association for Science and Technology, as the project owner, is actively fulfilling its responsibilities to promote the construction in accordance with the decisions of the provincial party committee and government.

The original Yunnan Science and Technology Museum will be transformed into the Yunnan Revolutionary Military Museum (云南革命军事馆), with a total planned investment of 178 million yuan. In 2022, an investment of 80 million yuan is planned, with a construction period of two years. Once completed, the project will further enrich the red tourism cultural resources in Wuhua District (五华区) and stimulate tourism development in the surrounding areas.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: The Yunnan Science and Technology Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take local buses that stop near the museum or opt for taxis, which are readily available in Kunming. Major bus routes lead directly to the museum area, making it convenient for visitors.

Travel Tips

• Make Reservations: Due to limited capacity, it is advisable to make reservations in advance to secure your visit time.
• Plan Your Visit: Arrive early to fully explore the exhibitions and facilities without rushing.
• Check Exhibit Schedule: Visit the museum’s official website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions and activities.
• Combine Visits: Consider visiting nearby attractions, such as Cuihu Lake (翠湖)  to enhance your day.
• Explore Local Cuisine: Enjoy Yunnan’s renowned culinary offerings, including dishes like crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) at nearby eateries after your museum visit.

Overview

The Yunnan Art Museum (云南美术馆) is a non-profit public art museum located in Yunnan Province, under the leadership of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture. Its mission is to uphold the Party’s cultural policies, promote national culture, support artistic creation, and enhance academic exchange, contributing to the development of Yunnan’s art scene and the construction of socialist spiritual civilization. The museum focuses on collecting, researching, exhibiting, and promoting modern and contemporary excellent artworks from Yunnan, aiming to elevate the cultural and artistic literacy of the public.

History

The Yunnan Art Museum was established in 1984 and shares facilities with the Yunnan Academy of Painting. Currently, it employs 20 staff members and operates under the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture. The museum boasts a dedicated team of skilled artists and high-level professionals, enhancing its role as a cultural hub in the region.

Cultural Activities

Summary of Activities

In its 24 years of establishment, the Yunnan Art Museum has successfully hosted over 20 national medium-sized art exhibitions. It has engaged in artistic exchanges with various provinces, cities, and regions such as Hong Kong and Macau. The museum has welcomed artists and art institutions from countries like the United States, Italy, Japan, Australia, and Germany, promoting Yunnan’s cultural exchange on both international and regional levels. The museum has also participated in international art fairs and festivals, furthering its mission to elevate Yunnan’s presence in the global art community.

Art Exhibitions

To enrich the spiritual and cultural life during traditional festivals, the Yunnan Art Museum launched the 12th Fan Art Exhibition. This exhibition, held in 2022, showcased over 50 invited works and more than 140 submitted pieces. Many of these works reflected the auspicious theme of the Year of the Tiger, expressing wishes for vitality and prosperity through traditional fan art forms. The exhibition ran until March 13, 2022. Future exhibitions often explore various themes, highlighting both contemporary issues and traditional techniques, making art accessible to a broader audience.

Main Responsibilities

The museum is responsible for art creation throughout the province, research on minority ethnic folk art, collection of art treasures, and theoretical studies. It also organizes art exhibitions, public art activities, and international exchanges. As Yunnan’s sole institution for art collection and creation, it has received over 30 national awards in various art exhibitions, emphasizing its significance in promoting Yunnan’s artistic heritage.

Collected Works

The Yunnan Art Museum’s collection includes:

• Modern and Contemporary Art: Over 100 outstanding works by modern and contemporary domestic and local artists.
• Minority Ethnic Art: More than 100 reproductions of ancient murals from Yunnan’s minority ethnic groups, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
• Silver Ornaments: Over 300 pieces of Yunnan minority silver ornaments, reflecting the craftsmanship of local artisans.
• Handicrafts: More than 100 pieces of Yunnan minority handicrafts, including textiles and pottery.
• Woodblock Prints: 120 unique woodblock prints, representing traditional Chinese printing techniques.

Honors

In March 2022, the Yunnan Art Museum’s “Above the City – 2020 Fifth Kunming Art Biennale” was included in the list of excellent projects by national museums for 2020-2021. In August 2022, its project “Integration of Chinese and Western Architectural Aesthetics in a Bustling City (Yunnan Art Museum)” was recognized in the “Most Beautiful Public Cultural Spaces” list for Yunnan Province, highlighting the museum’s architectural and cultural significance.

Departments

The museum has several departments, including:

• Administrative Office: Manages administrative tasks, finance, and logistics.
• Collection Research Department: Focuses on art collection and research initiatives.
• Exhibition Display Department: Responsible for curating exhibitions and displays.
• Art Creation Department: Engages in the creation of various art forms, including Chinese painting, oil painting, and printmaking.

There are 20 positions in total, with 19 currently filled. The staff includes 15 retired individuals and 17% under the age of 40. Among them, 15 hold professional titles, including 3 with senior titles, 5 with associate senior titles, and 7 with intermediate titles.

Director’s Message

Luo Jiang (罗江) emphasizes the museum’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural appreciation among the public, advocating for the integration of traditional and contemporary art practices.

Restoration and Reopening

In December 2022, the Yunnan Art Museum announced that it would no longer require visitors to present negative nucleic acid test results. The museum reopened on December 7, 2022, with normal hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Visitors must check in using health codes and have their temperatures measured before entering.

How to Get There

The Yunnan Art Museum is located in Kunming City, easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take buses or taxis directly to either the new or old building. The nearest bus stops are within walking distance, making it convenient for tourists.

Public Transport Options

• Bus: Multiple bus lines serve the museum area. Check local listings for specific routes.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Kunming, and drivers are generally familiar with the museum’s locations.

Travel Tips

• Arrive Early: To enjoy the full experience of the museum without rushing.
• Check Exhibitions: Visit the museum’s official website for the current exhibition schedule and upcoming events.
• Combine Visits: Consider visiting nearby attractions such as Kunming’s Green Lake Park (滇池), Stone Forest (石林), and the Western Hills (西山) for a complete day of exploration.
• Guided Tours: If possible, participate in guided tours for deeper insights into the exhibits and local art history.
• Local Cuisine: Explore local eateries nearby to enjoy Yunnan’s renowned cuisine, such as crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) after your visit.

Location

• New Building: 118 Wuyi Road, Kunming City (昆明市五一路118号)
• Old Building: 371 Qingnian Road, Kunming City (昆明市青年路371号)

Type

Art Museum

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
• Closed on Mondays (open on statutory holidays)

Admission

Free

Completion Year

1984

Director

Luo Jiang (罗江, Secretary and Curator)

Overview

The Yunnan Folk Custom Museum云南民俗博物馆, located in Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村) on Dianchi Road (滇池路) in Xishan District (西山区) of Kunming (昆明), covers an area of 2,250 square meters, with a building area of 1,350 square meters. This museum specializes in social sciences and folk customs.

Established in 1962, the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Store (云南省文物总店) laid the foundation for cultural preservation. The Yunnan Ethnic Village was opened to the public in 1992, and in 2006, with approval from the Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Affairs Commission (云南省民族事务委员会), the Ethnic Cultural Rescue and Protection Center was founded to collect, research, and utilize the folk cultures of various ethnic groups in Yunnan. The Yunnan Folk Custom Museum officially opened on November 18, 2010. As of 2019, the museum houses over 2,000 items.

Key Details

• Name: Yunnan Folk Custom Museum (云南民俗博物馆)
• Location: Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市西山区滇池路云南民族村)
• Area: 2,250 m²
• Type: Social sciences and folk custom museum
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free

Historical Background

• 1962: Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Store was established.
• Cultural Revolution: Operations were halted.
• 1976: Business activities resumed.
• 1992: Yunnan Ethnic Village opened.
• 2006: The Ethnic Cultural Rescue and Protection Center was established.
• 2010: Yunnan Folk Custom Museum officially opened.

Museum Layout

Exhibition Halls

The Yunnan Folk Custom Museum features an exhibition area of 2,250 square meters.

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum’s permanent collection is divided into seven sections: Yunnan Religion (云南宗教), Yunnan Blue-and-White Porcelain (云南青花瓷器), Yunnan Ethnic Musical Instruments (云南民族乐器), Yunnan Muleteer Culture (云南马帮文化), Yunnan Folk Crafts (云南民族民间工艺), Yunnan Ethnic Costumes (云南民族服饰), and Yunnan Bronze Ware (云南青铜器). These exhibitions showcase artifacts and artworks related to the daily life, production, and customs of Yunnan’s ethnic groups through various display methods, including images, text, physical objects, and videos.

Thematic Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent displays, the second floor hosts seasonal thematic exhibitions such as “Ethnic Embroidery Exhibition” (民族刺绣展), “Ethnic Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition” (民族书画展), “Intangible Cultural Heritage Works Exhibition” (非遗作品展), and “Folk Photography Exhibition” (民俗摄影展). Temporary exhibitions are held regularly, featuring diverse forms of displays. The museum also features a dynamic display area for representative intangible cultural heritage from Yunnan.

Architectural Features

The museum is situated in a cultural commercial district modeled after ancient Kunming residential architecture. Its overall structure features blue bricks and gray tiles, with intricately carved beams and painted columns that reflect Kunming’s unique residential building culture. In front of the museum lies a square dedicated to the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and muleteer culture sculptures, highlighting rich folk characteristics.

Collections

The museum’s collection includes items acquired through folk solicitation from the Yunnan Ethnic Village and donations from the community, alongside artifacts provided by the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Store for exhibition. As of 2019, the collection totals over 2,000 items.

Notable Artifacts

• Ming Dynasty (明) Jing Shui Kiln Blue-and-White Fish and Algae Pattern Jade Spring Bottle (建水窑青花鱼藻纹玉壶春瓶)
• Modern Era (近代) Dai (傣族) Silver Betel Nut Box (整花银槟榔盒)
• Qing Dynasty (清) Zhaotong Miao Ethnic Costume (昭通苗族服饰)
• Qing Dynasty (清) Ma Jiang Style Bronze Drum (麻江型铜鼓)
• Ming Dynasty (明) Wooden Carved and Painted Black Sky Statue (木雕彩绘大黑天造像)
• Five Dynasties (五代) Stone-carved Buddha Head (石雕佛头)
• Qing Dynasty (清) Elephant Bell (大象铃铛)
• Qing Dynasty (清) Beast Bone Inlaid Lion-patterned Saddle (兽骨镶嵌狮纹马鞍)

Cultural Activities

Promotion and Education

The Yunnan Folk Custom Museum promotes its collections and cultural activities through various channels, including television, the internet, and print media. The museum has also produced documentary films about Yunnan’s folk activities, festivals, and intangible heritage production techniques, serving as a key base for citizens and tourists to understand Yunnan’s ethnic customs and promote patriotic spirit.

Collaborative Efforts

Leveraging resources from Yunnan Ethnic Village and the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Store, the museum has established close cooperative relationships with cultural heritage preservation units across provinces in China and has actively engaged in cultural exchanges with foreign institutions. The museum also engages in ongoing learning exchanges with various museums nationwide.

Significant Events

In 2007, with support from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture (云南省文化厅) and the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee (云南省文物鉴定委员会), the museum hosted the first Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Cultural Artifacts Festival, which included venues in Dali (大理), Yuxi (玉溪), and Jianshui (建水) to collect folk cultural artifacts. This event contributed to the establishment of a display center for ethnic cultural artifacts at Yunnan Ethnic Village, which opened successfully. The Chinese Ancient Ceramics Society held an academic seminar on Yunnan Blue-and-White Porcelain in Kunming, where the museum participated in organizing the event and showcased over a hundred pieces of local blue-and-white porcelain.

Organizational Structure

• Type: Private museum
• Funding Sources: Corporate donations and self-financing
• Departments: Comprehensive Office, Storage Department, Exhibition Department, Security Department
• Staff: 10 employees
• Visitor Services: Intangible cultural heritage souvenirs
• Annual Visitors: The museum receives approximately 400,000 visitors each year.

Visiting Information

Location

The Yunnan Folk Custom Museum is located at Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市西山区滇池路云南民族村).

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Admission

Free.

How to Get There

From Kunming Railway Station (昆明站), you can take Metro Line 1 to reach the museum via the A9 bus route.

Travel Tips

• Plan Your Visit: Consider visiting during special exhibitions for unique experiences.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing exhibits or people.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette, especially during events.
• Souvenirs: Explore the museum gift shop for unique intangible cultural heritage items.

Chinese Name: 云南铁路博物馆

English Name: Yunnan Railway Museum

The Yunnan Railway Museum is located at No. 913 Beijing Road, Kunming. It was established using the waiting room of the Kunming North Railway Station and opened to the public in 2004. The museum primarily showcases the development history of the Kunming railway, with a special focus on narrow-gauge railway artifacts.

The museum has a building area of 7,963 square meters and an exhibition area of 5,155 square meters. It houses and displays over 10,000 artifacts and documents, including 8 first-class cultural relics, 10 second-class relics, and 123 third-class relics. The museum encapsulates over a century of Yunnan’s railway history. Due to its unique historical and cultural value, it has been named a National Youth Education Base, a National Railway and Yunnan Province Patriotic Education Base, and a Yunnan Province Science Education Base.

In December 2017, the museum was included in the Ministry of Education’s first list of National Primary and Secondary School Research and Practice Education Bases and Camps.

Historical Background

• 1990: Initially founded in April 1990, the predecessor of the museum was the “Yunnan Narrow Gauge Railway History Exhibition Hall” located in the waiting room of the Kaiyuan Railway Station.
• 2003: In February 2003, it was relocated to Kunming North Railway Station and expanded into a museum.
• 2004: Officially opened to the public on December 28, 2004.
• 2014: Due to the impact of urban rail transit construction in Kunming, the museum was demolished and rebuilt. The new museum opened on May 18, 2014.

Museum Composition

The museum consists of the South and North Halls. The South Hall is modeled after the classical French architecture of the century-old “Yunnanfu Station” on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. The North Hall features modern architecture incorporating elements of high-speed railway passenger stations. A railway steel bridge connects the two halls, spanning over three tracks of the station, integrating the museum with the operational railway station.

Notable Exhibits

Exhibit Name	Description
“Michelin” Rubber-Wheeled Passenger Railcar	Introduced on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway in 1914, this railcar is 16 meters long, 2.6 meters wide, and 2.9 meters high. It features 19 soft seats, 24 hard seats, a washroom, a toilet, and a kitchen, making it akin to a fully equipped mobile hotel.
SN Type 29 Narrow-Gauge Steam Locomotive	Manufactured by Baldwin Locomotive Works in the United States. It features a 0-5-0 wheel arrangement, with a locomotive length of 8 meters, width of 2.4 meters, height of 3.15 meters, and a weight of 24.19 tons. The accompanying coal-water tender is 7 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 1.9 meters high, with a weight of 6.6 tons. Purchased in 1923, it was in operation until December 31, 1990.
Narrow-Gauge Baggage-Postal Car	Manufactured by the Yangtze Factory in Hankou, China, in 1919. Car number: 351.
Narrow-Gauge Wooden Passenger Car	A third-class passenger car operating on the Ge-Bi-Shi narrow-gauge railway, manufactured by the Yangtze Factory in Hankou, China, in 1919. Car number: 241.
Narrow-Gauge Steel Boxcar	Produced by the Koppel Car Factory in the United States in 1930, with a load capacity of 10 tons. Car number: 451.
Narrow-Gauge Wooden Open Car	Produced by the Magor Car Factory in the United States in 1930. Car number: 601.
Narrow-Gauge Wooden Flat Car	Manufactured by the Yangtze Factory in Hankou, China, in 1919. Car number: 701.
Narrow-Gauge Wooden Boxcar	Manufactured by Decauvllle Factory in France in 1925. Car number: 402.
Standard-Gauge Dongfeng No. 1 Diesel Locomotive No. 2058	Manufactured in China in 1973. The locomotive is 163.92 meters long, 3.3 meters wide, 4.775 meters high, with a self-weight of 118 tons and a gross weight of 126 tons.
MK51 Narrow-Gauge Steam Locomotive	Produced in France. Originally classified as MK51 type, renamed JF51 type (Liberation 51 type) after 1949.
Standard-Gauge “Chuncheng” Trainset	Operated between Kunming and Shilin during the 1999 Kunming International Horticultural Exposition as a tourist train. The train is 26.125 meters long, 3.014 meters wide, 1.134 meters high, with a self-weight of 53.4 tons.
KD55 Narrow-Gauge Steam Locomotive	Manufactured by Kawasaki Shipyard in Japan in 1897. The locomotive features a 1-4-0 wheel arrangement, a tractive force of 16,370 kg, a structural speed of 50 km/h, with a total mass of 98.24 tons including coal and water. It can carry 6 tons of coal and 13 tons of water, and its dimensions are 16,563 mm in length, 2,616 mm in width, and 3,813 mm in height.
Hand-Crank Gear-Driven Track Car	An engineering vehicle for railway line maintenance and repair, manufactured in France in the 19th century.
Universal Clamp-Type Voltmeter	An electrician’s instrument.
Locomotive Eccentric Bushing Processing Machine	During World War II, Britain used lathes purchased with “Boxer Indemnity” funds paid by the Chinese Qing government in 1900 to support China’s resistance against Japanese aggression.
Morin Level	Produced in France in 1901.
Theodolite	Manufactured in the United States in the 19th century.
Railway Engineering Survey Instruments	Produced in France in 1910.

Awards and Recognitions

The Yunnan Railway Museum has been honored with titles such as “Kunming Top Ten Museums,” “National Patriotic Education Base,” “Yunnan Provincial Patriotic Education Base,” “Yunnan Science Education Base,” and “National Youth Education Base.” In December 2017, it was listed as a research and practice education base and camp for primary and secondary school students by the Ministry of Education.

Museum Features

• Corridor Bridge: The corridor bridge connecting the South and North Halls is divided into two exhibit paths using exhibition materials, respectively narrating history and envisioning the future. The western path depicts scenes of Yunnan-Vietnam railway laborers through sculptures, while the eastern path showcases the development of China’s high-speed railways and prospects for Yunnan’s railway future in a grand and dreamy exhibition style.
• “Hump Bridge”: Utilizing two steel-frame bridges in the museum’s architectural design, the museum prominently features the famous “Hump Bridge” on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. Additional structures like the steel-and-arch combination “Flower Bridge” and high steel viaduct models, along with scenic elements like Bayitang Waterfall and the “Tiger’s Mouth,” provide visitors with an immersive and captivating visual experience.
• Simulations and Restorations: Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can see ancient Tea-Horse Road mule team equipment, railway survey tools, and replicas of unique Yunnan railway buildings and scenes. These include tunnel excavation scenes, classic projects like the “Hump Bridge” and “Flower Bridge,” Bisezhai Station’s French-style architecture, Lin’an Station’s blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, the Ge-Bi-Lin-Ping Company lobby model, scenes of Japanese bombings destroying the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway’s Baizhai Bridge, dynamic models of the difficult engineering sections of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, and models of unique projects like the four-track bridge over the Nanpan River and the double-track bridge over the Nujiang River.
• Locomotive and Car Display: The ground floor of the North Hall features four tracks displaying narrow-gauge, meter-gauge, standard-gauge, and train sets. Notable exhibits include the series of standard-gauge locomotives, meter-gauge trains, the “Chuncheng” series, narrow-gauge trains, and the museum’s “crown jewel” – the “Michelin” train set. Here, visitors can revisit the evolution of railway locomotives and the transformation of railways over time.
• Cultural Exhibition Area: Above the locomotive and car exhibits in the North Hall, there are three rows of high observation platforms and a return corridor extending from the first to the third floor on the southern side of the North Hall. This area is dedicated to showcasing Yunnan’s railway culture through paintings, books, photography, films, and artworks. It also introduces the natural and cultural characteristics, as well as the tourism resources, along the railway lines.

Heritage and Relics

Relic Name	Description
Pingbian Wujiazhai Railway Steel Girder Bridge	A “Hump Bridge” with a three-hinged arch steel girder design. It was designed by the famous French bridge architect Paul Bodin and constructed by the French Batignolles Company. It is located between Boduqing and Luogu stations. The bridge is 67.9 meters high, 228 meters long, with a single-span steel girder length of 66 meters.
Narrow-Gauge Railway Stone Milepost	Made of concrete, this milepost stands 75 cm tall with a square base of 35 cm.
Mechanical Semaphore Signal	A railway signal device using a mechanical arm to control the train’s movement.
Steel Rail of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway	Manufactured by Schneider-Creusot Steel Works in France in 1913. The rail is 12 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 0.32 meters high, weighing 35 kg per meter. It was laid in the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway’s Chinese section between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Iron Drill (1901)	Used in the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway’s Chinese section.
Longer-than-Rail Fish Plate	Produced by Schneider-Creusot Steel Works in France.
Yunnan Narrow Gauge Steel Rail	Produced by Baoji Steel Rail Factory, China, in the late 20th century.
British 1.5-inch Gauge Track Sleeper	Produced by Krupp Steel Works, Germany, in 1914.
Steel Box Girder Bridge for Narrow-Gauge Railway	Erected at the entrance of the South Hall, showcasing railway history from the early 20th century.

Important Notice

Address:
Yunnan Railway Museum
No. 913 Beijing Road, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

Open Hours:
Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

Entry:
Admission is free for visitors with a valid ID.
Advance online booking is required.

Contact Information:
Phone: +86-871-63167672