Is the National Museum of China free, and do I need my passport?

Yes, entry is free, but you must reserve a timed slot in advance through the museum's WeChat mini-program, up to seven days ahead. Bring the physical passport you booked with to enter and clear security. Same-day walk-ins almost never get in, so do not arrive without a reservation.

How do I get to the National Museum of China?

It sits on the east side of Tiananmen Square at 16 East Chang'an Avenue, directly across from the Great Hall of the People. The metro reaches it directly, and the location pairs naturally with a Tiananmen or Forbidden City visit. Note it is closed on Mondays, so plan another day if Monday is free.

How much time do I need inside?

Allow at least three hours; the building exceeds 200,000 square meters and holds over a million objects, so it is easy to get lost. First-timers should head straight to the basement 'Ancient China' exhibit, which covers 5,000 years of history. The upper-floor modern-history galleries are optional if time is short.

National Museum of China, Beijing: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

China's flagship museum — world's largest by visitor count, free with passport, on the east side of Tiananmen Square.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 中国国家博物馆 (Guó Jiā Bó Wù Guǎn)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Best time to visit: Right when it opens (9:00), before tour groups arrive
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 16 East Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng District, Beijing · 东城区东长安街16号

See National Museum of Chinatickets & tours

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The National Museum of China is China's official keeper of national-level treasures, formed in 2003 by merging the previous National Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. With 200,000+ square meters and 1.4 million objects, it's one of the largest museums in the world — and the second-most-visited globally after the Louvre. Free entry with a passport (reserve a slot up to 7 days in advance through the museum's WeChat mini-program; same-day walk-ins almost never get in). The 'Ancient China' permanent exhibit on the basement level walks through 5,000 years from Paleolithic stone tools to Qing imperial porcelain — the must-see for first-timers. The 'Road of Rejuvenation' exhibit on the upper floors covers modern Chinese history with state-narrative framing. Allow at least 3 hours; the building is enormous and you will get lost. Closed Mondays.

Highlights

Free Entry With Passport (持护照免费)Reserve via the museum's WeChat mini-program 1-7 days ahead
'Ancient China' Permanent Exhibit (古代中国)Basement level; 5,000 years of artifacts. The unmissable section
Houmuwu Ding Bronze (后母戊鼎)Largest ancient bronze vessel in the world; 832 kg, Shang dynasty
Tang Tri-color Pottery (唐三彩)Famous glazed ceramics; spectacular horse and camel figurines
Closed MondaysReservation required; bring passport; allow 3+ hours

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Reserve your free slot the moment it opens; popular days fill fast and walk-ins are essentially impossible.
▸Arrive right at the 9:00 opening to reach the basement 'Ancient China' galleries before tour groups flood in.
▸Head straight down to the basement first; that single permanent exhibit is the highlight if you only have a few hours.
▸Find the Houmuwu Ding, the world's largest ancient bronze vessel at 832 kg, a Shang-dynasty showpiece many visitors miss.
▸Closed Mondays; pair it with Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City since they sit minutes apart.
▸The museum is cash-friendly for any on-site purchases, so carry some RMB rather than relying on a foreign card.
▸The Tang tri-color glazed horses and camels are smaller crowd-pullers but among the most photogenic ceramics on display.

Photos

people walking on street near brown and white concrete building during daytime

A view of historic architecture within the Forbidden City, Beijing, highlighting ornate stone carvings.

Black and white image of Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest stadium, showcasing its unique architecture.

empty brown and white building during daytime

Discover Beijing's modern and traditional architecture reflected in a serene lakeside view.

brown and green temple near lake under blue sky during daytime

Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing, showcasing historic architecture and city skyline.

a large building with a red wall and a red wall below it

Close-up of the Forbidden City's ornate architecture in Beijing, showcasing traditional Chinese design.

a large building with a lot of people walking around it

Close-up view of ornate architectural details in Beijing's Forbidden City, showcasing traditional Chinese design elements.

cars parked in front of red and brown building

A stunning Fou Lion statue guards the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, under a clear sky.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Daniel R.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Free entry but you MUST book online 7 days ahead. Bring passport. Most of the major Chinese historical artifacts are here.

2026-02-19

Aisha K.·Google Maps·5/5

Allocate at least 3 hours. The Ancient China exhibit alone is 8 chronological halls. English signage is good.

2026-03-29

国博迷·Xiaohongshu·5/5

后母戊大方鼎、四羊方尊都在这里！比故宫更系统地讲中国通史。一定要预约。

2026-01-11

Peter W.·Ctrip·4/5

On the east side of Tiananmen Square. Combine with morning Tiananmen visit. Bag check is strict — no large bags.

2026-04-23

Kara T.·TripAdvisor·5/5

The Road of Rejuvenation exhibit is intentional state messaging — interesting whether you agree with it or not.

2026-02-05

Videos

12 Priceless Treasures Inside The National Museum of China (Part 1/2) | Ep.18 北京国家博物馆拥有全中国各个地方的伟大文物

The Monkey Kang

National Museum of China Vlog - Inside One of the World's Largest Museums! 🇨🇳

The Curious Tourists 🌍

Frequently asked questions about National Museum of China

Is the National Museum of China free, and do I need my passport?: Yes, entry is free, but you must reserve a timed slot in advance through the museum's WeChat mini-program, up to seven days ahead. Bring the physical passport you booked with to enter and clear security. Same-day walk-ins almost never get in, so do not arrive without a reservation.
How do I get to the National Museum of China?: It sits on the east side of Tiananmen Square at 16 East Chang'an Avenue, directly across from the Great Hall of the People. The metro reaches it directly, and the location pairs naturally with a Tiananmen or Forbidden City visit. Note it is closed on Mondays, so plan another day if Monday is free.
How much time do I need inside?: Allow at least three hours; the building exceeds 200,000 square meters and holds over a million objects, so it is easy to get lost. First-timers should head straight to the basement 'Ancient China' exhibit, which covers 5,000 years of history. The upper-floor modern-history galleries are optional if time is short.