Guangdong Museum
The Guangdong Museum stands as a cultural landmark in Guangzhou's Zhujiang New Town. This national first-class museum, designed to resemble a traditional Chinese ivory puzzle box, spans 67,000 square meters and serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Lingnan region.
Overview
The museum houses over 320,000 artifacts spanning history, nature, art, and revolutionary relics. Its collections include ancient calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, maritime artifacts, and distinctive Chaozhou woodcarvings. The museum's ancient calligraphy, painting, and ceramic collections rank among China's finest, while its exported artworks, maritime artifacts, and overseas Chinese cultural relics make it unique among national museums.
Planning Your Visit
Admission and Reservations
- Free admission with advance reservation
- Reservations required through WeChat Official Account "广东省博物馆"
- Reservations open daily at 22:00 for the next 7 days
- Real-name registration required
- Maximum 10 visitors per account
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 16:00)
- Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
- Special summer evening openings until 20:30 on select Fridays
Transportation
- Metro:
- Line 3: Exit B1 at Zhujiang New Town Station
- Line 5: Exit D at Liede Station
- Bus:
- Routes 18, 886, 669, 293: Alight at Xiancu Road South Station
- Routes 40, 407: Alight at Guangzhou Opera House West Gate
Exhibition Highlights
History Gallery
The gallery chronicles Guangdong's evolution from prehistoric times through the Baiyue period to modern history. A highlight is the Southern Song Dynasty "Nanhai No. 1" shipwreck collection, featuring exquisite porcelain from famous kilns like Dehua, Longquan, and Jingdezhen.
Natural History Gallery
This section features impressive marine life exhibits and dinosaur fossils. The marine gallery creates an immersive underwater atmosphere with tropical fish, coral displays, and whale skeleton specimens.
Art Gallery
The art section showcases Lingnan's artistic heritage through paintings, ceramics, and woodcarvings. The Chaozhou woodcarving collection is particularly noteworthy, featuring intricate gold-leafed pieces depicting mythology, historical stories, and nature.
Special Exhibition Hall
This space hosts rotating exhibitions from domestic and international museums, offering fresh perspectives and cultural experiences throughout the year.
Must-See Attractions
- The famous white-cut chicken jade carving (4th floor)
- Marine World exhibition area
- 22-meter dinosaur skeleton spanning two floors
- Chaozhou woodcarving hall with its golden shrine
Visitor Tips
- Photography allowed without flash or tripods
- Free audio guides available (¥20 deposit)
- Luggage storage provided
- Maintain quiet and avoid touching exhibits
- No pets allowed (except guide dogs)
- Advance permission required for guided tours or interviews
Nearby Dining
The area around the museum offers excellent Cantonese cuisine options:
- Traditional Cantonese roast goose at Taotaoju (陶陶居)
- Rice noodle rolls at Yin Kee (银记肠粉)
- Dim sum at Dian Du De (点都德)
- Local desserts at Hundred Flowers Dessert Shop (百花甜品)
Essential Information
⏰ Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed Mondays) 🎫 Admission: Free with reservation ⌛ Recommended visit: 3-4 hours for detailed tour, 1-2 hours for highlights 🎯 Suggested route:
- 4F: Guangdong History and Culture, Natural Resources
- 3.5F: Marine Life and Dinosaur Exhibits
- 3F: Inkstone Gallery and Chaozhou Woodcarving
The Guangdong Museum offers a comprehensive journey through the region's history, nature, and art. With proper planning using this guide, visitors can enjoy a rewarding cultural experience in one of China's premier museums.