At 47 acres (19 hectares) the National Museum of China is among the largest museums in the world. It’s a great place to learn about Chinese culture and the history of long-lost dynasties. You can spend a good part of the day wandering through the museum’s halls.
Upon entry you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer scope of exhibits. You won’t have enough time to see all the items in the collection, which numbers about a million. Start with the rotating exhibits and then move on to the collections that pique your interest most. You can always come back for the free basic exhibits.
The permanent exhibits span 5,000 years of Chinese history. Follow this history through the treasure trove of precious artifacts, such as rare porcelain pieces, antique gold and silver jewelry, old currency pieces and jade objects from Neolithic times. You’ll see portraits of Buddha and Mao everywhere you look, so history, religion and politics go hand-in-hand at this museum.
Take a break in the on-site café before seeing more highlights. Find the ancient bronze cooking vessel known as Simuwu Ding and the incisors of an ancient Homo erectus, dubbed Yuanmou Man. The ceremonial Han Dynasty jade burial suit is another eye-catching piece.
Set aside an hour or so for the ever-changing artwork displays, which often come from all over the world. Some books in the museum shop are in English, so you can stock up on documentation about Chinese architecture and folklore.
The National Museum of China on Tiananmen Square is open daily, except Mondays. Entry is free for the basic exhibits, but you’ll need to bring your passport to enter. Arrive early to make the most of your visit, as the ticket booth for the more elaborate and rotating exhibits closes mid afternoon.
National Museum of China Tours and Activities
Visit National Museum of China
Plan a trip to see National Museum of China
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Reviewed on May 29, 2024
East Sacred Hotel-near Beijing Tiananmen Square,the Forbidden City,Wangfujing Street-Newly renovated hotel
Reviewed on Apr. 9, 2024
Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel
Reviewed on Jun. 3, 2024
Popular places to visit
Monument to the People's Heroes
You can learn about the history of Beijing when you stop by Monument to the People's Heroes. Discover the entertainment choices and temples in this culturally rich area.
Tiananmen Square
One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.
China Museum of History
You can browse the exhibits at China Museum of History, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
View the entombed body of Chairman Mao Zedong, which rests within his vast mausoleum in the middle of the famous Tiananmen Square.
Dongcheng Dongjiaomin Lane
During your trip to Beijing, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Dongcheng Dongjiaomin Lane. Experience the fascinating museums and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.
Tiananmen
Find out about the history of Beijing with a stop at Tiananmen. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.
Best Lodging Options Near National Museum of China
Check availability on hotels close to National Museum of China
- Vacations and getaways similar to National Museum of China
- Other Hotels near National Museum of China, Downtown Beijing
- Hotels near popular Beijing Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- The Imperial Mansion, Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments
- Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
- Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
- The PuXuan Hotel and Spa
- Grand Hotel Beijing
- Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel Wangfujing
- Beijing Hotel
- New World Beijing Hotel
- Waldorf Astoria Beijing
- LiveFortuna Hotel
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central
- Hotels near Forbidden City
- Hotels near Tiananmen Square
- Hotels near Tsinghua University
- Hotels near Sanlitun Road
- Hotels near The Palace Museum
- Hotels near Temple of Heaven
- Hotels near Peking University
- Hotels near Beijing Qianmen Street
- Hotels near China National Convention Center
- Hotels near Beijing Financial Street
- Hotels near Beihai Park
- Hotels near Beijing Language and Culture University
- Hotels near China International Exhibition Center