Universities open their museums to the public

Beijing's universities are rich sources of knowledge and as of last month, museums at 18 colleges and universities have opened their doors to one and all, 10 of which are free to visit. Here we choose our favorite five.

Ethnic Fashion Museum, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology

This museum is all about fashion collections nationwide. Some displays show off clothing made using traditional techniques such as embroidery and wax printing, as well as accessories in wonderful metals. There are items like long, colorful robes from Mongolia and earrings from the Manchu ethnic group.

They also have hundreds of photos placing the items in context.

Of all the exhibits, one that is particularly outstanding is a cloth made of fish skin by the Hezhe ethnic group.

Address: 3/F Zonghe Building, 2 Yinghua Lu, Chaoyang district

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (open on Monday, Thursday and Saturday only)

Admission: free

Tel: 6428-8261

Museum of Ethnic Groups, Minzu University of China

This space has exhibits from the 56 ethnic groups of China. The types of exhibits cover all aspects of life, from books and coins to containers, weapons and manufacturing tools. The categories are diverse and the materials on display both rich and abundant. Take the knives as an example. People can find the knives used by people from different ethnic groups including Mongolias,Tibets and Uyghurs. In a nutshell, it's a good place for visitors who want to learn about China's rich and diverse culture.

Address: 27 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian district

Opening hours: 8:30 am-5 pm (open on Tuesday and Thursday only)

Admission: free

Tel: 6893-2390

TCM Museum, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

For TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) fans, they have come to the right place. This museum is split into two major sections; samples of TCM and the history of TCM. In the sample section, people can see raw materials used in TCM, such as deer antler. In the history section, medical equipment from different ages of China can be seen. Of them, the copper statue of a man with acupuncture points outlined, from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is a highlight. While this is a copy, it will still give people an idea of TCM from hundreds of years ago.

Address: 11 Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang district

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (closed on Monday)

Admission: free

Tel: 6428-6835

Museum of Geosciences, China University of Geosciences

The exhibits here are rich not just in terms of value of precious metals collected, but also in terms of the numbers of items, with 4,000 on display. The museum was founded in the early 1950s and both professors and students have been adding to the collections since then.

The exhibits are not restricted to China but worldwide. For example a rock collected from Qomolangma is on display.

Address: Yifu Building, 29 Xueyuan Lu, Haidian district

Opening hours: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm (closed on Tuesday and the weekend)

Admission: free

Tel: 8232-2204

The Printing Museum of China, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication

This museum claims to be the biggest of its kind in the printing industry and is divided into two sections. One displays paintings using printing techniques from as early as the seventh century AD until 1911, while another shows the great development in the printing industry after 1949. The first manual printer and stamp issued in China are on display.

Meanwhile, some items from overseas are featured, such as a printer from Austria made in 1892.

Address: 25 Xinghua Beilu, Huangcun Village, Daxing district

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (closed on Monday)

Admission: free

Tel: 6026-1240