Michael Rhodes’ ‘China: The Last Days of Steam’ exhibition (through Sun 31 Aug) consists of 57 digital images of China’s railways, many of which were taken on the Jitong line, the last steam hauled mainline in the world.

China was the last place in the world to build steam locomotives for ordinary service, but they are now restricted to remote towns and villages far away from the normal tourist trails. As well as documenting the last days of steam in China, these spellbinding pictures capture a society going through a period of rapid change.

Also running from 21 March – 6 April is the museum’s flagship Chinese Festival, a multi-sensory celebration of Chinese culture taking place over the Easter holidays.

Visitors can enjoy 17 days of activities packed with the colours, tastes, sounds and sights of the Far East. Children and adults alike will be able to try their hand at Tai Chi, Dragon Making and traditional crafts such as producing a kite or a lantern. Those who like a challenge can also learn how to play the ancient oriental strategy game GO.

From 2 May, visitors will be able to access the cab of the gigantic Chinese Engine for the first time ever. This massive machine, the largest non-articulated locomotive built in Britain and one of only three of its kind in Europe will be fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Later in the month and over the summer holidays (26 - 30 May and 23 July - 1 Sept), children will be able to enjoy fascinating activities on an oriental theme. Youngsters will be able to explore the amazing world of magnetic levitation trains, create a Chinese kite, have a go at Chinese calligraphy and design their own Chinese symbol to take home.

The NRM will also be breaking new ground in the Year of the Rat by hosting an exhibition solely on the museum’s website from August to December. This focuses on the photography of Charlie Stewart, which explores what has been called the greatest engineering achievement of the 21st century – the Lhasa Railway. -- www.nrm.org.uk