National Museum of China – Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips

Beijing museums

The National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆) is located in Beijing and is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. It was established in 2003 after the merger of the National Museum of Chinese History and the National Museum of Chinese Revolution, both of which were founded in the early 20th century.

The museum’s collection includes over 1.4 million artifacts, spanning China’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including ancient Chinese art and culture, modern Chinese history, and the country’s natural resources and ecology.

The museum’s architecture is also a highlight, with a modern design that incorporates traditional Chinese elements. The building covers an area of 200,000 square meters, making it one of the largest museums in the world.

In addition to its extensive collection and impressive architecture, the National Museum of China also plays an important role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding both within China and with other countries. It regularly hosts international exhibitions and collaborates with museums and cultural institutions around the world to promote cross-cultural dialogues.

Basic Information
Location and Transportation
Highlights of National Museum of China
Map of National Museum of CHina
Vlog about National Museum of China
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Related Facts
Attractions near National Museum of China

Basic Information

Website	http://www.chnmuseum.cn/
Estimated Length of Tour	About 3 hours
Ticket Price	Free, but you must book online in advance
Opening Hours	9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 (1st January – 29th September) 9.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 15.30 (1st October – 31st December) Closed on Mondays
Telephone Number	0086-010-65116400

Location and Transportation

The National Museum of China is located at 16 East Chang’an Avenue in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. The surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with many other major attractions within walking distance. To the west of the museum is Tiananmen Square, and to the east of the museum is the Forbidden City. You can get there easily by public transport.

Bus: Take bus 1, 2, 52, 82, 120, Tourist Line 1 or 2, get off at Tiananmen East, and you will be standing at the entrance of the National Museum of China.

Subway: Take subway line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station, exit from Exit C or D, and you will see the entrance right in front of you.

Highlights of National Museum of China

Ancient Chinese Artifacts

The ancient Chinese artifacts in the National Museum of China are among the most impressive collections in the world. The museum houses over 200,000 pieces of Chinese art and artifacts from prehistoric times to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The collection includes bronze vessels, pottery, jade, porcelain, and other treasures that reflect the rich history and culture of China. Visitors can see rare and exquisite objects such as oracle bones used for divination, intricately designed bronze vessels used in rituals, and finely crafted jade objects. The collection provides insight into the development of Chinese art and culture over thousands of years and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Chinese people.

Calligraphy and Painting

The National Museum of China is home to an impressive collection of calligraphy and painting, showcasing China’s rich artistic traditions. The museum’s collection includes a diverse range of works, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to contemporary paintings. Visitors can admire the exquisite brushwork and intricate details in pieces such as the Tang Dynasty masterpiece “Night Revels of Han Xizai” and the Qing Dynasty court painting “Ten Views of Lingbi Rock.” The calligraphy collection features works by renowned masters such as Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing, with their elegant script capturing the beauty and fluidity of the Chinese language.

Revolutionary History

The Revolutionary History Display in the National Museum of China is a comprehensive exhibition that chronicles the history of China’s revolution from the late 19th century to the present day. The display features over 1,000 exhibits, including photographs, documents, and artifacts, that document the key events and figures of China’s revolutionary past. Visitors can explore the birth of the Communist Party of China, the struggle against foreign imperialism, the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the country’s ongoing socialist development. Notable exhibits include the Red Army’s Long March map, Mao Zedong’s writing desk, and the bullet-riddled car in which Premier Zhou Enlai traveled during the Korean War.

Cultural Diversity

The National Museum of China celebrates the rich cultural diversity of China through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum showcases the art, customs, and traditions of China’s 56 ethnic groups, from the Han majority to smaller communities such as the Tibetans and the Uyghurs. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits highlighting the unique cultural expressions of each group, including their traditional clothing, music, and cuisine. Notable exhibits include the colorful costumes of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups, the intricate embroidery of the Zhuang people, and the distinctive calligraphy of the Mongolian language.

Architecture

The National Museum of China is an impressive architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese design with modern features. The museum building covers an area of 192,000 square meters and boasts a unique shape reminiscent of a giant bronze tripod. The structure is made up of two main wings, with the northern section representing Chinese culture and the southern section representing Chinese history. The façade is decorated with traditional Chinese motifs, including cloud patterns and dragon scales, while the interior features modern galleries and exhibition spaces. The building’s design is also energy-efficient, utilizing natural light and ventilation to reduce its carbon footprint.

Map of National Museum of CHina

Vlog about National Museum of China

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Security Check and Entrance: Pay attention to the signs for security check. The left side leads to the National Museum, while the right side leads to Tiananmen Square. To avoid confusion, you can ask the staff or simply follow the path on the left. Security check is divided into separate lines for men and women.

Prepare Food and Water: The National Museum is quite large, so it’s advisable to bring some snacks. While water is available inside from drinking fountains, having some extra with you might be helpful. Plan for at least two hours to have a cursory look around, but if you have enough time, allocate at least four hours to explore the museum thoroughly.

Audio Guide Rental: Audio guides are available for rent on the 4th floor for 48 yuan for a duration of 3 hours, with a deposit of 200 yuan.

Identification and Dress Code: Make sure to bring your ID as it may be required for entry. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals, as they may not be allowed for entry. Prohibited items include lighters, tripods, stabilizers, etc. When taking photos, refrain from using flash. Food brought into the museum can only be consumed in designated areas.

Ticket Reservation: To enhance visitor experience, the National Museum requires advance ticket reservation. You can book tickets online up to seven days in advance, with three time slots available each day: 9:00-11:00, 11:00-13:30, and 13:30-16:00.

Luggage Storage: The museum provides storage facilities for luggage. The fee is 5 yuan for small items and 10 yuan for larger ones. Make sure to retrieve your belongings before 5:00 PM.

Wheelchair and Stroller Rental: Wheelchairs and strollers are available for free at the service desk on the lower level, with a deposit of 500 yuan.