Nestled on over 30 acres of land with a sprawling 4,000 square meters of architectural grandeur, the Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum (镇江醋文化博物馆) stands as the first specialized thematic museum dedicated to vinegar culture in China. Comprising three main exhibition halls – the Vinegar History Hall, the Old Workshop, and the Display Hall – along with an experiential center, this museum offers a comprehensive showcase, interpretation, and appreciation of vinegar culture. Its design, characterized by winding corridors, elegant horse-head walls, intricate wooden lattice windows, and antique-inspired white walls with dark tiles, creates a captivating ambiance that sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the world of vinegar.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum
- Vlog about Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum
- Other Attractions in Zhenjiang Urban Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0511-85307790 |
Location and Transportation
The Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum is located at 66 Guangyuan Road, Dantu District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province. To get there, tourists can take bus 70 or 131 and get off at Hengshun Stop (恒顺站).
Highlights of Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum
Outstanding Quality
At the heart of the museum, the Vinegar History Hall unfolds the rich narrative of Zhenjiang, renowned as the “Vinegar Capital of China.” Zhenjiang’s signature product, Zhenjiang Xiang Cu (Zhenjiang fragrant vinegar), finds its place in nearly every Chinese kitchen. Crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients, the vinegar primarily features high-quality glutinous rice sourced from the Jiangnan region. Utilizing premium vinegar fermentation strains, the production involves three major processes – solid-layer fermentation, brewing and distillation, and vinegar soaking – comprising over 40 steps. This intricate craftsmanship spans 70 days, followed by an additional 6-12 months of maturation before the product is ready for packaging.
Vinegar History Hall
As visitors cross the threshold of the museum, a collection of vinegar-themed sculptures relocated from the old Hengshun factory district on Zhongshan West Road stands proudly in the eastern square. These sculptures seem to silently narrate the industrious journey of Zhenjiang vinegar makers, who have tirelessly explored and pursued excellence in the thriving vinegar industry. Inside the Vinegar History Hall, a replica of the old factory gate from Zhenjiang’s Hengshun Soy Sauce and Vinegar Factory, reminiscent of the 1970s, evokes a sense of nostalgia among visitors.
Old Workshop
The Old Workshop provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the vinegar-making scenes from the Republican era, offering insights into the manufacturing processes reminiscent of the scenes depicted in the television drama “Blood Red Scent.” The Display Hall, meanwhile, showcases hundreds of vinegar products from various regions, including Hengshun, Shanxi, Shandong, as well as contributions from over ten countries, such as the United States, Japan, and Germany.
Experience Center
The Experience Center adds an interactive dimension to the museum visit, allowing visitors to get hands-on in creating a personalized label featuring their own portrait. These labels can then be affixed to bottles of fragrant vinegar, providing a unique and tangible memento to take home.
The Zhenjiang Vinegar Culture Museum not only serves as a custodian of China’s culinary heritage but also as a living testament to the dedication and artistry of Zhenjiang’s vinegar makers. Through its meticulous exhibitions, the museum not only captures the essence of traditional vinegar production but also pays homage to the historical and cultural significance of Zhenjiang Xiang Cu in the culinary landscape of China. A visit to this museum is not just an exploration of flavors but a journey through time, where the past, present, and future of Zhenjiang vinegar converge to create an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
