The National Museum of China comprises one level underground and three levels above ground, housing over 1.43 million collections. Many of these collections are designated as national treasures, aptly showcasing and serving as witnesses to the rich lineage and illustrious glory of China's over 5000-year-old civilization.
Ancient Chinese Civilization on B1- the Most Important
Here, 2026 pieces of cultural relics are exhibited based on the succession of dynasties, with 521 being first-class historical heritages. These remarkable collections encompass a wide range, from ancient bronze artifacts to exquisite ceramics, paintings and calligraphies with millennia-old traditions, delicate jade artifacts, lifelike sculptures, exquisite clocks, valuable ancient books, to various other cultural relics. Each exhibit serves as a testament to China's long history and profound culture.
Special Recommendations
Gallery S14 - Mirrors of Eternity
Bronze Mirrors, initially serving as sacrificial vessels during the Shang Dynasty (17th century BC - 1046 BC), were highly prized by kings and nobles in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770 - 221 BC). By the end of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 9 AD), they had gained widespread popularity among the common people. The displays of various mirrors from various eras offer visitors a glimpse into the historical, aesthetic, and cultural transformations of ancient Chinese society.
Gallery S13 - Ancient Chinese Jades
Jade holds a pivotal position in traditional Chinese culture. The diverse materials, shapes, and designs, along with the varied combinations and applications of artifacts, encapsulate profound concepts, cultures, and systems, collectively shaping a distinctive jade culture unique to China.
Gallery N19 - Ancient Chinese Buddhist Sculptures
The exhibition hall preserves 236 ancient Chinese Buddha statues from various regions. They are in diverse forms and all have profound meanings.
Gallery S12 - Ancient Chinese Calligraphies and Paintings
Featuring nearly 10,000 collections of ancient calligraphies and paintings in a diverse array and spanning from Song and Yuan dynasties (960 – 1368 AD) to the Ming and Qing eras (1368 – 1911AD), it's indisputably a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of the art of calligraphy and painting.
Gallery S11 - Ancient Chinese Coins
Over 1,800 coins, elaborately selected from 200,000, are exhibited to comprehensively illustrate the historical evolution of ancient Chinese currency.