Museum · BEIJING
National Museum of China
中国国家博物馆 · Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn
About
The largest museum in China by collection size, on the east side of Tiananmen Square. The Ancient China permanent exhibition is the canonical national-history walkthrough.
The National Museum was formed in 2003 by merging the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. The 200,000 m² building holds 1.4 million objects. The Ancient China exhibition is the headline display: bronze ritual vessels, Han dynasty figurines, Tang ceramics, Song paintings — a coherent walk through the civilisation's material record. Free entry but advance online reservation required (passport-linked).
How to get there
Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East. Enter from the east-side door of Tiananmen Square.
When to visit
Weekday mornings. Saturdays and Sundays book out.
Gallery
Other attractions in Beijing
Itineraries featuring this site
- Beijing in 4 days
4d · Forbidden City, Wall, Temple of Heaven, hutongs, museums.
- Accessible China — mobility-friendly 7 days in Beijing and Shanghai
7d · Seven days in Beijing and Shanghai planned for visitors with mobility limitations — step-free access, English-language signage, accessible transport and accommodation notes throughout.
- Modern architecture tour — Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, 7 days
7d · Seven days focused on China's architectural output since 1990 — Shanghai's Pudong towers, Beijing's Olympic-era structures and Guangzhou's Zaha Hadid and Rem Koolhaas commissions.
- One week China classics — Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
7d · The first-time-traveller's loop: imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, Shanghai's skyline. Connected by overnight train or short HSR.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction.
Research
Cross-checked against primary sources
Verified
Address, hours, fees confirmed at the date shown
Updated
Re-verified periodically; corrections welcome