Founded by Taiwanese artists Loretta Yang and Chang Yi, the Liúli China Museum is dedicated to the art of glass sculpture (pâte de verre or lost-wax casting). Peruse the collection of ancient artefacts – some of which date back more than 2000 years – to admire the early craftsmanship of pieces such as earrings, belt buckles and even a Tang-dynasty crystal wéiqí (go) set.
The collection transitions fluidly to more contemporary creations from around the world, before moving on to Yang’s serene Buddhist-inspired creations, including a sublime 1.6m-high, 1000-armed Guanyin, which was modelled on a Yuan-dynasty mural in the Mògāo Caves near Dūnhuáng.
The museum is free for children under 18 and seniors over 65. On the 1st floor is a vegan-friendly cafe and a shop selling liúli crystal, where you can snag an attractive glass bracelet for ¥1000.
