The Beijing franchise of Madame Tussauds Wax Museums opened on May 31. The museum will mark the fourth Madame Tussauds in China, following Hong Kong, Shanghai and Wuhan.
The wax figures on display are of the highest quality to be found, with each face crafted in London before being shipped to Beijing. Each figure takes months to assemble, castings are taken of people's teeth, and every hair is inserted by hand; that's what it takes to create a convincing wax version of sultry Lady Gaga.
Every version of Madame Tussauds has its local flavor, and the Spirit of Beijing has notable figures like Peking Opera star Mei Lanfang and astronaut Yang Liwei. A focus on the Dragon Boat Festival seems a bit out of place, as that's more of a southern tradition.
Travel information:
Opening hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Entrance Fee: 170 CNY
Getting there: take metro line 2 and get off at Qianmen station, walk 200 meters south down the Qianman plaza. The museum is on the left.