BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's capital museum is showcasing 169 collections of national treasures in a special exhibit that runs from July 29-Oct. 7, which largely coincides with the Olympics and Paralympics.

    Here are some basic facts about China's museums.

    MUSEUMS: 2,400, of which 801 are general interest.

    EXHIBITIONS: 8,000 annually.

    ADMISSIONS: 600 museums will offer free admission by the end of this year.

    BEST-KNOWN MUSEUMS

    MUSEUM OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS: First of its kind in the country, the Beijing-based institution demonstrates the latest in science and technology and is also a venue for popular science education.

    PALACE MUSEUM: Also known as the Forbidden City, it was from where emperors of the Ming (1368-1644 AD) and the Qing dynasties (1644-1912 AD) rule China. It lies at the heart of Beijing.

    ARTS AND CRAFTS MUSEUM: Founded in Beijing in 1987, its collections include precious works of carved jade and lacquer, cloisonne, wood and ivory carvings and bronzes crafted by renowned masters.

    NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHINA: One of 10 famous structures built in 1959. It has a four-story main building with two symmetrical wings running more than 300 meters north and south along the eastern side of Tian'anmen Square. The museum developed from the former Museums of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution.

    MEMORIAL HALL OF CHAIRMAN MAO: At the south tip of Tian'anmen Square. The core of the facility is the Respecting Hall, in the middle of which is the crystal coffin that contains Mao's remains, which are covered with the red banner of the Communist Party of China.

    SPORTS MUSEUM: The first of its kind in China. Relics, art and photos reflect the colorful sports culture of the Chinese people.

    QIN TERRA COTTA ARMY MUSEUM: A world-famous museum built on the site of the terra-cotta warriors and horses pits in the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's (221-210 BC) Mausoleum, east of Lintong County in northwest Shaanxi Province.