China Aviation Museum
About This Museum
It's a little-known fact that the entrance to one of China's most monumental collections of aviation history is a cavernous tunnel bored straight into a mountain. This isn't your typical white-cube gallery; it's an experience that begins with the sheer, awe-inspiring scale of its setting. You move from the cool, echoing silence of the man-made cave, where legendary fighters like the MiG-15 are suspended in a perpetual dogfight, out into the open air where massive bombers and transport planes bake in the sun. The entire visit feels like a journey through both time and topography, charting a nation's ascent into the skies.
Collection Highlights
The collection tells a powerful story, from Chairman Mao's personal Ilyushin Il-14 transport, a time capsule of mid-century luxury, to the heroic J-10 fighter and the hulking Y-8 transport plane standing guard outside. Don't miss the rare Japanese Kawasaki Ki-48 bomber, a stark relic from a different era.
Visitor Information
Be prepared for a lot of walking—it's vast. The outdoor exhibits are incredible, but check the weather as you'll be exposed to the elements. It's a bit off the beaten path in Changping, so planning your transport is key.
Architecture & Building
The main hall is raw industrial grandeur—a repurposed mountain cave hangar that gives the place an almost mythic, bunker-like feel, contrasted with the sprawling, open-air tarmac under the big Beijing sky.
Contact & Location
Address: 中国航空博物馆, 英雄大道, 大汤山, 昌平区, 北京市, 中国
Phone: +86 10 6178 4882
