Plan at a glance
Address and visitor entrance
The September 18 History Museum (“九·一八”历史博物馆) is at No. 46 Wanghua South Street, Dadong District. The visitor entrance is on the east side. Set your map destination to “九·一八历史博物馆东门” (September 18 History Museum East Gate) and follow the visitor-entrance signs and pedestrian paths.
Tickets and hours
Admission is free and individual visitors do not need a reservation. Check the museum's current entry requirements for accepted identification. From May through September, it is usually open 09:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:30. From October 10, 2026 through April 30, 2027, winter hours are 09:00–16:30, with last entry at 16:00. It closes on Mondays except public holidays. Hours may change for memorial events or other special dates.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The Broken Calendar Monument and Warning Bell
Before entering, see the Broken Calendar Monument (残历碑) and the Warning Bell (警世钟) outside the museum. The monument bears the date September 18, 1931. The bell stands by the memorial plaza and offers a place to pause and learn about the event's background.
War history in the galleries
A one-way exhibition route presents the September 18 Incident and the history of resistance in Northeast China. The introductory hall features the “White Mountains, Black Waters” relief (白山黑水浮雕). The exhibits are serious in tone; allow time to read and reflect.
Key sections include evidence of Unit 731's crimes (731部队), belongings of martyr Zhao Yiman (赵一曼) and exhibits on the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (东北抗日联军). The final gallery features a sculpture depicting the Eight Women Who Threw Themselves into the River (八女投江), commemorating eight women soldiers of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army who died resisting Japanese forces in 1938.
Guided interpretation and artifacts
The Zhao Yiman gallery includes recreated scenes and letters; the resistance gallery also displays soldiers' belongings. Free guided tours are scheduled for 10:00 and 14:00 on regular opening days. Confirm the language and availability of each tour with the museum.
For a broader view of Shenyang's history, see Shenyang Museum.
Build your day
Follow the one-way exhibition route
First see the Broken Calendar Monument and Warning Bell in the plaza, then enter through the east gate and continue from the introductory hall through the history galleries to the final hall. The exhibition route is about 510 meters; allow 1.5–2.5 hours for a full visit.
Store bags and finish the visit
Large bags can be left at the visitor service center to the right of the entrance; self-service lockers are also available at the outdoor security checkpoint. Follow the exhibition route to the exit. You can return by metro or bus; check the day's service hours before setting out.
Get there
Metro
Take Metro Line 10 to Beita (北塔) Station and walk about 15 minutes from Exit A. You can also take Line 4 to Beidaying (北大营) Station and walk about 15 minutes from Exit C, or to Hezuojie (合作街) Station and walk about 20 minutes from Exit D. Set your map destination to the museum's east gate.
Bus and parking
Buses 163, 212, 253, 298, 325, 328 and 399, among others, stop at “九一八历史博物馆” (September 18 History Museum); the museum is about a 2-minute walk away. Check in advance whether visitor parking is available in the lot across the street. Public transport is preferable.
Know before you go
Memorial-day arrangements
The museum may pause admissions on the morning of September 18 for memorial activities. If visiting around the anniversary, check that year's museum notice for opening hours.
Identification, tours and nearby food
Visitors using passports should contact the museum about entry procedures. Ask in advance whether public tours are available in other languages. Xiyanghong Snack Shop (夕阳红小吃部) is a few hundred meters away across the pedestrian bridge; Pingyang Cold Noodles (平阳大冷面) is another nearby option. Check the addresses and hours separately for other memorial sites in the area.