The National Museum of China stands at 16 East Chang'an Avenue in Dongcheng District, Beijing, facing one of the city's most famous boulevards. It is also known by its Chinese name, 中国国家博物馆, and it is the world's second-largest museum by floor area, a fact that shapes the visit: this is a place to plan for, not to rush through.
What you will see
The museum presents Chinese history and culture from ancient times to the present day. Its collections include a wide range of Chinese artifacts and art, so a visitor can move through successive periods and follow how the country's material and visual culture developed over long stretches of time.
A significant part of the displays is given over to revolutionary history. These exhibits trace the modern political story of the country, offering a different lens from the galleries of earlier antiquity.
Planning your visit
- Allow a full day if you want to see more than a few galleries, given the museum's very large floor area.
- Choose your focus in advance, whether ancient artifacts, Chinese art, or the revolutionary history galleries.
- Check details before you go by calling +86-10-6511-6400, as opening arrangements and visitor services are best confirmed directly with the museum.
The area around it
Its location on East Chang'an Avenue places it in the heart of Beijing's central district, within reach of other well-known sites in the same part of the city. Pairing a visit here with a walk along the avenue makes for a full and varied day in the capital.
