Wuhan, in central China's Hubei Province, is renowned throughout the country for being the city where the 1911 Revolution kicked-off. Understandably, its contribution to China's modern history has taken pride of place in its many museums, nine of which recently started opening its doors free of charge to primary and secondary school students.

Staffers at Wuhan Museum have been extra busy of late. On Feb.21, it abolished student admission charges and, since then, the steady stream of visitors coming through its doors has only been getting bigger.

The museum boasts a lively, colorful and, most importantly, informative timeline of the city's rich history over the past century, from its role in the 1911 Revolution to the present day.

Now, with free entrance guaranteed, students here are learning about their roots from an earlier age.

Wuhan Museum is not alone. Eight other institutes and historical sites have similarly stopped charging students and, with this new measure, local government officials hope to offer a better after-school alternative for students.

(CCTV February 27, 2004)