Hunan Museum and Martyrs' Park merge into cultural space

The Hunan Museum and the Hunan Martyrs' Park, which have stood side by side for 70 years in Kaifu district, have been transformed into a unified cultural and leisure space in the heart of the city. They made their debut to the public on Tuesday in Changsha, Hunan province.

For years, the museum struggled with limited space. During peak seasons, visitors often faced long queues outside the building, exposed to the elements without shade or shelter. Traffic congestion in the area was another persistent issue.

This integration, a key livelihood project for Hunan this year, was highlighted in the provincial government work report published in February. Initiated in June last year, the project removed approximately 140 meters of the park's original wall and created a "Fusion Square".

Visitors entering the park through its west gate and walking north will now encounter the newly constructed square, where a rectangular stone tablet displays the names of the museum and park, symbolizing their integration. The square features a wide lawn, adding greenery and tranquility to the bustling city center and offering a pleasant resting spot.

A covered walkway guides visitors from the park entrance directly to the museum's service center, where they pass through ticketing gates. This sheltered queue protects visitors from sun, wind, and rain.

According to Duan Xiaoming, director of the Hunan Museum, 17 ticketing gates have been installed along the new entry route. Approximately 140 visitors can pass through per minute, with each person taking just three seconds to scan a reservation code or ID card.

"Based on our calculations, with the new system, everyone waiting in line will be able to enter within 10 to 13 minutes, even during peak visitor flow," Duan said, adding that the new entrance design also helps visitors gradually transition into a cultural mindset as they walk through the park before entering the museum.