National Museum of China

The National Museum occupies the eastern side of Tiananmen Square in a building of nearly two hundred thousand square metres, formed in 2003 from the merger of two earlier museums and reopened in 2011 after a major reconstruction that made it one of the largest museum buildings anywhere. Its permanent exhibition of Ancient China runs through the dynasties with objects of exceptional quality: the Simuwu ding, a bronze ritual vessel of over eight hundred kilograms cast in the Shang dynasty, jade suits, Tang figures, and ceramics across the full range of Chinese production. Special exhibitions occupy multiple floors. Entry is free but requires booking with passport details several days ahead.

What you actually see

• The Simuwu ding - the massive Shang bronze ritual vessel.
• The Ancient China galleries - the permanent chronological exhibition.
• The jade and ceramics - collections spanning several thousand years.
• The building - one of the largest museum structures in the world.

When to go

Year-round, since it is indoors; weekdays are far quieter than weekends and Chinese holidays. Booking opens a set number of days ahead and slots for popular periods disappear quickly. Security screening on entry is thorough.

Honest expectations

Free entry requires advance online registration with a passport, which foreign visitors often find difficult, and same-day entry is not possible. The museum is enormous and cannot be seen in one visit. English labelling is uneven.

Nearby

Tiananmen Square is directly west; the Forbidden City lies beyond it.