National Museum of China
中国国家博物馆 · Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn
China’s national museum of history and art, on the east side of Tiananmen Square.
Booking requiredBring your passport2–3 hours
Tip
Enter by the North Gate on Chang’an Avenue with the passport you booked with.
- Opening hours
- 09:00–17:00 (to 17:30 Jun–Oct). Closed Mondays except national holidays.
- Price
- Free
- How to book
- Free timed booking on the official English site pcticket.chnmuseum.cn, up to 7 days ahead. New slots open daily at 17:00. One booking per account per week, up to 5 people. Passport holders can also use the manual service window at the entrance, which can help with same-day entry if places remain. Could not get tickets? Tell us what you need
- Getting there
- Tian’anmen East (Line 1)
- Address in Chinese
- 北京市东城区东长安街16号
Photo: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China · CC0
From other travelers
Write a reviewTravel guides
How to book museums in China as a foreigner (2026)Most top museums in China are free but need a timed booking with your passport. Release times, where WeChat is required, and what to do if you miss out.
Tiananmen Square reservation: how foreigners book a visit (2026)Free real-name booking 1–7 days ahead, released at 12:00 China time. Which channel to use, the flag-raising slot, security and what to leave at the hotel.
Beijing in 4 days: a practical itinerary with booking timesForbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace in four days, with a checklist of when each booking opens and how to avoid Mondays.Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-09-27. Rules change often, so confirm on the official site before you go.
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