Attraction
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The walled palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, now the Palace Museum, with almost a thousand surviving buildings and a vast collection of art and…
National Museum of China
China's national museum on the east side of Tiananmen Square, with free permanent galleries covering ancient China from prehistoric times to the Qing dynasty.
At a glance
- Type
- National history and art museum
- Area
- Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Good to know
- Free permanent exhibitions
- Advance reservation required
- Closed Mondays except public holidays
Why we recommend it
The National Museum of China fills a huge building on the east side of Tiananmen Square. The building was completed in 1959 as one of the Ten Great Buildings, and housed two museums, of Chinese history and of the Chinese revolution, which merged in 2003. After four years of rebuilding it reopened on 17 March 2011 with 28 new halls, and it now has about 200,000 square metres of floor space. In 2021 it was among the most visited museums in the world.
The collection runs to well over a million items. The ancient China galleries trace the country's history from prehistoric cultures through to the Qing dynasty, with bronzes, jade, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist sculpture and coins. Objects to look for include the Houmuwu Ding, a Shang dynasty bronze cauldron weighing 832.84 kilograms and the heaviest ancient bronze vessel known, the Fu Hao owl zun and Han dynasty jade burial suits. The Road to Rejuvenation exhibition covers modern Chinese history from the First Opium War onwards, and there are regular special exhibitions.
According to a China Daily guide published in July 2026, the permanent exhibitions are free but every visitor must reserve in advance, through the museum's official WeChat mini program or designated online platforms. Book early, especially during holidays and the summer season, and bring your passport, which is checked on entry. The museum is closed on Mondays except on public holidays. In the winter season, from 1 November to 31 May, it opens from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Because the museum sits inside the Tiananmen Square security zone, taxis cannot drop you at the door. Take Line 1 to Tian'anmen East, or Line 2 to Qianmen and walk north across the square. Expect a security check before entry.
Allow at least three to four hours, more if you want to see the bronzes and ceramics properly. Weekday mornings soon after opening and late afternoons are quieter than weekends and public holidays. The museum makes a good pairing with the Forbidden City, which is just to the north, though doing both in one day is tiring. Wangfujing and Jingshan Park are also close.
National Museum of China FAQs
Is the National Museum of China free?
Yes, the permanent exhibitions are free, but every visitor must reserve in advance.
How do you reserve?
Book through the museum's official WeChat mini program or designated online platforms, and bring your passport.
When is it closed?
It is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.
What are the winter hours?
From 1 November to 31 May it opens 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
How do you get there?
Take Line 1 to Tian'anmen East, or Line 2 to Qianmen and walk north; taxis cannot drop off at the entrance.
How long should I allow?
At least three to four hours.
What are the highlights?
The ancient China galleries, including the Houmuwu Ding, the Fu Hao owl zun and Han jade burial suits.
When is it quietest?
Weekday mornings soon after opening, or late afternoon.