More than just a school

The exhibition hall of the Museum of Fudan University. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Museum of Fudan University

Famous for folk artifacts from aboriginal tribes in Taiwan, porcelains and traditional Chinese paintings, the Museum of Fudan University was established in the spring of 1991 and opened to the public in early 1992.

Located in Yangpu district, this two-story museum houses more than 2,000 treasured artifacts. A permanent exhibition of artifacts from aboriginal tribes in Taiwan and porcelain works is found on the first floor, while the showcase on the second floor is always changing.

According to Liu Zhaohui, director of the museum, the museum is best known for its porcelain and pottery works.

One of the most famous pieces is a figurine of a palace maid holding a cat in her arms. This three-color glazed pottery piece dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and is highly valued for the elegance and poise it portrays.

"Porcelain originated in China and is famous for its delicate and beautiful colors," said Liu.

"The piece that portrays Guan Yin (Bodhisattva) is made of white porcelain and shows her looking composed and dignified while sitting on a lotus. It is a typical product of the Dehua Kiln, a famous kiln that produced porcelain pieces for civilians during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)."

The Museum of Fudan University is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Admission is free, though visitors who require a guide should make reservations beforehand.