As the construction of the new Shijiazhuang railway station is under way, the old railway station will be transformed into a new museum. Officials from the twelfth Standing Committee of Shijiazhuang Municipal People’s Congress said the new museum will be 4.7 times larger than the old museum.

Personnel from Shijiazhuang Museum told reporters the combination of the railway building and the museum was a perfect choice.

"As the development of Shijiazhuang bears a close bond with railways, and the city doesn’t own many industrial traces, it would give Shijiazhuang a significant cultural symbol if the old railway station is transformed into a museum,” (s)he said.

The architectural style of the railway building also contributes to the museum’s beauty. The large space can be divided into a number of areas, all of which are suitable for holding ceremonies and other gatherings.

The museum will feature six exhibits, including Ancient Town, History of Shijiazhuang, First Collections of China, Shijiazhuang Today, Railway Museum of Shijiazhuang and Shijiazhuang Folklore Demonstration.

Planning of the new museum and the collection of exhibits is now under way. Construction work will begin as soon as plans are finished.

By Audrey and Liu Xi