National Art Museum of China Beijing
Explore millennia of Chinese art, from ancient masterpieces to contemporary creations, at this vast and significant national museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
National Art Museum of China Beijing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore millennia of Chinese art, from ancient masterpieces to contemporary creations, at this vast and significant national museum.
"A treasure trove of Chinese art, offering free entry but requiring advance booking."
🎟️ Free Admission, Book Ahead!
Entry is free, but tickets are essential. Book via WeChat mini-program or website well in advance!
🆔 Bring Your Passport
Your passport is your ticket! Some visitors get in by showing it, even without a pre-booked ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Chinese Art
Permanent Collections
Explore millennia of Chinese artistic heritage, from delicate calligraphy to intricate bronzes.

Modern & Contemporary Works
Special Exhibition Halls
Discover cutting-edge Chinese art and international exhibitions that push creative boundaries.

Folk Art Displays
Dedicated Galleries
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and craftsmanship of China's diverse ethnic groups.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Free Entry
Passport is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Free Admission, Book Ahead!
Entry is free, but tickets are essential. Book via WeChat mini-program or website well in advance!
🆔 Bring Your Passport
Your passport is your ticket! Some visitors get in by showing it, even without a pre-booked ticket.
⏰ Check Release Times
Tickets are often released daily at 5 PM Chinese time. Be ready to book!
🗺️ Navigate with Ease
The museum is vast. Grab a map upon entry to plan your exploration efficiently.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Free Admission, Book Ahead!
Entry is free, but tickets are essential. Book via WeChat mini-program or website well in advance!
🆔 Bring Your Passport
Your passport is your ticket! Some visitors get in by showing it, even without a pre-booked ticket.
⏰ Check Release Times
Tickets are often released daily at 5 PM Chinese time. Be ready to book!
🗺️ Navigate with Ease
The museum is vast. Grab a map upon entry to plan your exploration efficiently.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort for exploring the extensive collections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Art Museum of China for its extensive and diverse collections, offering a comprehensive look at Chinese art from ancient times to the present day. The free admission is a significant draw, though securing advance tickets can be challenging. Some find the sheer size of the museum overwhelming, and navigating without Chinese language skills can sometimes be difficult for specific exhibits.
"May 2025, the first floor art is incredible. The gate agents got me a.pass even though I didn't have one, everyone was very kind and helpful. Chinese art is stunning"
Michael Dixon
"Free entrance, well maintained museum in turist area. While my stay in Beijing I could see an interesting expositions devoted to Chinese art of paintings and history of ink art. My visit took more than 1 hour and I manneged to see each expositions."
Aldona Bartnik
"The museum is inside a beautiful building. I had to book beforehand through a mini app on WeChat. It was free entry and I had to show my passport to enter. They have a wonderful variety of Chinese artists with paintings in lots of different mediums. There were also several different exhibitions going on promoting young artists. There was also a big collection of Chinese traditional paintings on the first floor. On the top floor there was a big collection of historical traditional Chinese paintings. Although not all the explanations had English translations it was still really interesting to see paintings from Chinese artists. There is also museum staff around every corner that are helpful and make sure the paintings are not touched. It was nice that the museum had a collection of both modern and historical artists."
Helen P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Art Museum of China is centrally located in Beijing. You can easily reach it via the Beijing subway system. The closest subway station is usually Tiananmen East Station (Lines 1 and 2), which is a short walk away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Limited parking may be available, but it's often easier and more convenient to use public transportation due to potential traffic and parking challenges in central Beijing.
Tiananmen East Station (Lines 1 and 2) is the closest subway station. From there, it's a pleasant walk to the museum.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing apps are a convenient option. Just provide the museum's name in Chinese or English to your driver.
While specific accessibility details can vary, major museums in Beijing are generally working towards better accessibility. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the National Art Museum of China is free, but you must book a ticket in advance. Tickets are typically released daily at 5 PM Chinese time via the official WeChat mini-program or website.
Yes, the National Art Museum of China offers free admission. However, advance booking is mandatory.
If online tickets are sold out, some visitors have reported success by simply showing their passport at the entrance. However, this is not guaranteed, so booking ahead is strongly advised.
Special exhibitions may have separate ticketing requirements or fees. It's best to check the museum's official announcements for details on current exhibitions.
It is generally not possible to buy tickets on the spot, as advance booking is required. Even for free entry, you need to secure a ticket beforehand.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's always best to check the official website for the most current operating hours and any potential closures.
Given the vast collections, allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the main exhibits. If you plan to see special exhibitions, you might need more time.
The museum may have a cafe or dining facilities. It's advisable to check their official website for current offerings.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, photography without flash is permitted in permanent collection areas, but check signage or ask staff for specific rules.
Guided tours might be available, especially for special exhibitions. Information on tours, including language options, is usually found on the museum's official website.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in permanent collection areas. However, special exhibitions may have restrictions. Always look for signs or ask museum staff.
The museum's architecture itself can be quite photogenic. Look for interesting sculptures, large-scale paintings, and well-lit galleries. The main halls often offer grand perspectives.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside museums to prevent obstruction and potential damage to artworks. It's best to assume they are prohibited unless stated otherwise.
Commercial photography usually requires special permits and prior arrangement with the museum. Personal photography for social media is generally more relaxed, within the stated guidelines.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A standard zoom lens (like 24-70mm) is useful for capturing a range of shots. Consider a prime lens for portraits or details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the National Art Museum of China
When planning your visit, remember that free tickets are required, and these can be highly sought after, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many travelers find success by booking through the museum's official WeChat mini-program or website, with tickets often released daily at 5 PM Beijing time. While some have managed to gain entry by simply showing their passport when tickets are sold out, this is not a reliable method. The museum is easily accessible via public transport, with Tiananmen East subway station being a convenient gateway.
Inside, you'll find galleries dedicated to traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, sculpture, folk art, and modern and contemporary art. The museum also frequently hosts international exhibitions, offering a diverse cultural experience. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely spend hours exploring its many halls. Grab a museum map upon arrival to help navigate the extensive collections and prioritize what you want to see most.
Understanding the Ticketing System
The primary method for obtaining tickets is through the museum's official WeChat mini-program or website. Tickets are typically released daily at 5 PM Beijing time, seven days in advance of the visit date. This release schedule means that keen visitors need to be diligent and ready to book precisely when tickets become available, especially if planning a visit during popular times like weekends or holidays.
For those who miss out on online bookings, some anecdotal evidence suggests that presenting a passport at the entrance might grant access, even if tickets appear sold out. However, this is not a guaranteed method and should be considered a backup plan rather than a primary strategy. It's always best to aim for advance booking to ensure a smooth entry and avoid disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit