Beijing - Museum of Chinese History

(Local Name: Zhongguo Lishi Bowuguan) The Museum of Chinese History was built in 1959 and occupies an area of 8000sq.m/9568sq.yd. It is housed in the right wing of the massive column-embellished building (officially opened 1961). It forms the boundary for the east side of the square and was closed for many years. The 9000 exhibits illustrate matters concerning the Chinese Marxist historiography of the various stages of development of Chinese development, from prehistoric times through the slave age society (2100-475 BC), and the feudal society (475 BC-AD 1840) to the semi-colonial, quasi-feudaldal society. They include archeological finds and reproductions of discoveries such as that of papers. The museum serves predominantly didactic purposes.