Museum that charts party history becomes new Beijing landmark

Xi stressed that it is necessary to study and review the Party's history, carry forward its valuable experience, bear in mind the course of its struggles, shoulder the historic mission, and draw strength from its history to forge ahead.

The exhibition has four parts: the founding of the CPC and the victory of the New Democratic Revolution; the founding of the People's Republic of China and the socialist revolution and development; reform and opening-up, and the start of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and carrying forward socialism with Chinese characteristics into a new era, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarking on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country.

Li Fengxian, a 72-year-old retired accountant who lives in north Beijing, visited the exhibition recently. She said she also visited the museum site regularly before the completion of construction.

"I was born the same year as New China was founded," she said. "I have witnessed how the country has grown stronger and stronger under the leadership of the Party. I had to go and visit the museum at the first opportunity."

Having experienced the country's development under the leadership of the Party, Li said her generation felt deeply that today's happy life and prosperous society hadn't come easily.

"It's a miracle that a country that could hardly even feed all the people decades ago has now become the second-largest economy in the world," Li said. "It is the Party that leads us to the bright future."

At the museum, more than 2,600 pictures and more than 3,500 pieces or sets of exhibits reflect the extraordinary 100-year journey of the CPC.