Changyu Wine Culture Museum, Yantai

Upon arriving at the museum, visitors are first greeted by the Wine Culture Square, a spacious and elegant outdoor area that serves as the gateway to the museum’s extensive collections. At the heart of the square stands the striking Wine God Sculpture Fountain, a grand representation of Bacchus, the Roman deity of wine, symbolizing the museum’s dedication to celebrating wine culture. The square also features several historic architectural elements from the early days of Changyu Wine Company. To the south, the Changyu Old Entrance showcases a magnificent archway with a design that fuses Chinese and Western styles. This gateway is adorned with calligraphy from Weng Tonghe, a distinguished scholar who taught the Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu. Nearby, visitors can observe the Banking Stone of China, a historical monument that reflects the financial foundation of the Changyu Company. A reconstructed Screen Wall and the Statue of Zhang Bishi, the founder of Changyu, further enrich the historical atmosphere of the square.

As visitors move into the museum’s main building, they enter the Comprehensive Hall, where a grand entrance welcomes them with detailed reliefs that depict significant events and figures from Changyu’s history. This hall serves as an introduction to the museum’s exhibits, which include historical artifacts and statues of early winemaking workers. The hall is also home to the Historical Gallery, which presents the development of Changyu before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the Modern Hall, which highlights the company’s achievements since the establishment of New China. Visitors can explore the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, where a diverse collection of artistic works related to wine and Chinese culture is displayed. Additionally, the Rare Items Hall showcases the awards and accolades that Changyu has received over the years. In the Film Hall, located in the northwest corner of the building, visitors can watch a series of promotional videos that provide an overview of Changyu’s contributions to the wine industry.

On the museum’s second floor, visitors delve into the intricate Wine Production Process. This section of the museum offers insights into the different grape varieties used in winemaking, the traditional methods of crafting oak barrels, and the techniques behind cork production. A special exhibition area is dedicated to Ice Wine, a unique type of wine made from frozen grapes. The floor also features a showcase of renowned international wines alongside Changyu’s own products, illustrating the global scope of the wine industry.

Descending the Old-fashioned Spiral Staircase from the second floor leads visitors to the heart of the museum: the impressive Underground Wine Cellar. Constructed in 1894, this cellar is a remarkable example of architectural and engineering prowess, blending traditional Chinese brickwork with Western concrete techniques. The cellar, covering an area of approximately 2,666 square meters and reaching a depth of seven meters, was designed with sophisticated drainage systems to maintain the optimal conditions for aging wine. Inside, visitors will find eight vaulted chambers filled with hundreds of wine barrels. The “King of Barrels”, located in Vault 7, features three enormous oak barrels each with a capacity of 15 tons. These historic barrels were used to age Changyu’s award-winning wines from 1915. In Vault 8, a display of Changyu’s bottled wines from various vintages offers a glimpse into the company’s long history. Additionally, the DIY Wine Making Workshop allows visitors to create their own wine for a nominal fee. Vault 5 houses a Wine Tasting Bar, where guests can enjoy complimentary wine tastings with their admission ticket or purchase additional wines for tasting.

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