National Museum

Introducing the National Museum

The National Museum of China is located east of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing, symmetrically across from the Great Hall of the People. Built on the site of the former National Museum of China and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, it is the world's largest single-building museum, boasting one of the richest collections of Chinese cultural relics. Its overall size ranks among the largest museums worldwide, and it is one of the world's most popular museums.

The National Museum of China embodies the essence of Chinese culture from across the country. Here, you'll see not only the Terracotta Warriors from Shaanxi, but also the Sanxingdui masks from Sichuan and the animal heads from the Old Summer Palace. Many of these textbook treasures are brought to life, making your visit feel like flipping through a living textbook. The museum boasts 48 expansive exhibition halls across five floors, boasting a vast collection of over one million items, including many rare national treasures. A thorough exploration of the entire National Museum will take at least a day. You'll experience the profoundness and longevity of Chinese culture, and it's a captivating experience.

Climate and best time to travel

The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to spend half a day

Tickets

Free admission with valid ID

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Ancient China: 9:15, 9:45, 14:00, 14:30 on the north side of the basement floor, each show lasts about 2 hours.

"Road to Revival": 9:15, 9:45, 14:00, 14:30 on the north side of the first floor hall, each show is about 1.5 hours.

Special exhibitions: 9:15, 14:00, and 14:30 at the south entrance of the "Ancient Chinese Bronze Art" exhibition hall on the third floor, each session lasting approximately 2 hours.

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Most Popular FAQs for National Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The National Museum of China was established in 1959 and is one of the largest museums in the world. It showcases China’s vast history, from prehistory to the present day, focusing on the development of Chinese civilization, art, and culture. It’s located near Tiananmen Square and is a significant cultural landmark of Beijing.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The National Museum of China is located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, at 4 East Chang'an Avenue. You can easily get there by metro (Line 1, Tiananmen East station) or Line 2 (Tiananmen West station). Taxis and walking from nearby landmarks are also convenient options.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekdays. Avoid national holidays as the museum can get very crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Admission to the National Museum of China is free, but you need to show an ID for entry. However, some special exhibitions may require a fee. Tickets for these exhibitions can be bought at the museum or through their official website.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For most general exhibits, booking in advance is not required. However, for special exhibitions, it’s recommended to book tickets online at least a few days in advance, especially during busy times like Chinese New Year or National Day.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the museum and its exhibits, you’ll need about 2 to 3 hours. If you’re interested in detailed exploration of specific galleries, plan for half a day. It’s a large museum, so be prepared to spend time walking through multiple halls.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights of the museum include:

• The Ancient China Gallery, showcasing relics from various dynasties.
• The Modern China Gallery, which details China’s revolutionary history and communist past.
• The Ceramics and Jade Gallery, displaying historic ceramics and jade artifacts.
• The relics from the Silk Road, representing China’s ancient trade connections.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

The museum offers guided tours in Chinese, and sometimes in English, depending on availability. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English, which you can rent at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

While photography inside the museum is generally not allowed in most exhibition halls, you can still capture the exterior of the museum. The Tiananmen Square area provides great photography opportunities, including views of the museum’s grand entrance and the square itself.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit at the Main Hall to get a sense of the museum’s scale. From there, visit the Ancient China Gallery and the Modern China Gallery to understand the evolution of Chinese civilization. Make sure to explore the temporary exhibitions for a more immersive experience. If you're short on time, prioritize the main galleries and spend time at the Ceramics Gallery.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows at the National Museum. However, the museum occasionally offers special tours for events and exhibitions. These are typically advertised on the museum’s official website or at the entrance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded, particularly during national holidays and weekends. For a less crowded experience, try visiting during the weekdays, especially in the morning when the museum first opens. The least crowded times are Tuesdays through Thursdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has clean toilets and rest areas for visitors to take breaks. There are cafes inside where you can grab a snack or drink. Additionally, there are shops offering souvenirs like books and artifacts related to Chinese history.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The National Museum is fully accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. There are elevators, wheelchair access, and resting areas throughout the museum. Wheelchairs can be rented at the information desk for visitors with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in most areas of the museum, including the entrance, shops, and cafes. Credit cards are also accepted, but it’s recommended to have some cash for smaller transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, you’ll find several cafes offering light snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, there are many restaurants around Tiananmen Square and nearby areas, offering a variety of Chinese cuisines as well as international options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian options available inside the museum’s cafes, and several restaurants around the area offer vegan and halal food, particularly around the Qianmen area.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels close to the museum, including:

• The Beijing Hotel
• The Wangfujing Grand Hotel
• Crowne Plaza Beijing (near Wangfujing)

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Tiananmen Square
• The Forbidden City
• Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
• The Great Hall of the People

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the museum offering books, artifacts, posters, and reproductions of famous historical items. Common souvenirs include miniature statues, art prints, and jade jewelry.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the museum, you can continue your journey via metro, bus, or taxi. The Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West metro stations are nearby, and from there, you can easily reach other parts of Beijing.