Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
The Ming and Qing imperial palace, the world's largest palace complex.
- Category
- Palace
- Duration
- 4 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance.
Show on mapMuseums – Beijing
Beijing's museums trace Chinese history from the Forbidden City to modern art. Many are free or cheap, but a passport and advance booking are usually required.
Combined ticket
There is no combined ticket; the Forbidden City's Clock and Treasure galleries need separate tickets.
Free admission days
The National Museum, NAMOC and Capital Museum are free but need online booking; most museums close on Mondays.
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Places
National Museum of China
A huge museum on Tiananmen Square covering 5,000 years of Chinese history.
- Category
- History museum
- Duration
- 3 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Bring your passport; it is needed to buy tickets.
Show on map798 Art Zone
Galleries, studios and contemporary art centers such as UCCA in old factories.
- Category
- Gallery
- Duration
- 3 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- All year
Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Show on mapCapital Museum
A modern museum on Beijing's history, opera and crafts.
- Category
- History museum
- Duration
- 2 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Closed on Mondays; check opening hours first.
Show on mapNational Art Museum of China
China's national art museum, hosting changing exhibitions of Chinese and world art.
- Category
- Art museum
- Duration
- 2 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Closed on Mondays; check opening hours first.
Show on mapChina Science and Technology Museum
A large science museum near Olympic Park with hands-on exhibits.
- Category
- Science museum
- Duration
- 3 h
- Price
- $
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Closed on Mondays; check opening hours first.
Show on mapMilitary Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
A vast museum showing China's military history with weapons and aircraft.
- Category
- History museum
- Duration
- 2.5 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: Bring your passport; it is needed to buy tickets.
Show on mapBeijing Ancient Observatory
A Ming-era astronomical observatory perched on the old city wall.
- Category
- Science museum
- Duration
- 1 h
- Price
- $
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Tip: A small fee applies; have mobile payment ready.
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Please verify with official sources before your visit.
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