More than just a school

Museum for Oriental Musical Instruments

According to Shi Yin, director of the Museum for Oriental Musical Instruments, the most valued item in this museum is the gamelan, a traditional instrument from Indonesia that is often played during formal occasions and traditional ceremonies.

The gamelan in the museum which was purchased in 2004 for more than 200,000 yuan ($28,753) is said to be "the most complete one in China". It was created by the successor of a musician who had served the royal family in Java during ancient times.

Apart from the gamelan, other notable pieces include replicas of the Tang Four-string Pipa and the Tang Five-string Pipa of the Shosoin Imperial Treasury in Nara, Japan.

Established in 1984, the Museum for Oriental Musical Instruments is the first facility in China that focuses on Chinese traditional instruments. Visitors to the museum will find four categories of musical instruments: ancient Chinese instruments, modern Chinese instruments, foreign instruments and musical instruments from ethnic groups in China.

"We want to let foreigners know about Chinese traditional instruments and introduce our culture to the world. The museum can be an insightful class for professional students in our college as well as an interesting one for those people who are simply interested in traditional music," said Shi.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm (only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during winter and summer vacations). Admission is free.