Summary
- The China Art Museum is free, but its collection is comparable to MoMA.
- The Expo Museum is located near the China Art Museum and explains past Expos, then introduces videos and items from the Shanghai Expo.
- The CCP Museum is an absolutely unique museum that does not exist in capitalist countries. It explains the establishment of the CCP and its principles. The goals of the CCP are actually good, but the problem lies in whether they can really achieve them.
- The Liuli Museum features stunning glass art showcasing flowers and Buddha. The first floor is free to visit and contains impressive pieces.
- Tianzifang is right next to that museum and is very popular among tourists.
Highlights
China Art Museum
- It is renowned for its iconic building, but there is an exhibition about two times larger in the basement of the building.
- It not only features traditional art and CCP propaganda but also shows how they have evolved their artistic skills. It is fascinating to see the evolution of Chinese animation.
- In celebration of the anniversary of the CCP, the museum features digital art, including the largest and most futuristic digital art exhibition I have ever seen.
- The visualization of people's emotions using emojis and the visualization of city development using particles were exceptionally interesting.
Expo Museum
- This museum is also free, and a free museum typically has a greater collection. Special exhibitions (which are relatively small) may have an entrance fee.
- Expo sites are usually demolished afterward, so the storytelling of their history highlights the significance of the Expo.
Liuli Museum
- The building has three stories: the first floor is a shop, the second floor is more traditional and conservative, while the third floor features more dynamic and lively objects, including glass art and Buddha.
- It is relatively expensive and small, but considering the quality of the work and the effort required to create it, it is worth visiting.
Tianzifang
- The complex street is similar to Golden Gai in Japan but is larger and more vibrant.
- There are many shops, making it a good place to buy souvenirs.
CCP Museum
- There are actually many museums at the site of the first congress, but I visited the one with the large painting.
- The massive scale and effective use of red and gold colors create a majestic atmosphere that is incomparable to others.
- It explains the history and goals of the CCP. The feasibility of the socialist system is questionable, but their mission to "work for the people" is a commendable idea and something missing in many governments around the world today. While we may disagree with some of their ideas, I believe there are still aspects we can learn from them, considering China's achievements.
Other Interesting Architecture
- There is a colorful object in front of the convention center, but the inside is not open to the public.
- The Nanpu Bridge is known for its cyclone-shaped interchange on the exit, which is challenging to appreciate from the ground, but you can still feel its scale.
Conclusion
- China is a large country, so it is reasonable to have a strong government. Sometimes I feel there is too much control, but it is at least better than chaos.
- We tend to focus on China's regulations and government control, but it is important to understand why these actions have been taken and the principles they are based on.
- I think the Chinese government is relatively large, which is why museums and public transportation are almost free. These services are essential for providing people with better opportunities, so I hope similar improvements will occur in Japan. Inequality in China is greater, but I believe government support helps stabilize society.
- Digital art in China is definitely taking the world by storm, and it has a rich artistic culture. Excellent games and movies are being developed in China, supported by amazing IT technologists and inspiration from traditional arts. I want to explore more about digital art in China.
