Madame Tussauds Beijing to Close Permanently: Farewell to Fei Xiang, Zhang Songwen, and Zhang Jie’s Lifelike Figures

Beijing’s Madame Tussauds to Close Doors in October

Beijing, China – Madame Tussauds Beijing announced on September 4, 2025, that it will permanently close its doors on October 1, 2025. The closure is attributed to the expiration of the lease agreement and a recalibration of the brand’s strategic planning.

A Legacy in Wax

Established on May 31, 2014, the Qianmen Street location quickly became a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Spanning 3,000 square meters, it was the fourth Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum to open in Greater China, and the first to establish an international entertainment presence on the historic Qianmen Customary Commercial Street.

Relocation of Iconic Figures

Following the closure, the majority of the celebrated wax figures will be transferred to Madame Tussauds locations in Shanghai and hong Kong for continued display. A select number of waxworks will be carefully preserved for future use.

Celebrity Showcase

The museum boasted an impressive collection of wax figures, representing a diverse range of prominent individuals. Visitors enjoyed photo opportunities with lifelike representations of entertainment stars including Fei Xiang, Zhang Songwen, Zhang Jie, Luo Yunxi, Deng Chao, and Shang Wenjie. The “Sports Superstar” area featured figures of Li Na, Yao Ming, David Beckham, and Kobe Bryant, among others.

Ticket prices for admission ranged from 60 to 139 yuan. According to recent reports from Statista,cultural attractions continue to be a major draw for tourism in Beijing,highlighting the impact of this closure.

Final Exhibition

In a final tribute to its Beijing fanbase, Madame Tussauds hosted a limited-time exhibition featuring “Zhou Shenshen,” running from September 4th to September 29th. This event served as a farewell to visitors before the museum’s ultimate closure.

A Global Tradition

The Madame Tussauds legacy began in London, England, in 1835. The museum is globally renowned for its meticulous wax sculpting techniques, enabling incredibly realistic depictions of influential figures from politics, entertainment, sports, and fashion. Today, Madame Tussauds operates exhibition halls in numerous cities worldwide, including Amsterdam, Bangkok, Hollywood, and New York.

Did You Know? The art of wax modeling dates back centuries, with early examples used for death masks and portraiture.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead when visiting Madame Tussauds in other locations, as peak hours can get extremely crowded.

Location	opening date	Size	Closure Date
Beijing	may 31, 2014	3,000 square meters	October 1, 2025
Shanghai	2006	Not available	Ongoing
Hong Kong	2012	Not Available	Ongoing

The Enduring Appeal of Wax Museums

Wax museums represent a unique intersection of art, history, and popular culture. Their appeal lies in the ability to bring larger-than-life figures to a tangible, interactive level. They offer a snapshot of a particular moment in time, and frequently enough reflect the changing cultural landscape.While digital technology offers new ways to experience celebrities and historical figures, the unique artistry and tactile experience of a wax museum continues to draw visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madame Tussauds Beijing Closure

What are your fondest memories of Madame Tussauds Beijing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

what factors contributed to Merlin Entertainments’ decision to close Madame Tussauds beijing?

The iconic Madame Tussauds Beijing, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, is set to close its doors permanently on September 30, 2025. This marks the end of an era for the wax museum,famed for its incredibly realistic wax figures of celebrities,past figures,and cultural icons. The closure impacts the meticulously crafted figures of beloved Chinese stars like Fei Xiang, Zhang Songwen, and Zhang Jie, leaving fans with a limited time to bid them farewell.

The Closure Announcement & Reasons

The decision to close was announced by Merlin entertainments, the parent company of Madame Tussauds, citing challenging market conditions and the evolving entertainment landscape in Beijing. While a specific reason wasn’t detailed, industry analysts point to increased competition from immersive entertainment experiences and the lingering effects of the pandemic on tourism as contributing factors. This follows similar closures of Madame Tussauds locations globally, reflecting a strategic shift within the company.

Notable Figures Facing Removal

The Beijing branch housed a diverse collection of wax figures, but the departure of certain figures is notably poignant for fans. Here’s a look at some of the most popular:

Fei Xiang: The American-born Chinese singer and actor’s figure was a major draw,representing a generation of music lovers.

Zhang Songwen: The critically acclaimed actor, known for his roles in dramas like The Rebel, saw his wax double become a popular photo chance.

Zhang Jie: A prominent singer and one of China’s most recognizable voices, zhang Jie’s figure attracted a dedicated fanbase.

Other Popular Figures: The museum also featured figures of international stars like Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, and local personalities from sports and politics.

Last Chance to Visit: Dates & Details

Fans wishing to see their favorite stars in wax form have until September 30, 2025, to visit Madame Tussauds Beijing.

Location: Grand Canal Life Plaza, No. 8 Beisihuan East Road,Chaoyang District,Beijing.

Operating Hours: Currently 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (subject to change, check the official website for updates).

Ticket Information: Tickets are available online and at the door, but are expected to sell out quickly as the closure date approaches. Consider purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee entry.

Special Events: Merlin Entertainments has not announced any specific farewell events, but visitors should check the official website for potential updates.

The History of Madame Tussauds & its Beijing Branch

Madame Tussauds has a rich history dating back to 1835 in London, founded by Marie tussaud. The art of wax modeling was initially used for creating life casts and death masks. over time, it evolved into creating incredibly lifelike figures of famous individuals.

The Beijing branch,opened in 2014,was part of a global expansion,aiming to bring the Madame Tussauds experiance to a wider audience.It quickly became a popular attraction, offering visitors the chance to “meet” their idols and learn about their lives. The creation of each wax figure is a meticulous process:

1. Photography & Measurements: Hundreds of photographs and precise measurements are taken of the subject.
2. Sculpting: Sculptors create a clay model based on the collected data.
3. Wax Submission: Layers of wax are applied to the clay model.
4. Detailing: Artists painstakingly add details like hair, eyes, and skin texture.
5. Costuming: Authentic clothing and accessories are used to complete the figure.

Impact on Beijing’s Tourism & Entertainment Scene

the closure of Madame Tussauds Beijing represents a loss for the city’s tourism and entertainment sector.It was a unique attraction that catered to both domestic and international visitors. The space will likely be repurposed, but it remains to be seen what will replace this iconic landmark