The National Museum of China is the largest modern museum complex in the world, covering an area of about 200,000 square meters and containing 48 exhibition halls. The museum`s collection includes more than 1.43 million exhibits of various categories: from ancient historical artifacts to works of modern and contemporary art.
Here you will find more than 6,000 items (sets) classified as first-class national historical monuments. The museum hosts about fifty temporary and traveling exhibitions annually.
How the Museum Was Formed
The museum was founded in 1912. The modern National Museum of China as a single complex was formed in 2003 by merging two large museum institutions. Since then, it has become the main national museum dedicated to China`s cultural heritage.
Main Exhibitions of the National Museum of China
"Ancient China" — the Soul of the Museum
The permanent exhibition on level B1 (underground floor) is the heart of the museum and a mandatory starting point for any visitor. Here is gathered the most complete collection of cultural relics and national treasures, arranged in chronological order from prehistoric times to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is in this hall that most of the 24 cultural relics prohibited from export from China are located. The exhibition includes more than 5,000 artifacts: stone tools, bronze, ceramics.
Thematic Exhibitions
On the fourth floor are permanent thematic expositions dedicated to ancient coins, jade, and Buddhist sculpture. Here you can see the famous "wall of coins" and exquisite examples of Buddhist art.
Modern and Contemporary Exhibitions
On the second floor are exhibitions dedicated to modern and contemporary art of China.
Temporary Exhibitions
On the third floor, temporary special exhibitions are held. At different periods, unique artifacts from all over the country are displayed here.
The Most Interesting Exhibits of the National Museum of China
Bronze Cauldron Houmuwu Ding
The largest and heaviest bronze artifact ever found in the world. It weighs 832.84 kilograms, height — 133 centimeters, width at the mouth — 110 centimeters. Creating such a colossal vessel more than three thousand years ago was a true technological miracle. Standing in front of it, you feel completely small.
Bronze Vessel "Four Rams"
This ritual vessel was used for state ceremonies. In its creation, the technique of "double casting" was used: complex details, such as ram horns and dragon heads, were cast separately and then integrated into the main body of the vessel. In ancient Chinese culture, the ram symbolized well-being, prosperity, gentleness, and wealth.
Jade Dragon of the Hongshan Culture
A sacred object for ritual communication with deities or a symbol of tribal power. This is the earliest and most complete jade item in the form of a dragon discovered in China; it is called the "First Dragon of China." Age — from 5,000 to 6,500 years.
Crown of Empress Xiaoduan
Decorated with 71 rubies, 57 sapphires, and 5,447 natural river pearls, inlaid with filigree and almost 2,000 blue-green kingfisher feathers. Nine dragons and nine phoenixes symbolize the highest status of the empress. One of the most popular exhibits of the museum, often requires waiting in line.
Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread
A burial suit worn after death by members of the imperial family and nobility of the Han Dynasty. It consists of 1,203 jade plates sewn together with 2,567 grams of gold wire. It was believed to preserve the body. This is the first complete and well-preserved imperial burial suit of the Han Dynasty discovered in China.
Clay Figurine of a Storyteller with a Drum
A terracotta statuette of a storyteller beating the rhythm on a drum. A lively and expressive sculpture conveying the atmosphere of a street performance of the Han era.
Three-Color Ceramic Camel with Musicians
A vivid example of three-color ceramics of the Tang era (618–907). A camel carrying musicians is a symbol of lively trade and cultural exchange on the Great Silk Road.
Ceramic Vessel in the Shape of an Eagle
A national treasure from the list of 195 relics prohibited from export. This artifact is 5,000 years old; its sharp eagle appearance and rounded body create an unexpected contrast.
Ritual Vessel Li Gui
The earliest "official press release" in Chinese history. It confirms the authenticity of Sima Qian`s "Historical Records," in particular the legendary Battle of Muye.
Bone Flute from Jiahu
The oldest musical instrument in the world. According to some evidence, its sound possesses healing properties.
What Else Worth Knowing About the National Museum of China
Digital exhibitions. The museum uses modern technologies to demonstrate heritage. In 2023, the digital hall "Digital World of the Bronze Vessel in the Shape of a Rhinoceros" opened, where with the help of the internet, big data, cloud computing, 3D scanning, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, the artifact is presented from different angles — from the history of discovery to casting technology and decorative patterns.
Cultural souvenirs. Products of the museum`s cultural creativity are especially popular. Since 2024, more than one million copies of wooden and metal refrigerator magnets made in the shape of the crown of Empress Xiaoduan have been sold. This is the museum`s best-selling souvenir in almost two decades.
Practical Information on Buying Tickets to the National Museum of China
Tickets: Free, but Hard to Get
Admission to the National Museum of China is free, but a mandatory reservation system is in place. This is the most difficult part of the visit: tickets sell out almost instantly.
The main rule: tickets open exactly 7 days before the date of visit, and daily at 17:00. At this moment, thousands of people simultaneously try to book slots. On weekends, tickets sell out literally in a minute.
There are no ticket offices on site. You cannot come and buy a ticket — it is impossible. Without a preliminary reservation, entry is not permitted.
How to Book
Booking only through the official museum website or the official mini-app in WeChat. Third-party services do not guarantee entry.
What is needed for booking:
• A valid identity document (for foreigners — passport)
• Each visitor needs a separate booking with their real name
Time slots (selected when booking):
• 9:00–11:00
• 11:00–13:30
• 13:30–16:00 (in high season from June 1 to October 31 — until 16:30)
How to Catch a Ticket
Here is what actually works in practice:
• In advance, enter the data of all visitors into your personal account. After adding, contacts cannot be changed for 30 days.
• At 16:55, go to the booking page and start refreshing it. At 17:00, the slots will open — you need to act instantly.
• Do not hesitate over the choice of slot. If you doubt — tickets will run out. Press "book" as soon as the page loads.
• If everything is sold out — do not give up. Cancelled bookings appear again. Check at 17:00–17:10, 22:00–23:00, and the next morning from 10:00 to 11:00.
• The morning slot (9:00–11:00) is the most convenient: fewer people, more time for viewing.
What Else Is Important
• Being late = refusal of entry. You must come strictly in the booked slot. They will not let you in earlier either — you will have to wait outside.
• The original document is mandatory. Digital copies and photos are not accepted. For foreigners — passport.
• Monday is a day off (except public holidays).
• If you miss 3 bookings — blocking for 30 days.
• Resellers and unofficial guides are prosecuted; the museum works with the police. Buying tickets through third hands is a risk of losing money and data.
The National Museum of China is a place where in one visit you can get acquainted with the country`s history spanning several millennia. There is no need to be an expert in history or art: the expositions are arranged so that even a casual visitor leaves with vivid impressions and new knowledge. The museum`s collection is so diverse that everyone will find something of their own here — whether it is ancient bronze, exquisite jade, Buddhist sculpture, or contemporary art.
The main thing to remember before visiting: the National Museum of China is huge, and it is very difficult to go around it completely in one go. It is better to choose a few key halls in advance — first of all the "Ancient China" exhibition — and study them without rushing. This way the impression will be complete, and not blurred from fatigue.
