Changyu Wine Culture Museum

Changyu Wine Culture Museum
张裕酒文化博物馆

Address: No 56 Dama Road, Zhifu district, Yantai city, Shandong province
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
General admission: 80 yuan ($11.20)
Tel: 0535-6633860

The Changyu Wine Culture Museum, opened to the public in 1992, is China's first world-class wine museum. Located in Zhifu district, Yantai, Shandong province, it is situated on the compound of the historic site of China's biggest wine producer - Changyu Wine company. Over the years, the museum has gained recognition as a national rated tourist attraction, a patriotic education base, a national first-level museum, and one of China's first National Industrial Tourism Demonstration Bases.

Changyu, founded in 1892 by overseas Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Bishi, was China's first industrial-scale red wine producer. The museum chronicles its 110-year history, showcasing the evolution of China's wine industry through an impressive array of artifacts, historic photographs, and calligraphy from renowned figures. Advanced technology further enriches the visitor experience, offering immersive insights into Chinese wine culture.

The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece. It spans two levels and includes multiple exhibition spaces, such as the history hall, film hall, modern hall, and treasure hall, as well as a century-old underground wine cellar, which serves as a key attraction. The cellar, lined with rows of oak barrels, maintains ideal conditions for aging wine, with a constant temperature of around 14 C and humidity levels between 70–80 percent. Tucked within this cellar are three massive oak barrels, known as the "Kings of Barrels" in Asia, crafted from 100-year-old French Limousin oak.

In 2022, on the occasion of Changyu's 130th anniversary, the museum underwent its fourth major renovation. The expansion added nearly 2,000 square meters to the exhibition area, bringing the total to close to 10,000 square meters. The renovation ushered the museum into a new digital era, transforming it from a traditional exhibit space to an immersive, technology-driven experience. Visitors are invited to explore the growth of Changyu and China's wine industry, from its humble origins to its international prominence.

A standout feature of the updated museum is its more than 20 interactive experiences that integrate learning with entertainment. Visitors can step back in time to 1914 and take a photo with the historic Changyu parade float or dive into the Changyu's winemaking university, Cabernet lab, and smart factory, where they can even craft their own personalized bottle of wine. These interactive activities allow visitors to engage with China's wine culture in an unforgettable way.

As a symbol of China's wine industry, the Changyu Wine Culture Museum not only embodies the history of winemaking but also reflects the achievements of China's national enterprises. Its blend of historical narratives, cultural exhibits, and cutting-edge technology celebrates the enduring legacy of the country's pioneering efforts in wine production.