World Tourism Museum opens in Hangzhou

The World Tourism Museum officially opened its doors at Xianghu Lake in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou on June 1.

As part of the World Tourism Alliance headquarters project, the museum is a cultural complex that combines exhibitions, conferences, and dining. It has a total floor area of approximately 39,000 square meters.

The museum features a unique and aesthetically pleasing curved roofline, reflecting the contours of the surrounding natural mountains and conveying the philosophy of harmony between heaven and humanity.

With an architectural style reminiscent of a classical Chinese courtyard and distinctive green glazed tiles from Xianghu Lake, the museum embodies the inclusive, refined, and minimalist philosophy of Song Dynasty culture.

The permanent exhibition shows the process of human exploration and enjoyment of the world through travel. From the first steps taken by humans on their journeys to the first steps left by humans in space, the exhibition displays the evolution of tourism from millions of years ago to the future.

The World Tourism Alliance, established in 2017, is the first comprehensive and non-governmental global tourism organization initiated by China with a focus on the world. Construction of its headquarters in Xiaoshan district began in 2019, and the World Tourism Museum was built next to it, becoming the world's first museum dedicated to tourism.