Nanjing Museum
Photo: Own work — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1933, Nanjing Museum is one of China’s oldest and largest museums, featuring extensive collections of ancient Chinese artifacts, including Ming and Qing porcelain, and exhibits on intangible cultural heritage.
Planning your visit
Nanjing Museum is among the oldest and largest in China, founded in 1933 as the National Central Museum when Nanjing was the capital, and it is organised as several distinct museums under one roof.
The Historical Museum holds the main chronological collection, with Jiangsu's archaeology and a jade burial suit sewn with silver thread among the standouts. The Art Museum covers painting and calligraphy. The Republic of China Museum recreates a 1930s Nanjing street — shops, a post office, a cinema, a bank — which is the section most visitors enjoy most and which covers a period of Chinese history that the mainland long treated warily.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage section presents living crafts and performance with demonstrations.
Ming and Qing imperial porcelain is a particular strength, Jingdezhen having supplied the court through this region.
Admission is free with reservation. Allow three hours. The main booking is an entry ticket. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Nanjing Museum?
Nanjing Museum is in Nanjing, China. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Nanjing Museum?
Allow three hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book Nanjing Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
