China's Datangshan Aviation Museum Closes for Major Relocation to Changchun

The China Aviation Museum at Datangshan, located on Beijing's northern outskirts, ceased operations in late 2025 as it undertakes one of the largest ever relocations of aviation museum aircraft globally. This move affects more than 300 military and civil aircraft displayed across an expansive outdoor area and a unique underground hangar within Datangshan Mountain. Visitors eager to see this world-class collection now face an absence from the site until the new facility opens, likely no earlier than mid-2027.

Founded in 1989 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, the museum quickly earned status as China's national aviation museum. It was situated on the grounds of the former Shahezhen Air Base, about 40 kilometers north of Beijing. Spanning more than 700,000 square meters, the site housed an unmatched array of over 300 aircraft covering the full spectrum of Chinese military and civil aviation history.

Datangshan's signature feature was its massive underground exhibition tunnel, carved from a Cold War-era hardened aircraft shelter inside Datangshan Mountain. This subterranean hangar showcased dozens of rare historic aircraft in an immersive setting few other museums could rival. Above ground, visitors browsed rows of fighters, bombers, transports, and helicopters representing nearly every major aircraft type operated by the Chinese Air Force.

While predominantly focused on military aircraft, the museum also showcased an extraordinary collection of classic airliners that once served with China's state airline CAAC and other international operators. Highlights included rare British, Soviet, American, and Chinese models such as the Hawker Siddeley Trident, BAe 146, Douglas DC-8 formerly flown by ORBIS International, Airbus A310, Vickers Viscount, Tupolev Tu-124, and Ilyushin Il-18 including Chairman Mao's VIP aircraft.

The collection further featured a range of unique and historic military aircraft including early MiGs, indigenous Chinese prototypes, and foreign-sourced planes like the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, Northrop F-5, Martin RB-57D Canberra, and the Lockheed D-21 reconnaissance drone. This diversity made it one of the most comprehensive aviation museums showcasing East and West Cold War era aircraft side by side.

Closing the museum for relocation reflects logistical and conservation challenges. Moving hundreds of oversized, fragile aircraft demands meticulous dismantling and specialized handling. While official details on the new facility are sparse, multiple sources confirm plans to relocate the entire collection to a modern aviation museum in Changchun, Jilin Province, northeastern China, far from the longtime Beijing site.

The move is also driven by maintenance difficulties at the aging Datangshan site, where outdoor displays faced increasing deterioration. Relocation offers a chance to restore and preserve these historic aircraft under improved conditions, ensuring their survival for future generations. The new museum aims to be a cutting-edge showcase that continues to honor China's rich aviation legacy.

No official opening date has been set for the Changchun museum, though reports suggest a mid-2027 or later timeline before public access resumes. Meanwhile, prospective visitors should note that the Datangshan Museum remains closed and should adjust travel plans accordingly, as older guides still list it as open.

Despite the current closure, Datangshan's collection remains one of the aviation world's most extraordinary, blending military and civilian aircraft from various countries and eras. Once the new museum in Changchun welcomes visitors, it is expected to reclaim its position as a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts worldwide, preserving not only Chinese aviation history but also scarce classic Western airliners now seldom seen elsewhere.