Museum of Gejiu City, Honghe
Overview
The Museum of Gejiu City is located at 15 Baohua Road (宝华路15号) within the Yun Temple (云庙) in Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture (红河州). Established in November 1987, the museum officially opened to the public in November 1995. It shares administrative operations with the Gejiu Municipal Arts Center (市群众艺术馆), where the center’s director also oversees the museum. In 2005, the museum separated from the Arts Center and partnered with the Cultural Relics Management Office (文物管理所), becoming an independent legal entity.
Location
- Address: Jinhudong Road, Jinhudong Cultural Plaza, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省红河州个旧市金湖东路金湖文化广场)
- Postal Code: 661400
Historical Background
The museum is housed in the Yun Temple, originally built in the 30th year of the Qianlong Emperor (乾隆三十年, 1765). The temple, also known as the Yun Provincial Guild Hall (云省会馆), served as a meeting place for merchants and industrialists from Yunnan to discuss mining and trade of tin. Situated facing northwest, it functioned as the economic and financial center of Gejiu during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was repurposed as a recreational and tourist spot.
Originally constructed as a traditional courtyard complex, the museum covers an area of 10,000 square meters. However, during the Cultural Revolution (十年浩劫), most of the buildings were demolished, leaving only parts of the second courtyard, including the main hall and smaller temples dedicated to the God of Wealth (财神) and the Ningyun Pavilion (凝云轩), along with a hexagonal pavilion and a lotus pond. Today, it occupies over 3,000 square meters, with a building area of 1,600 square meters. The architectural style reflects early Qing Dynasty garden aesthetics, creating an elegant and pleasant environment, making it a civil unit of Gejiu City. In 1986 and 1991, the local governments declared the Yun Temple a municipal key cultural relic protection unit.
Collections
The museum boasts a collection of over 2,600 cultural relics, including nearly 300 items of various stone tools, human teeth fossils, and ancient biological fossil specimens. Among the most notable artifacts are the Eastern Han Dynasty bronze figurine lamp (东汉铜俑灯), Eastern Han Dynasty bronze three sheep box (东汉铜三羊盒), and various bronze measuring instruments (铜量器).
Since its establishment, the museum has hosted various exhibitions, including:
- Exhibition of Fine Artifacts from the Museum of Gejiu City (个旧市博物馆精品展)
- Exhibition of Artifacts Excavated in Gejiu City (个旧市出土文物展)
- Exhibition of Artifacts from the Eastern Han Tomb at Kafang Heima Well (卡房黑马井东汉墓出土文物展)
- Exhibition of Buddha Statues and Buddhist Artworks (馆藏佛像和佛教艺术品展)
These exhibitions reflect the history and technological, cultural, and artistic achievements of Gejiu’s tin mining development. Additionally, the museum organizes annual exhibitions of photography, fine arts, and calligraphy.
Visiting Information
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (每天上午 9:00 – 17:00 开放)
Achievements
- In December 2020, the museum was included in the fourth batch of National Level Three Museums (国家三级博物馆名单).
- In October 2021, it was listed as a National Unity and Progress Education Base in Honghe Prefecture (红河州民族团结进步教育基地公示名单).
How to Get There
The Museum of Gejiu City is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi from anywhere in Gejiu City. It is situated near popular local landmarks, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Photography: Feel free to take photos of the exhibits, but please respect any signs indicating restrictions.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for in-depth information about the artifacts and the history of the museum.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in nearby restaurants to enhance your cultural experience.
- Stay Informed: Check the museum’s official website or contact them in advance for information on special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
