Classic three days Jiuzhaigou tours of bullet train riding, save budget from Jiuzhaigou air tours, easier and comfortable than traditional bus tours. ......
China National Museum
Located on the east side of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing, the National Museum of China (NMC) is the largest comprehensive history museum in China and one of the most important cultural institutions in the country.
The museum showcases the long history, brilliant civilization, and cultural achievements of the Chinese people through millions of historical artifacts, archaeological discoveries, and artistic treasures.
For international visitors, the National Museum of China is one of the best places in Beijing to understand China’s development from ancient times to the modern era.
History of the National Museum of China
The National Museum of China was officially established in 2003 through the merger of two major institutions:
* The former China History Museum
* The former China Revolutionary Museum
After expansion and renovation, the museum became a world-class cultural institution combining:
* Historical exhibitions
* Archaeological research
* Cultural preservation
* Public education
Today, it houses one of the most important collections of historical relics in China, with exhibitions presenting the development of Chinese civilization from prehistoric times to the modern period.
A Treasure House of Chinese History
The National Museum of China preserves many of the country’s most valuable historical objects.
Its permanent exhibition, “Ancient China,” introduces visitors to the development of Chinese civilization through archaeological discoveries and cultural relics.
The museum collection covers an extraordinary period of history, from:
* The earliest human ancestors in China
* Ancient agricultural societies
* Bronze civilizations
* Imperial dynasties
* The modern revolutionary period
The earliest exhibits include fossil remains of Yuanmou Man from Yunnan Province, dating back approximately 1.7 million years, while the latest exhibits include artifacts related to the 1911 Revolution (Xinhai Revolution).
Ancient China Exhibition – From Prehistoric Times to Early Civilization
The Ancient China Exhibition begins with prehistoric societies and introduces the development of human civilization in China.
Visitors can learn about:
Early Human History
The exhibition displays evidence of ancient human life, including:
* Yuanmou Man
* Lantian Man
* Beijing Man
* Jinniushan Man
* Upper Cave Man (Shandingdong Man)
Artifacts such as stone tools, hunting remains, animal bones, and early ornaments demonstrate how ancient people adapted to their environment and gradually developed technology and artistic awareness.
Neolithic Culture and the Birth of Civilization
Around 10,000 years ago, ancient communities began developing advanced skills including:
* Polished stone tool production
* Ceramic making
* Textile production
* Agriculture
The museum displays important discoveries such as:
* Ancient rice remains dating back about 5,000 years
* Bone tools from around 7,000 years ago
* Models of prehistoric villages discovered in Shaanxi Province
By around 5,000 years ago, agricultural development created surplus production, leading to social changes, specialized craftsmanship, early writing systems, religious practices, and ritual traditions.
Visitors can admire ancient ritual objects made from:
* Jade
* Stone
* Other precious materials
Bronze Age Civilization and Ancient Chinese Dynasties
The museum’s collections from the Bronze Age represent one of the highlights of the National Museum of China.
The exhibition introduces important periods including:
* Xia Dynasty
* Shang Dynasty
* Western Zhou Dynasty
* Spring and Autumn Period
Xia Dynasty – The Beginning of Chinese Kingdoms
The Xia Dynasty is traditionally regarded as the first dynasty in Chinese history.
Artifacts displayed from this period show the development of:
* Agriculture
* Bronze production
* Ceramic craftsmanship
Bronze vessels and pottery discovered in areas such as Henan Province provide evidence of the early development of Chinese civilization.
Shang Dynasty – The Golden Age of Bronze Culture
The Shang Dynasty was one of the most important periods in ancient Chinese bronze development.
The museum displays remarkable bronze masterpieces, including the famous:
Simuwu Ding (Houmuwu Ding)
It is the heaviest ancient bronze vessel discovered in China, weighing approximately 832.84 kilograms.
Other important Shang Dynasty exhibits include:
* Bronze ritual vessels
* Four-ram bronze zun
* Jade carvings
* Ceramics
* Lacquer works
The Shang Dynasty also developed oracle bone script (Jiaguwen), an early form of Chinese writing that later influenced the evolution of Chinese characters.
Western Zhou Dynasty – Rituals and Political Development
Following the Shang Dynasty, bronze craftsmanship continued to flourish during the Western Zhou period.
The exhibition shows how this era developed:
* Feudal political systems
* Ritual traditions
* Social hierarchy
* Bronze manufacturing techniques
Historical artifacts reveal the importance of ceremonies and social systems in ancient Chinese society.
Why Visit the National Museum of China?
The National Museum of China is a must-visit attraction for travelers interested in:
Chinese history and civilization
Ancient artifacts and archaeology
Traditional art and culture
Beijing’s cultural landmarks
Educational family travel experiences
Located beside Tiananmen Square, the museum is also easy to combine with visits to other famous Beijing attractions, including:
* Tiananmen Square
* The Forbidden City
* Jingshan Park
With its unparalleled collection and rich historical exhibitions, the National Museum of China provides an unforgettable journey through more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
More Attractions
-
Discover the Palace Museum in Beijing, home to the Forbidden City and China’s largest col...... -
Taste Quanjude Roast Duck in Beijing, a legendary Chinese restaurant with over 140 years of...... -
Visit Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of Chin...... -
Discover Beijing hutongs, historic alleyways featuring traditional courtyard houses, local ......
Recommended Tours
Mt. Wudangshan Off-beaten Track Tour in Hubei
It is overland tour to Mt. Wudangshan in Hubei province from Xian. Hubei province is located in mid China connecting many provinces in China by convenient transportation of railway, cruise, and flights......
8 Days New Sichuan Tours of Jiuzhaigou,Leshan, Emeishan, Dujiangyan and Chengdu
Classic Sichuan tours cover all of the highlights of Sichuan from culture to nature, including classic Chengdu tours, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong bullet train tours, Emeishan Mountain and Leshan Giant Bud......
The Most Beautiful Sichuan Plateau Tours
Tours to the most beautiful Sichuan Plateau on Tibetan plateau of Western Sichuan, including Kham Tibetan of Ganzi prefecture and Amduo Tibetans of Nagwa prefecture with all highlights as Jiuzhaigou, D......
Jiuzhaigou Private Tours By Train/Air/Car
Provide private tours to Jiuzhaigou valley for tourist both by flights or overland bus tours, and just tell your need, and we will tailor-made a private package for your tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglon......
2 Days Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tours
Classic two days tours to west Chengdu, where Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt Emeishan are both world class top tour destinations, and also visit a local old town. ......
