National Museum of China
中国国家博物馆
Free museum on the square, bronzes galore
⚠ Free; ID booking needed
- Hours
- 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm). Usually closed Mondays
- Tickets
- Free (real-name reservation required)
- Address
- 16 East Chang'an Street, Dongcheng, on the east side of Tiananmen Square
A colossal stone building takes up the whole eastern side of Tiananmen Square, with ceilings far overhead and corridors that seem endless. The Ancient China exhibition runs through bronze vessels, jade and ceramics in order, a quick way to get the shape of Chinese history. Entry is free but requires a real-name reservation, and IDs are checked at the door. You will not see everything in a day, so pick your halls first.