Evenki Museum

Evenki Museum

The Evenki Museum is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

“Evenki” is the self-designation of the Evenki people, meaning “people living in the great forests.” Due to historically residing in different regions, the Evenki were referred to as “Solon,” “Tungus,” or “Yakut.” After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region approved on March 5, 1958, the restoration of the Evenki ethnic name, abolishing other designations such as “Solon,” thereby unifying the Evenki ethnic title. With the approval of the State Council, the Evenki Autonomous Banner was established on August 1, 1958. The Evenki Museum was built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous banner. The museum is located on the northern section of Solon Street in Bayan Tühe Town, the seat of the Evenki Banner government.

Since its opening in 1998, the museum has attracted a large number of experts, scholars, and tourists with its unique ethnic charm. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, the architectural design of the museum combines modern style with distinct ethnic characteristics.

\

Upon entering the museum, the first thing that catches the eye is the bronze statue of Herlancha, an Evenki national hero, in front of the main gate. Clad in armor, wielding weapons, and riding a steed, the rearing horse and the resolute expression reflect General Herlancha’s unwavering loyalty, exceptional martial prowess, and the Evenki people’s bravery and patriotism—defending the nation internally like an eagle and fighting external threats like a tiger.

Stepping through the museum’s main entrance, the lobby features introductions to the history, distribution, and general overview of the Evenki people in Mongolian, Chinese, and English. The central sculpture and large television, rich in ethnic cultural significance, showcase the unique customs of the Evenki people and the major achievements made since the establishment of the banner.

\

Ethnic History and Customs Exhibition Hall: This hall primarily introduces the history, development, and evolution of the Evenki people. It also uses a wealth of text, images, and artifacts to display the historical contributions of famous generals such as Sha Qing, Borbentsa, Herlancha, and Mutushan, as well as the courageous Evenki people’s resistance against rebel forces during the Japanese puppet regime, their participation in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Liberation War under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Here, visitors can see the official seal and hat of the Evenki deputy commander from the Qing Dynasty, the imperial edict bestowed by Emperor Guangxu upon the parents of Evenki Du Jing Shan, who held the title of Du Qibu, weapons and scenes used by the Evenki people in resisting Russia and in subsequent battles.

Ethnic Customs Exhibition Hall: Floor-to-ceiling glass display cases feature dense forests, vivid birds and animals, and a rich collection of ethnic artifacts such as bows and arrows, deer calls, fishing tools, birch bark utensils, fur coats, leggings, conical tents, wooden and earthen houses, and colorful images of daily life, showcasing the Evenki people’s three distinct economic lifestyles: hunting, farming, and herding. Shaman robes, headdresses, drums, and drumsticks reveal the mysterious shaman culture to the world.

In the Natural Exhibition Hall, simulated natural landscapes such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and plant and animal specimens within the Evenki Banner make visitors feel as if they are immersed in nature. The “Exhibition of the Construction Achievements of the Evenki Autonomous Banner Over Forty-Five Years—The Pearl of the Grassland” uses a wealth of images to showcase the development and changes of the autonomous banner since its establishment, especially the tremendous achievements made in various fields in recent years. The Evenki Museum is the first museum in China dedicated to introducing and presenting the politics, economy, culture, life, and developmental history of the Evenki people.

To showcase the diverse ethnic culture of the Evenki Banner, starting in 2003, the Evenki Banner has also established distinctive museums such as the Daur Folk Museum, the Xinihe Buryat Museum, the Dong Sumu Buryat Museum, and the Baiyin Cuo Gang Celebrity Museum.