Inner Mongolia Museum
Nei Mongol Zizhiqu
The Inner Mongolia Museum, located in Hohhot, China, is a prominent regional museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history, culture, and natural environment of Inner Mongolia. Established in a new, expansive building in 2007, the museum houses extensive collections that include fossils, dinosaur remains, and artifacts illustrating the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolian peoples. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional Mongolian saddles, costumes, archery and polo equipment, as well as a ger, the iconic portable tent used by nomads. The museum's fossil collection is renowned, including a complete woolly rhinoceros skeleton discovered in Manzhouli. The museum is organized across several floors, each focusing on different themes: prehistoric life and natural treasures, the history of northern tribes and ethnic groups, and cultural displays of nomadic music, dance, costumes, and Silk Road antiques. Many exhibits include English captions, enhancing accessibility for international visitors. The Inner Mongolia Museum thus offers a comprehensive insight into the region's diverse heritage, blending natural history with cultural traditions in a modern setting.
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Tip: Visit the museum during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum is accessible via Hohhot Metro Line 1, making transportation convenient. English captions are available for many exhibits, aiding non-Chinese speakers. Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions, as the original building hosts special shows. Discounts are often available for students and seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses a complete skeleton of a woolly rhinoceros unearthed from a coal mine in Manzhouli.
- •It features extensive fossil collections of dinosaurs and feathered dinosaurs from Inner and Outer Mongolia.
- •The Chinese Shenzhou spacecraft launch and landing sites are located in Inner Mongolia, highlighted in the museum's exhibits.
- •The museum includes intricate Mongol bone carvings that depict historical events.
- •Many exhibits provide English captions, making the museum accessible to international visitors.
History
The Inner Mongolia Museum was relocated in 2007 to a new, much larger building approximately 5 kilometers east of the original site in Hohhot.
This expansion allowed the museum to significantly increase its exhibition space and collections.
The original building remains open for temporary exhibitions.
Over the years, the museum has updated its displays to reflect political and cultural changes, including the removal of the Genghis Khan exhibition in 2023 as part of a wider campaign.
The museum has evolved to serve both as a cultural repository and an educational center highlighting the heritage of Inner Mongolia's peoples and natural environment.
Place Guide
Prehistoric World
Exhibits featuring fossils and remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures found in Inner Mongolia, highlighting the region's rich paleontological heritage.
The Power of the Grassland
Displays on the northern tribes predating the Mongolians, including the Donghu, Xiongnu, Xianbei, Turkic peoples, and Qidan, illustrating the region's complex early history.
The Customs of the Grassland
Exhibits on the modern ethnic groups of Inner Mongolia such as Mongolian, Han, Hui, Dawuer, Ewenke, and Elunchun, showcasing their cultural diversity.
Knights of Cloud and Wind
Cultural displays focusing on the northern nomads and their horses, emphasizing the importance of horsemanship in Mongolian culture.
Costumes on the Grassland
An exhibition of traditional Mongolian clothing and costumes, reflecting the rich textile and design heritage of the region.
The Remaining Treasure on the Ancient Road
Antiques and artifacts from the Silk Road, which passed through Inner Mongolia, highlighting the area's historical role in trade and cultural exchange.
Contact
Phone: 0471 628 8742