Datangshan

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Datangshan is the site of the biggest aviation museum in China. Most people call it Datangshan, but the correct name is China Aviation Museum. Datangshan is actually the name of the mountain (hill) which is the main landmark in the area. Part of the museum is located inside this hill in a cave, which originally was part of the tunnel and underground bunker system of the Shahe Airbase in Changping District, with the road leading to the museum is actually a taxiway from the airbase to the museum.

The China Aviation Museum was opened to the public on November 11, 1989 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the PLA Air Force, to an astonished reaction from the aviation community in the outside world, who had no idea of the wealth of aviation history preserved in the country. With a huge number of 200 aircraft on display, including many unique machines, this is a must see place for every aviation enthusiast. Entrance fee is RMB ¥45.

[edit] Getting there

The museum is located about 50 km north of Beijing. Unfortunately Datangshan is not the easiest place in the world to get to. Probably the easiest way is to arrange for a taxi from your hotel. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, it is possible to get there by bus very cheaply, although unless you have a working knowledge of Chinese this is probably not a viable option.

Due to the traditional public transportation managerial practice in China, bus number 912, the only bus stopping at the museum, may not always necessarily take you there, because during the rush hours or traffic jams, many bus riders would be stranded at the bus stops. To solve the problem, the control centre will sent buses out directly to those bus stops with most people waiting, and only stop at major stops, skipping many stops on the way. Unfortunately, the stop at the museum is often among those skipped. As a result, not only is the bus service at the museum stop very infrequent, but also unpredictable, especially during the rush hours / traffic jams during holidays. Take bus number 912 from Andingmen bus station in the north of the city, but be warned, it is highly recommended to make sure at the bus station and ask the driver to make sure it will be going to the museum before attempting this trip. Trip takes about one hour.