Nanjing Museum
A sprawling, free museum showcasing Jiangsu's rich history and culture, alongside a poignant memorial and a unique craft beer museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Nanjing Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, free museum showcasing Jiangsu's rich history and culture, alongside a poignant memorial and a unique craft beer museum.
"A must-visit for history lovers, but be prepared for crowds and limited English information."
🎟️ Pre-book Tickets Online
Free entry but requires advance booking via WeChat mini-program. Tickets open 1 week prior at 6 PM.
🎧 Rent an Audio Guide
English information is limited. Audio guides (approx. 20-30 RMB) provide crucial context for exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
History Hall
Main Exhibition Area
Immerse yourself in Jiangsu's rich past with ancient artifacts and historical relics. A must-see for understanding regional history.
Golden Creature Exhibit
Special Exhibit Hall
Marvel at the 'Golden Creature,' a prized national treasure, showcased exclusively in this special exhibition. A true highlight of Chinese artistry.
Comfort Women Museum
Lijixiang 'Comfort Stations' Site
A poignant and moving tribute to the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, featuring the 'Endless Flow of Tears' statue.
NIUBEER World Craft Beer Museum
Wuyue Plaza B1
Explore over 1000 global beers in a unique museum setting. A fun, modern contrast to historical exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Free Entry
Navigate Crowds & Information
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Pre-book Tickets Online
Free entry but requires advance booking via WeChat mini-program. Tickets open 1 week prior at 6 PM.
🎧 Rent an Audio Guide
English information is limited. Audio guides (approx. 20-30 RMB) provide crucial context for exhibits.
🚶♀️ Join a Free Guided Tour
Arrive early (9:30 AM) for the 10 AM tour. Ear pieces provided. Limited spots, so be prompt!
🪪 Bring Your Passport
Essential for entry and ticket exchange, especially for foreigners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pre-book Tickets Online
Free entry but requires advance booking via WeChat mini-program. Tickets open 1 week prior at 6 PM.
🎧 Rent an Audio Guide
English information is limited. Audio guides (approx. 20-30 RMB) provide crucial context for exhibits.
🚶♀️ Join a Free Guided Tour
Arrive early (9:30 AM) for the 10 AM tour. Ear pieces provided. Limited spots, so be prompt!
🪪 Bring Your Passport
Essential for entry and ticket exchange, especially for foreigners.
🍺 Explore the Beer Museum
A fun, modern alternative with over 1000 beers to discover. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nanjing Museum is a vast, free-entry institution praised for its rich historical and cultural exhibits, particularly the Jiangsu history collection and the 'Golden Creature.' However, visitors frequently cite overwhelming crowds, limited English information, and a challenging ticketing process as significant drawbacks. The Comfort Women Museum offers a poignant, impactful experience, while the NIUBEER Beer Museum provides a fun, modern contrast.
"The museum itself is fine but the ticketing process is insane. My Chinese wife bought me a ticket in advance and we waited in the long line like everybody else. But when we got to the entry, the guard stopped me and made my wife go stand in a different long line with my passport while I had to stay in the front of the original line directly in everyone's way (there was nowhere else to go and it's what the guard told me to do). For someone with severe anxiety like myself, this was a nightmare for me. I already had a ticket, China often makes things intentionally difficult for foreigners and it is incredibly frustrating because I didn't do anything wrong. The exhibits are good but there is very little information about them, even in Chinese (and even less in English). They really on the audio guide (20 RMB) to provide context, but it is very quiet so with how loud the crowds are, it is almost inaudible. Oh and the crowds here are awful, even on weekdays. On weekends or public holidays, forget about even trying to get in."
M. Véaigh
"I like the place, it is huge! I actually got VR which costs around 60¥ but there's no English. The staff knew I am not Chinese for sure but she didn't mention to me. I so wasted my 60¥ for not understanding but yeah I get to imagine from the video? I recommend to book in advance, go to wechat and search 南京博物馆."
Cholthisha Nokkrut
"One of the best museums in China! Nanjing Museum is rich in history, culture, and art, offering a deep dive into China’s past. The exhibits are well-organized, featuring ancient artifacts, traditional paintings, and interactive displays. The architecture itself is impressive, blending classic and modern styles. Best of all, entry is free! A must-visit for history lovers and anyone exploring Nanjing."
Neel Niloy (YASIN)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nanjing Museum is accessible via public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a short taxi or ride-sharing trip from most parts of the city. The museum is quite large, so consider its location within Nanjing when planning your route.
Yes, Nanjing Museum is a prominent landmark. Look for its distinctive architecture. It's a sprawling complex, so once you arrive, orient yourself with the main entrance.
Nanjing has an efficient subway system and numerous bus routes. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available and relatively affordable for getting to attractions like the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nanjing Museum offers free admission, but you must pre-book your entry tickets. This is typically done through their official WeChat mini-program.
Tickets are released one week in advance at 6 PM via the museum's WeChat mini-program. It's advisable to book as soon as they become available, as slots fill up quickly.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry typically around 4 PM. It's always best to check the official WeChat account or website for the most current hours.
Yes, foreigners can obtain tickets. You will need to present your passport at the ticket counter to exchange your pre-booked voucher or to get a physical ticket if required.
The Comfort Women Museum, often visited in conjunction with Nanjing Museum, is generally free to enter, but it's always good to verify on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the History Hall for Jiangsu's heritage, the Special Exhibit Hall featuring the 'Golden Creature,' and the poignant Comfort Women Museum. The architecture itself is also a highlight.
English information can be limited. While some exhibits may have bilingual labels, relying on an audio guide or a guided tour is recommended for a comprehensive understanding.
Nanjing Museum is very popular and can get extremely crowded, even on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays are particularly busy, making it challenging to navigate.
Yes, free guided tours are offered daily, but spots are limited. Arrive early to queue for ear pieces and a place in the tour group. Paid audio guides are also available.
This is a unique museum dedicated to craft beer, housing over 1000 different brews from around the world. It offers a modern and enjoyable experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum complex includes a teahouse, offering a place to rest and refresh. For more extensive dining options, you'll find numerous restaurants and eateries in the surrounding areas.
The vicinity of Nanjing Museum offers a wide array of dining choices, from local Jiangsu cuisine to international flavors. Explore the streets for authentic street food and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of Nanjing Museum, but flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage.
The museum's impressive architecture, both traditional and modern, offers great photo opportunities. The courtyards and the exterior are particularly photogenic.
Photography rules can be strict at sensitive sites like the Comfort Women Museum. Be respectful and check for any posted restrictions before taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more somber but important lesson, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall offers a profound historical perspective. Ensure you prepare children for the sensitive nature of the content. Bringing snacks and water is advisable, as facilities can be spread out.
🏛️ History Buffs
For a deeper understanding of a critical period, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall provides a somber yet essential historical account. Visiting both the museum and the memorial hall offers a comprehensive, albeit emotionally varied, historical journey through Nanjing's past.
+1🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
+1While not a museum in the traditional sense, it offers an extensive tasting experience and a chance to discover new favorites. It's a great place to cap off a day of sightseeing or to enjoy a relaxed evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
Visitors often describe the experience as 'moving' and 'eye-opening.' The 'Endless Flow of Tears' statue at the Comfort Women Museum, located on the site of former 'Comfort Stations,' is a particularly poignant symbol of the suffering endured.
It's a place for reflection and understanding, not just sightseeing.While the experience can be somber, many find it essential for comprehending Nanjing's history. It's recommended to approach this site with respect and an open mind, allowing the stories and artifacts to convey their powerful messages.
Exploring Nanjing's Craft Beer Scene at NIUBEER
+1Located in Wuyue Plaza, NIUBEER is more than just a bar; it's a celebration of global brew culture. Visitors can explore a vast selection, discover new flavors, and enjoy a lively atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to unwind and experience a different facet of Nanjing's evolving urban landscape.
+1This museum-bar hybrid is a testament to Nanjing's growing diversity in attractions, catering to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply curious, NIUBEER provides a fun and engaging way to 'taste the world.'
Navigating the Nanjing Museum Experience
The free entry is a major draw, but it also contributes to the significant crowds. To make the most of your visit, pre-booking tickets via WeChat is crucial. Consider renting an audio guide or joining a free guided tour for better context, as English information can be scarce.
Be prepared for a busy environment. While the exhibits are rich, the sheer volume of visitors can make it challenging to view everything comfortably. Prioritizing key halls like the History Hall and the Special Exhibit Hall can help manage your time effectively.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit