Tangshan Earthquake Museum

Tangshan Earthquake Museum

The Tangshan Earthquake Museum is located within the Tangshan Earthquake Site Memorial Park at No. 19 Yuegezhuang Road. It consists of two sections: the Science Exhibition Hall and the Memorial Exhibition Hall. Among them, the Memorial Exhibition Hall is an underground venue covering nearly 4,000 square meters, making it the largest earthquake-themed exhibition hall in China to date.

The exhibition inside is titled "Tangshan·1976", primarily showcasing the immense disaster caused by the Tangshan Earthquake and the heroic efforts of the people of Tangshan in rescuing and rebuilding their city with support from across the nation. It includes six sections: the Preface Hall, the Calamity Chapter, the Rescue Chapter, the Self-Strengthening Chapter, the Reconstruction Chapter, and the Enlightenment Chapter. There are nearly 500 photographs, approximately 300 artifacts, four sets of restored scenes, and over 30 wax figures on display.

Stepping into the exhibition hall, everything before your eyes will transport you back to Tangshan in 1976, immersing you in the tragic aftermath of the earthquake. You will experience firsthand the arduous journey of rescue and recovery undertaken by the people of Tangshan, deeply appreciating the formation and elevation of the earthquake relief spirit — “selflessness, solidarity in adversity, unyielding perseverance, and courage to forge ahead.” At the same time, you will be inspired by how Tangshan rose from destruction to rebirth, transforming into one of the safest and most resilient cities in the nation, and rapidly advancing along the path of scientific development.

Calamity Chapter: At 3:42 a.m. on July 28, 1976, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tangshan — a century-old industrial city with a population of one million. In an instant, the earth split open, buildings collapsed, and casualties were massive. At 6:45 p.m. the same day, a strong aftershock of magnitude 7.1 struck Luanxian County, worsening the devastation. The earthquake claimed the lives of over 240,000 people, left more than 160,000 severely injured, and resulted in over 7,000 families being entirely wiped out.

Rescue Chapter: The Party Central Committee and the State Council showed great concern for the disaster-stricken area of Tangshan, making decisive decisions and swiftly establishing rescue command structures. Urgent telegrams were sent across the country calling for immediate assistance. On the ravaged land of Tangshan, an unprecedented earthquake relief effort was launched, writing a moving epic of humanity's struggle against seismic disasters.

Self-Strengthening Chapter: The earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning, instantly burying sleeping residents under collapsed buildings. People who were working outdoors at the time and those who managed to free themselves from the rubble formed a vital force in self-rescue and mutual aid. The heroic people of Tangshan endured severe trials and hardships, and with remarkable resilience, quickly resumed production. The earthquake relief spirit demonstrated — “selflessness, solidarity in adversity, unyielding perseverance, and courage to forge ahead” — stands as a valuable spiritual legacy.

Revitalization Chapter: Under the leadership and care of the Party Central Committee, the State Council, and the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and Government, the people of Tangshan upheld the earthquake relief spirit, united as one, and worked diligently. Through “ten years of reconstruction, ten years of revitalization, and ten years of rapid development,” a fully functional, environmentally friendly, vibrant new city rose again on the land of eastern Hebei.

Development Chapter: In July 2006, General Secretary Hu Jintao visited Tangshan and expressed earnest hopes for building a model zone of scientific development. The cadres and people of Tangshan earnestly implemented the important directives of General Secretary Hu Jintao, adhering to the theme of “seizing new opportunities, building a new Tangshan, and achieving new leaps.” With the construction of a model zone of scientific development as the overarching goal, they focused on strengthening five key pillars: new industrialization, new urbanization, equalized urban-rural development, harmonious social governance, and scientific party building. The city has achieved remarkable progress in economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological civilization development.

Science Exhibition Hall: The Science Exhibition Hall is a specialized science museum based at the Tangshan Earthquake Museum. Against the backdrop of the Tangshan Earthquake, it uses the exhibition methods and techniques of science museums to comprehensively introduce earthquake phenomena from ancient to modern times, both in China and abroad, while popularizing earthquake knowledge and showcasing the overall image of the field of seismology. Through a large number of specialized seismic exhibits and multi-level displays, it explains the scientific principles related to earthquakes, facilitates visitor interaction and participation, and achieves an educational and entertaining effect. The Tangshan Earthquake Science Exhibition Hall is an artistic and technological space rich in thematic atmosphere, embodying the image of the seismology discipline and centered around the theme of earthquakes.

Address: Lunan District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China