Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace
Explore the 2,000-year-old tomb of the Nanyue King and the ruins of his palace, a free historical treasure in Guangzhou.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 2,000-year-old tomb of the Nanyue King and the ruins of his palace, a free historical treasure in Guangzhou.
"Free entry for foreigners makes this a must-see for history buffs wanting to explore ancient Guangzhou."
🛂 Passport for Free Entry
Foreign visitors get free entry by showing their passport at the counter.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
Rent an audio guide if you don't understand Chinese for a richer experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nanyue King's Tomb
Underground Excavation Site
Step into the actual tomb of the Nanyue King, a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old burial site.
Artifacts Museum
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover exquisite jade suits, bronze vessels, and other treasures from the Western Han Dynasty.
Excavation Site Walkway
Ground Level
Walk above the unearthed foundations of the ancient royal palace, visualizing its former grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Passport & Free Entry
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Passport for Free Entry
Foreign visitors get free entry by showing their passport at the counter.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
Rent an audio guide if you don't understand Chinese for a richer experience.
History of the ancient Nanyue kingdom. If you're stopping by Guangzhou and interested in local history/culture, there's a 'Western Han Nanyue King Museum' that might be worth a visit.
Hidden, interesting spots to visit in GZ
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple buildings and the excavation site.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the extensive grounds and exhibits.
How many of you know about the Nanyue Kingdom?
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Passport for Free Entry
Foreign visitors get free entry by showing their passport at the counter.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
Rent an audio guide if you don't understand Chinese for a richer experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple buildings and the excavation site.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the extensive grounds and exhibits.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Signage can be confusing; take your time to find all the different buildings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Nanyue Palace Museum for its free admission for foreigners and the fascinating glimpse into ancient history, particularly the Nanyue King's tomb and excavated palace ruins. However, some find the signage confusing and note that parts of the site are still under renovation, which can detract from the experience for some.
"Subway:
- Subway Line 2 (Blue Line - beside the orange line; after 纪念堂 station) , Yuexiu Park Station Exit E
(地铁二号线，越秀公园站E出口), exit at Xinde Business Building after going out just turn right than walk less than 3 mins you will reach the museum.
Opening hours:
- Open all year round, closed for maintenance on February 28 and August 31.
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00- 17:30 (ticket sales and admission stop at 16:45),
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00- 21:00 (ticket sales stop at 20:00; admission stop at 20:10)
Ticket price:
- Full ticket 10 yuan, half ticket 5 yuan;
Free ticket:
- People over 70 years old, Guangzhou citizens
- over 65 years old, Guangzhou primary and secondary school students, disabled people, soldiers
*Please buy the ticket at weixin in advance, you also can buy the ticket in front of the counter for those didn't have weixin account)
Address:
- No. 867 Jiefang North Road, Guangzhou"
Rex Hoh
"Free and interesting. Passport required. 3 floors of antiquities and there are English translations for most displayed text.
There's an undercover section with excavations showing ancient paving and building footings. Clean facilities and pleasant gardens surround."
John Nayler
"Great historical site to visit while in guangdong. The place showcased the history of guangdong and showed why the city was named the city of wells in the past. Insightful and educational. All the exhibits’ explanation was in Chinese and i thought that’s not really tourists friendly. But I saw some Caucasians using the headsets for the explanation. I believed if you cannot understand Chinese, headsets with prerecorded commentary are available.
Quite a big area and apparently, the entire place is still work-in-progress. Entry is free just that foreigners will need to register at the counter with their passports. One can spend about 2-3 hours at this tourist spot depending on how detailed you want to see and understand. Will recommend this site for history enthusiasts."
Crumpled Nomad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take Subway Line 2 (Blue Line) to Yuexiu Park Station. Exit E, turn right, and walk for about 3 minutes. You'll reach the museum near the Xinde Business Building.
The museum is located at No. 867 Jiefang North Road, Guangzhou.
Information on parking availability is not widely publicized, but public transport is recommended.
Yes, ride-sharing services are a convenient option in Guangzhou. Simply input the museum's address.
While there are elevators in some buildings, the excavation site and multiple buildings might present challenges. Check with the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is free for foreign visitors who register with their passport. There's a small fee for domestic visitors (10 yuan full, 5 yuan half).
Foreign visitors do not need to book in advance if they check in with their passport. Domestic visitors may need to book via WeChat.
The museum is open year-round, closed for maintenance on Feb 28 and Aug 31. Mon-Thu: 9:00-17:30 (last entry 16:45). Fri-Sun: 9:00-21:00 (last entry 20:10).
Free admission is available for people over 70, Guangzhou citizens over 65, students, disabled people, and soldiers. Foreigners with passports also get free entry.
Foreign visitors need to present their passport for free admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Nanyue King's tomb, see a vast collection of artifacts from the Western Han Dynasty, and walk over the excavated foundations of the ancient royal palace.
Many visitors find it can be boring for children due to the historical focus and lack of interactive exhibits.
English translations are available for most displayed text, and audio guides can be rented for a more comprehensive explanation.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the site, depending on their interest level and how thoroughly they wish to view the exhibits.
Yes, parts of the museum are still under renovation, and some areas may be inaccessible.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions in certain exhibition halls or the tomb itself.
The underground tomb, the excavated palace foundations, and the display of intricate jade burial suits offer unique photographic opportunities.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially in crowded areas or sensitive exhibition spaces. It's advisable to inquire at the information desk.
Capturing the scale of the excavation site from the walkway above provides a great perspective. The detailed artifacts also make for compelling close-up shots.
Lighting varies throughout the museum. The underground tomb is dimly lit, while exhibition halls have controlled lighting. Natural light is available in outdoor areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do bring children, consider focusing on the visual aspects of the tomb and the sheer scale of the unearthed palace foundations. Renting an audio guide might help keep them slightly more engaged if they have a budding interest in history. However, for families seeking a more dynamic outing, other Guangzhou attractions might be a better fit.
🌍 Budget Travelers
While there's a paid VR attraction, the core experience of exploring the tomb and the excavated palace grounds is free and extensive. You can easily spend several hours here absorbing historical information without spending a dime on admission.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The collection of jade burial suits and bronze artifacts is particularly impressive, showcasing the craftsmanship and wealth of the Western Han Dynasty. The site's ongoing development means there's always potential for new discoveries and exhibits, making it a dynamic destination for repeat visits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing the Nanyue Kingdom
Central to the museum is the remarkably preserved tomb of the Nanyue King, discovered in 1983. This underground marvel provides an intimate look at burial practices and the wealth of the era. The museum also houses an impressive collection of artifacts unearthed from the tomb and surrounding areas, including intricate jade burial suits, bronze vessels, and pottery.
While the site is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, it's worth noting that parts of the museum are still undergoing development, and signage can sometimes be a challenge. However, the free admission for foreign passport holders makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for those interested in Guangzhou's deep historical roots.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
However, be prepared for a sprawling site. The museum comprises multiple buildings and the excavation area, so comfortable footwear is essential. Some visitors have noted that signage can be confusing, leading to a bit of wandering. It's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the grounds and exhibits.
For those who don't understand Mandarin, renting an audio guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical context of the artifacts and the site itself. While the museum is rich in history, some reviews suggest it might not be the most engaging for young children due to its academic nature.
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