Beijing's bureau of cultural relics said in a report yesterday that it would be embarking on an extensive museum construction drive from this year.

According to the report, certain developments, including the construction of the world-class Beijing Museum and China National Film Museum, made 2005 a milestone year for the development of museums in the Chinese capital.

The Memorial Hall of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was also expanded to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the war. The Palace Museum, celebrating its 80th anniversary, added two exhibition halls to its premises.

Authorities have also approved the building of more museums in Beijing, the bureau said.

In the near future, the All-China Women's Federation will build the China Women and Children's Museum, while the Ministry of Public Security will build the China Police Museum, according to the report.

The previous construction drive took place in the 1950s with the building of the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the Museum of Chinese History, predecessors of today's National Museum of China.

Beijing had 129 registered museums by 2005, topping the country in terms of quantity, quality and density.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2006)