National Museum of China: Complete Visitor's Guide
The National Museum of China, located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, is the world's largest single museum building by floor space. With 48 exhibition halls and over 1.43 million artifacts, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of Chinese civilization.
Why Visit National Museum of China
- World's largest museum by building area (200,000 square meters)
- Houses over 1.43 million precious artifacts
- Features 48 exhibition halls across multiple floors
- Home to numerous national treasures and cultural relics
- Free admission with advance reservation
Essential Visit Information
Admission & Booking
- Free admission through WeChat Official Account
- Tickets released at 17:00 daily for dates 7 days in advance
- Three visiting time slots:
- 09:00 - 11:00
- 11:00 - 13:30
- 13:30 - 16:00
Opening Hours & Access
- Open: 09:00 - 17:00
- Closed: Mondays (except holidays)
- Last entry: 16:00
- Strict adherence to booked time slots required
- ID card required for entry
Recommended Routes
Express Route (3 hours)
- Ancient China Exhibition (B1 North Area)
- Six Exhibitions (4F South Area)
- Ancient Food Culture (3F North Area)
- First National Emblem (2F)
Detailed Route (5 hours)
First Stop: B1 Ancient China (2 hours)
- Eight chronological sections from prehistoric to Qing Dynasty
- Features major national treasures
- Cultural relic shop at exit
Second Stop: 4F South Area (2 hours)
View six exhibitions:
- Ancient Currency
- Bronze Mirrors
- Technology
- Costume
- Ceramics
- Jade Articles
Third Stop: 3F North Area (30 minutes)
- Ancient Food Culture exhibition
- Features imported food history display
Fourth Stop: 2F North Area (30 minutes)
- White Porcelain exhibition
- National emblem display
Must-See National Treasures
Prehistoric Period
- Eagle-shaped pottery ding
- Jade dragon
- Jade cong
Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties
- Houmuwu Square Cauldron
- Bronze mask
- Four-goat Square Zun
Spring and Autumn & Warring States Period
- Bronze Chime Bells
- King of Wu's Sword
- Ice Mirror
Qin and Han Dynasties
- Gold Thread Jade Suit
- Bronze Rhinoceros
- Singing and Drumming Figurines
Visitor Facilities
Rest Areas
- First floor: North and South wing staircases
- B1: Ancient China exhibition side stairs
- Benches in less crowded exhibition halls
Dining Options
- B1 North Area dining zone
- 4F South Area cafeteria
- 2F Museum Café
- Light refreshments and beverages available
Shopping
- B1 Cultural Creative Store
- First floor North Area gift shop
- Temporary stalls at exhibition exits
Essential Tips
- What to Bring
- ID card (required for three checkpoints)
- Water bottle (drinking fountains available)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Power bank (under 20,000mAh)
- Headphones for audio guides
- Security Check Information
- Water bottles must be tested
- Food allowed but no consumption in exhibition halls
- Power banks over 20,000mAh not permitted
- No lighters or selfie sticks
- No tripods allowed
- Special Services
- Free wheelchairs (ID and ¥500 deposit required)
- Free strollers (ID and ¥500 deposit required)
- Priority access for elderly visitors
- Free audio guide via official app
Transportation
By Metro (Recommended)
- Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station
- Exit C or D (within 10 meters of museum)
By Bus
- Routes: 1, 2, 52, 82, 120
- Tourist Bus Routes 1 and 2
- Stop at Tiananmen East Station
Best Times to Visit
- Morning sessions recommended (9:00-11:00)
- Weekdays less crowded than weekends
- Allow minimum 3 hours for essential exhibitions
- Plan 5-6 hours for comprehensive visit