地处于蛇口微波山公园的招商局历史博物馆，隐于山间、可观海景，无需预约且免费参观。称其为地标，不仅因为其别具一格的地理位置和设计外观，更因为其厚重的文化内涵。
Tucked away on a modest hill in Shekou, a museum with a panoramic sea view brims with profound cultural significance to Shenzhen.
The China Merchants Group History Museum in Shekou, Nanshan District. Photos from official WeChat account "深圳微时光"
Established just two years ago, the China Merchants Group History Museum chronicles the history of the China Merchants Group, which was founded by Li Hongzhang in 1782. The group played a pivotal role in China’s reform and opening up, beginning in 1979 with the groundbreaking cannon heralding the onset of establishing the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. Shekou has since evolved into a significant origin point of this epoch of transformation.
The iconic slogan "Time is money, efficiency is life" can be seen at the base of Weibo Hill.
The museum is situated in the Weibo (or microwave in English) Hill Park, named after China's first commercial microwave station (microwave transmitting station) constructed atop it in 1982. The museum greets visitors with the iconic slogan “Time is money, efficiency is life” in golden lettering at the base of the hill. Ascending the mountain trail leads to the museum atop of the hill.
A close-up of a corner of the museum.
Characterized by sleek architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an extended viewing platform, the museum resembles a towering castle nestled amidst the mountains if viewed from a distance. The construction stands at five floors tall, with the first two floors as the permanent exhibition halls, the third housing an open-air observation deck, the fourth hosting art exhibitions and the roof featuring a more expansive observation platform.
The entire exhibition is divided into five parts, starting from the narrative of China Merchants Group over the past half-century. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of forms, including regular documents, audio-visual materials, miniature models and scene reconstructions, offering a deeply immersive experience.
A visitor looks at an exhibit in the museum.
Currently, only the first and the second floors are open to visitors. When the weather is clear, visitors can catch a glimpse of the sea view in Shekou on the observation deck. It takes approximately two hours to thoroughly explore the exhibition, like undergoing a journey through modern Shenzhen’s historical tapestry.
The interior of the museum.
The China Merchants Group History Museum stands as one of Shenzhen’s most worthwhile niche destinations, as it is akin to a "city exhibition hall." The museum also symbolizes a significant juncture in contemporary Chinese history, embodying the ethos of the reform and opening up.
The museum is built on the old microwave station building, with the first two floors retaining the original walls of the old construction. It seamlessly integrates historical elements into modern architecture, underscoring rich past narratives and architectural charm.
After visiting the museum, a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of Weibo Hill Park is a fitting way to conclude the experience.
