Dandong Museum opened to groups for the first time during the National Day holiday.

The museum showcases a collection of 24,000 pieces of cultural relics unearthed mostly in Dandong, Liaoning province. Some relics date back as far as 18,000 years ago.

"Tourists can get a better understanding of the local culture by seeing historical relics. The preservation and promotion of local culture will certainly be welcomed by locals", a museum staff member said.

Dandong Museum began a trial operation last February. It is still under trial operation while its fire protection safety procedures are being given final approval from officials.

A security monitoring system has been installed to secure the safety of all cultural relics in the museum. Security guards are on 24-hour duty, including specially assigned personnel responsible for patrolling the exhibit area.

The museum is currently open to groups of at least 20 people who must make a reservation one day in advance prior to their visit.

The museum's construction began in June 1997 and was completed in 2009.

Opening time: Daily 9am - 11am, 2pm - 4pm.

Reservation hotline: 3876335.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Tania Lee