Ancient China
From prehistory on.
Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0 · Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0 · Another Believer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy — CC BY 2.0 · Ohm Raumzeit — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Temlsth — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Shujianyang — CC0
The museum of art and history on the east side of Tiananmen Square, in a vast colonnaded building of 1959; it has the largest single museum building in the world, with more than 1.4 million objects in 48 exhibition halls and the richest collection of Chinese cultural relics. Its «Ancient China» galleries walk through the country's history from prehistoric times to the last dynasty with bronzes, jade, ceramics and calligraphy, and changing exhibitions fill the other halls; a visit easily takes half a day. Entry is free but must be booked online, with slots released seven days ahead at 5 pm Beijing time, and they go fast; bring the passport you booked with. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, last entry 4 pm, and closed on Mondays, per visitor guides. Security checks at the square take time, so arrive early.
From prehistory on.
Rare masterpieces.
In huge halls.
East side of Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District
Tiananmen SquareA vast square in the heart of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen, the «Gate of H4 minutes walk4.5
National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg)Beijing's national arts centre, known as «the Egg», a titanium-and-glass dome by13 minutes walk
Qianmen Street and DashilarThe old commercial quarter south of Tiananmen Square, where Qianmen Street runs 13 minutes walk
Wangfujing StreetBeijing's best-known shopping street, a broad pedestrian avenue east of the Forb15 minutes walk4.3
Forbidden CityThe imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing, built between 1406 and 142018 minutes walk4.7Slots are released seven days ahead at 5 pm Beijing time and go quickly in busy seasons; booking is free with your passport, per visitor guides.