China Zitan Museum

Cultural heritage

The China Zitan Museum in Beijing is devoted to red-sandalwood carving and classical furniture. Zitan is a precious, dense and dark hardwood, and the museum systematically presents the nationally recognized craft of zitan carving — from finely worked furniture and objects to miniature replicas of ancient architecture — showcasing the high attainment of Beijing-style hardwood art.

Visiting: In the galleries you can examine up close the fine knife work of zitan furniture and carvings, and the architectural models recreated by traditional methods — observing how a hard wood becomes an elegant object under the craftsman's hand, and sensing the gravitas and patience of the craft.