National Museum of China
Beijing Shi
The National Museum of China, situated on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, is the largest museum building in the world with a construction area of approximately 200,000 square meters. It houses over 1.4 million artifacts across 48 exhibition halls, offering a comprehensive overview of Chinese history from prehistoric times to the end of the Qing dynasty. Established in its current form in 2003 through the merger of the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History, the museum's building was originally completed in 1959 as one of the Ten Great Buildings commemorating the 10th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. After a major renovation completed in 2011, the exhibition space more than tripled, featuring state-of-the-art display and storage facilities. Its permanent exhibitions include "The Road to Rejuvenation," chronicling China's modern history and Communist Party achievements, and "Ancient China," which presents a chronological journey through Chinese civilization with thousands of priceless relics such as the Shang dynasty's Houmuwu Ding and Han dynasty jade burial suits. The museum blends cultural heritage with political history, offering visitors a unique insight into China's rich past and national identity.
Plan your trip to China, People's Republic of with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The museum is best visited on weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially outside major Chinese holidays. Advance online reservation is required for entry, with timed tickets limiting daily visitors to enhance the experience. Free guided tours are available at scheduled times for major exhibitions such as "Ancient China." Visitors should check the official website for current exhibitions and COVID-19 related policies. Discounts may be available for students and seniors with valid ID.
Interesting facts
- •The National Museum of China is the largest museum building in the world by single-building area, covering nearly 200,000 square meters.
- •It holds over 1.4 million artifacts, including the Houmuwu Ding, the heaviest ancient bronze vessel in the world weighing over 832 kg.
- •The museum's "Road to Rejuvenation" exhibit was the site where Xi Jinping first articulated the "Chinese Dream" political concept in 2012.
- •In 2021, it was the second most visited art museum globally after the Louvre, despite pandemic-related closures.
- •The museum houses rare artifacts such as Han dynasty jade burial suits sewn with gold thread and Tang dynasty tri-colored glazed ceramics.
- •A 9.5-meter tall bronze statue of Confucius was installed in the museum's north square in 2011, becoming a cultural landmark near Tiananmen Square.
History
The National Museum of China was formed in 2003 by merging two museums sharing the same building since 1959: the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History.
The building itself was completed in 1959 as part of the Ten Great Buildings celebrating the PRC's 10th anniversary.
It underwent a major renovation from 2007 to 2011, expanding its exhibition space significantly and modernizing its facilities.
The museum's origins trace back to early 20th century institutions safeguarding China's historical and revolutionary legacies.
In 2024, the museum's building complex became part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Beijing Central Axis.
Place Guide
Ancient China Exhibition
A permanent exhibition located in the museum's underground floor, showcasing 2,026 artifacts including 521 national first-class cultural relics. It traces Chinese history from prehistoric times through various dynasties such as Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, and Ming-Qing, illustrating the continuous development of Chinese civilization.
The Road to Rejuvenation
A permanent exhibition focusing on China's modern history from the First Opium War through the founding of the People's Republic of China to contemporary times. It emphasizes the Chinese Communist Party's role and achievements, featuring political artifacts and historical narratives.
Contact
Phone: 010 6511 6400
