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Nanjing Museum

The Nanjing Museum, established in 1933, stands as China's second-largest museum and one of the country's three major museums. Located in the ancient capital of Nanjing, this cultural treasure house showcases over 420,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, offering visitors an extraordinary journey through Chinese civilization.

Overview

The museum complex consists of six main exhibition halls: the History Gallery, Special Exhibition Hall, Art Gallery, Digital Gallery, Republic of China Gallery, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery. Each hall presents unique aspects of Chinese history and culture through carefully curated exhibitions and interactive displays.

Nanjing Museum's Jade Burial Suit

Essential Information

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
  • Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Admission

  • Free admission with advance reservation
  • Reservations can be made through the official WeChat mini-program
  • Booking opens at 6:00 PM daily for visits up to 7 days in advance
  • Two visiting sessions available:
    • Morning: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Afternoon: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Getting There

  • Metro: Take Line 2 to Minggugong Station, Exit 1. Walk east for about 300 meters
  • Bus: Routes 5, 34, 36, 55, and 59 to Zhongshan Gate Station
  • Not recommended to drive due to limited parking

Main Exhibitions

History Gallery

The History Gallery presents the ancient civilization of Jiangsu Province through an impressive collection of artifacts. Notable highlights include:

  • The Jade Burial Suit from the Han Dynasty, an extraordinary example of ancient Chinese craftsmanship
  • The Gold Seal of the King of Guangling, a significant historical relic
  • The Bronze Ox Lamp from the Eastern Han Dynasty
Nanjing Museum's Guangling Jade Seal

Special Exhibition Hall

This venue hosts temporary exhibitions featuring exceptional artifacts from the museum's collection and visiting exhibitions. The most famous piece is:

  • The Western Han Dynasty Golden Beast, China's largest discovered gold artifact, weighing 9,100 grams with 99% purity
Nanjing Museum Special Exhibition Hall Display

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery showcases traditional Chinese art through eight exhibition halls featuring:

  • Ancient Chinese paintings
  • Calligraphy works
  • Sculptures
  • Special galleries dedicated to famous artists including Fu Baoshi, Chen Zhifo, and Su Tianci

Digital Gallery

This innovative space combines physical and virtual exhibitions to create an immersive experience:

  • Interactive digital displays
  • Virtual reality experiences
  • Multimedia presentations of ancient civilizations

Republic of China Gallery

This gallery recreates the atmosphere of Nanjing during the Republic of China period (1912-1949):

  • Authentic street scenes
  • Period architecture
  • Traditional shops and businesses
  • Interactive exhibits showcasing daily life
Nanjing Museum Republic of China Gallery

Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery

This section celebrates Jiangsu's living cultural traditions through:

  • Live demonstrations of traditional crafts
  • Interactive workshops
  • Cultural performances
  • Exhibitions of traditional handicrafts

Visitor Tips

Essential Guidelines

  • Photography is allowed but without flash or tripods
  • No touching of exhibits
  • No food or drinks in exhibition areas
  • Bags and large items must be stored in lockers
  • Proper attire required

Services

  • Audio guides available for rent (20 yuan)
  • Free guided tours in Chinese at 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM
  • Storage lockers for personal belongings
  • Gift shops located in various halls
  • Restaurant in the basement of the History Gallery

Recommended Route

For time-efficient visits:

  1. Republic of China Gallery
  2. Special Exhibition Hall
  3. History Gallery

For complete tours:

  1. Art Gallery
  2. Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery
  3. Republic of China Gallery
  4. Digital Gallery
  5. Special Exhibition Hall
  6. History Gallery

Shopping

Cultural products and souvenirs are available at:

  • Boya Hui (Special Exhibition Hall, first floor)
  • History Gallery Shop (History Gallery, basement)
  • Bosu Tang (Cultural Plaza, basement)

Best Time to Visit

  • Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded
  • Avoid national holidays if possible
  • Allow 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit
  • Consider visiting during spring or autumn for comfortable weather

The Nanjing Museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Chinese history and culture through its vast collection of artifacts and innovative exhibitions. Whether you're a history enthusiast, art lover, or curious traveler, this world-class museum provides a deep insight into China's rich cultural heritage.