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Visit the museum's diverse exhibitions on Chinese history, art, and culture. Explore the ancient artifacts, ceramics, and calligraphy, and enjoy the modern architectural design of the museum.
The Nanjing Museum, located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing, is my country's first large-scale comprehensive museum built with state investment. It has been designated a national first-class museum.
The museum currently owns more than 430,000 collections of various types, ranging from the Paleolithic Age to the present day, including both national and Jiangsu regional collections; there are both court heirlooms and archaeological discoveries, and some are collected and donated by the society. They are all rare and excellent works from past dynasties. It can be said to be a huge treasure house of Chinese national culture and art.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
Monday : 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (last admission at 11:00 AM)
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
The Nanjing Museum, established in 1933, is one of the oldest and largest museums in China. It plays a crucial role in preserving China's cultural heritage and showcasing the city's rich history, particularly its significance during the Ming Dynasty and the Republic of China period.
The Nanjing Museum is located in the southern part of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. You can reach it by taking the metro Line 2 to the "Nanjing Museum" station, or take a bus or taxi from central areas.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. It is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning, making it the best time to visit.
Admission to the Nanjing Museum is free, but some special exhibitions may require a ticket. Tickets can be obtained online or at the museum entrance, depending on the exhibition.
For special exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. General entry does not require prior booking.
You can explore the main exhibits in about 2 to 3 hours. If you wish to see special exhibitions or explore in detail, allocate around 4 hours.
Must-see areas include the Ming Dynasty artifacts, the ancient ceramics collection, and the museum's stunning architecture. The jade and bronze collections are also notable.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available at the entrance.
The museum's central courtyard and the surrounding gardens offer great photography opportunities, particularly for capturing the modern architecture juxtaposed with ancient artifacts.
Start with the Ming Dynasty exhibits, then explore the ceramics, jade, and bronze collections. Finish with the temporary exhibitions, if available, and the outdoor garden area.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. However, there may be evening cultural events or special programs that you can check for ahead of time.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the morning.
The museum offers rest areas, toilets, and a gift shop. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby where visitors can enjoy local snacks and refreshments.
The museum is fully accessible for elderly visitors and those with disabilities, with ramps and elevators available. It is also child-friendly with interactive exhibits.
Mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted at the museum. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payments are recommended for convenience.
There are several restaurants and cafes near the museum, offering local Nanjing cuisine, as well as international dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be found in specific restaurants in Nanjing city.
There are numerous hotels near the museum, ranging from budget to luxury options. Some notable ones include the Nanjing Jinling Hotel and Novotel Nanjing Central Hotel.
Nearby attractions include Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Presidential Palace, all easily accessible by public transport.
The museum has a gift shop selling cultural and historical souvenirs such as replicas of ancient artifacts, traditional Nanjing silk, and books on Chinese history.
Public buses, taxis, and metro services are easily accessible from the museum. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Didi to continue your trip around Nanjing.
