Atlas of China
National Museum of China 中国国家博物馆Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn
Ancient bronzes, jades and porcelain in a vast museum beside Tian'anmen Square
- Best time
- Year-round
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Days to budget
- Half a day
- Stay in
- Beijing
- Region
- Beijing
- Type
- Culture
- Listed as
- UNESCO World Heritage
Why go to National Museum of China
On the east side of Tian'anmen Square, part of the Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Site, the National Museum of China occupies a building completed in 1959 and reopened in 2011 after four years of renovation. Start with Ancient China on the basement floor, which follows Chinese history in eight periods from prehistory to the Ming and Qing dynasties, then choose among themed galleries on subjects such as ancient jade, porcelain, Buddhist sculpture and money.
The story
Among its treasures is the Houmuwu Ding, a ritual bronze cauldron of the Shang dynasty weighing more than 830 kilograms, which the museum describes as the world's heaviest surviving bronze ware. It was unearthed in 1939 at Anyang in Henan province, near the ruins of the last Shang capital.
What to see at National Museum of China
- Ancient China 古代中国: The basement-floor permanent exhibition tells Chinese history from prehistory to the Qing in eight periods, with about two thousand objects, hundreds of them top-grade national treasures.
- Houmuwu Ding 后母戊鼎: The huge Shang-dynasty bronze cauldron weighs about 833 kilograms, unearthed at Anyang in 1939.
- Four-sheep square zun 四羊方尊: A Shang bronze wine vessel with a sheep's head and curling horns at each corner.
- Han jade burial suits 金缕玉衣: Suits made of small jade plates sewn together with gold thread, made for Han nobles to wear in death.
- Porcelain gallery 中国古代瓷器展: A themed gallery of Chinese ceramics, one of several along with coins, Buddhist sculpture and costume.
How to visit National Museum of China
Enter by the north gate on East Chang'an Avenue, go through security, and head straight down to Ancient China on the basement floor, which is the best use of a first visit. Choose one or two themed galleries after that, such as porcelain or jade; the building is huge and trying to see everything will leave you tired. Book your slot in advance and bring your passport.
How to get to National Museum of China
Take Metro Line 1 to Tian'anmen East and leave by Exit C or D; visitors enter by the North Gate on East Chang'an Avenue.
Where to stay
Stay in the Qianmen and Dongcheng hutong areas, or near Wangfujing, to be within walking distance of the museum and Tiananmen Square.
What to eat
- Peking roast duck (Běijīng kǎoyā) 北京烤鸭: Qianmen, a short walk south, is where the Quanjude duck restaurant began in 1864; thin-skinned roast duck is served with pancakes, spring onion and sweet bean sauce.
- Shaomai dumplings (shāomai) 烧卖: Open-topped steamed dumplings, a speciality of long-established shops on Qianmen Street.
Tips for visiting National Museum of China
- Entry must be reserved on the museum's official website, up to seven days ahead, with your passport; bring the same passport and the confirmation on the day.
- The museum is closed on Mondays except Chinese national public holidays.
- You will be asked to deposit hand luggage after the security check, and flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
Nearby
- Tiananmen Square 天安门广场 under 10 km
A vast ceremonial square below Tian'anmen gate, where the national flag is raised at dawn - Qianmen Street and Dashilar 前门大街·大栅栏 under 10 km
A pedestrian avenue below Qianmen gate and a lane of shops trading since Qing times - Forbidden City 故宫 under 10 km
Six centuries of imperial power behind vermilion walls in the heart of Beijing - Beihai Park 北海公园 under 10 km
A former imperial lake garden crowned by a white Tibetan-style stupa on its island - Temple of Heaven 天坛 under 10 km
Where emperors prayed for harvests, and where Beijing now dances, sings and plays cards - Prince Gong's Mansion 恭王府 under 10 km
A Qing courtyard mansion and rock garden, home first to a corrupt minister, then a prince
Also within 30 km: Peking Legation Quarter (Dongjiaominxiang) 东交民巷 (under 10 km), Imperial Historical Archives (Huangshicheng) 皇史宬 (under 10 km), Xijiaominxiang Historic Bank Buildings 西交民巷近代银行建筑群 (under 10 km), Imperial Ancestral Temple 太庙 (under 10 km), Zhongshan Park 中山公园 (under 10 km), Pudu Temple 普度寺 (under 10 km).
On the map
Open National Museum of China on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open National Museum of China on the map