I learned a lot about the contributions made by the railroads and rail equipment to the rapid... read more
I learned a lot about the contributions made by the railroads and rail equipment to the rapid... read more
現場充滿有歷史的火車頭及車箱. 但現場沒有空調, 夏季會較嚴熱, 也有一點化學(機油)味道. 基本上沒有交通工具, 記得安網call車軟件或預早安排回程交通 Great place... read more
This is by no means a must-see, and my rating reflects the enthusiasm of accompanying small children as much as anything. However, if you have time and an interest in trains then it's worth an hour (maybe even 2 with kids). Standard tickek (yep, that's how they're spelling it at the moment) is 20rmb, half-price concessions, free for kids under 1.2m.
The best thing is that despite all the notices saying you can't climb on the trains, people do - at least the smaller engines - and a couple are set aside for this. But beware. There are none of the health & safety measures you might expect in the west. My advice would be to excersise good judgement in deciding whether or not to get on board any engines. Most are roped off and a big opportunity has been missed to provide elevated walkways in order to at least see inside the engines and carriages. I managed to sneak into one carriage, which was interesting if somewhat musty, but you're not supposed to go inside them. There were even some odd signs saying 'no photos' here and there (which of course everyone ignores).
Apart from the trains, there's a little seating area (bring a snack) where you might catch a DVD of Thomas the Tank Engine in Chinese, and a stall selling a few souvenirs but essentially it's just a big shed full of locomotives and there is only a lttle in the way of English language legends.
Getting there: It is possible by bus (e.g. 403) but easier by taxi I think. The bus depot is about 15 mins walk away just inside the north-east 5th ring road - the museum is outside, across the bridge and level crossing, bear north and follow the road and the entrance is on the right. However, be warned that at present it looks like you're heading into no-man's land here. The entrance is almost concealed and replete with a couple of giant concrete sewer tubes partially obscuring the gate. Nevertheless, there were taxis about.
Also note that this place is not the same as the old railway station at Qianmen (photos of which are included in other reviews for some reason). This museum is definitely off the beaten track but also close to the National Film Museum, a little farther out, and the 798 art district, closer to town.