National Museum of China
中国国家博物馆
A national comprehensive museum on the east side of Tiananmen Square. Its permanent exhibition 'Ancient China' brings together national treasures such as the Houmuwu Ding.
The National Museum of China is one of the largest single-building museums in the world by floor area. The 'Ancient China' exhibition traces the dynasties through treasures including the Houmuwu Ding, the Sheep-shaped Square Zun, the Drum-playing Storyteller Figurine and the jade burial suit sewn with gold thread. Other displays include 'The Road of Rejuvenation' and rotating special exhibitions. Admission is free, but you must book in advance on the official mini-program seven days ahead with real-name registration. Popular time slots sell out as soon as tickets are released. The museum is closed on Mondays. Security lines can be long, so arrive before 9 a.m. Enter through the West Gate on the Chang'an Avenue side. Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East station.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Nearby sights
- Tiananmen Square
- Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
- Zhengyangmen (Qianmen)
- Imperial Ancestral Temple
- Zhongshan Park (Beijing)
- Lao She Teahouse
- Qianmen Street & Dashilar
- National Centre for the Performing Arts