Three Gorges Museum Chongqing
Explore Chongqing's rich heritage, from ancient Ba-Yu culture to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, in this vast, free museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Three Gorges Museum Chongqing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Chongqing's rich heritage, from ancient Ba-Yu culture to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, in this vast, free museum.
"A must-do itinerary for understanding Chongqing beyond its food and scenery."
🎟️ Pre-register for Free Entry
Book your free ticket online via WeChat QR code before you go. Essential for skipping lines!
📱 Use a Translator App
Most exhibit text is in Chinese. A translator app will unlock the full stories behind the artifacts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Three Gorges Dam Project
Exhibition Hall
Understand the scale and impact of this monumental feat of engineering and its influence on the region.
Ancient Ba-Yu Culture
Exhibition Hall
Explore the deep roots of Chongqing's heritage through ancient artifacts, stone carvings, and relics.
Han Dynasty Terracotta Figures
Exhibition Hall
Witness impressive high-tech displays bringing ancient terracotta figures from the Han Dynasty to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Free Entry
Navigate Multilingual Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Pre-register for Free Entry
Book your free ticket online via WeChat QR code before you go. Essential for skipping lines!
📱 Use a Translator App
Most exhibit text is in Chinese. A translator app will unlock the full stories behind the artifacts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The museum is large with multiple floors. You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits thoroughly. You can easily spend half a day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pre-register for Free Entry
Book your free ticket online via WeChat QR code before you go. Essential for skipping lines!
📱 Use a Translator App
Most exhibit text is in Chinese. A translator app will unlock the full stories behind the artifacts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The museum is large with multiple floors. You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits thoroughly. You can easily spend half a day.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the history! Photography is generally permitted, but check for specific exhibit restrictions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Three Gorges Museum for its impressive scale, modern design, and comprehensive exhibits covering regional history, culture, and the monumental Three Gorges Dam project. It's considered a must-visit for understanding Chongqing's heritage, especially given its free admission.
"The Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing is definitely one of the must-do itineraries when visiting the city. Located right across from the Great Hall of the People, the museum itself is modern and impressive, both in scale and design.
Inside, you’ll find well-curated exhibits that cover a wide range of topics—from the history and culture of Chongqing to the monumental Three Gorges Dam project, ancient artifacts, and even wartime history. The exhibitions are detailed and engaging, offering a good mix of cultural relics, multimedia, and reconstructed scenes that bring history to life.
You can easily spend half a day here walking through the different galleries, and there’s a lot to absorb, so pacing yourself is key. It’s not just about the Three Gorges; it’s also a window into the heritage of the entire region.
The museum is free to enter, which makes it even more worthwhile. With its thoughtful displays, spacious layout, and comprehensive storytelling, it’s a great place for both history lovers and casual visitors who want to understand Chongqing beyond its food and scenery."
Crumpled Nomad
"The dome shaped China Three Gorges Museum is free to public, and it displays four main themes for educational, research and preservation purposes. You can learn the ancient Ba-Yu culture and history, early Chongqing and the epic Three Gorges Dam. The museum also has a large collection of relics and artifacts, and all are the original versions.
Entrance is free, however you need to pre-register online and generate a QR code for the security guard to scan upon entering. The museum is very popular among domestic tourists too, so be prepared to wait in line for the checking of tickets and also security screening. Suggested time is 1-2 hours depending on how detailed you wanna read the descriptions of the artifacts. Most of it is in Chinese though."
Donovan Leong
"The museum has many floors and a huge number of exhibits. It is a great place to learn about Bayu culture. There are drinking water, toilets and other services."
FS Chong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Chongqing, making it easily accessible. You can take the Chongqing Metro to the 'People's Square' station (Lines 1, 2, or 6), which is a short walk away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city.
Yes, it's conveniently situated across from the iconic Great Hall of the People, making it easy to combine visits. Other popular spots like Hongya Cave and Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street are also relatively close. 
The metro system is efficient and covers most major areas. For direct access or if you have luggage, taxis or ride-sharing apps are good options. Many visitors find combining metro and walking works well.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Three Gorges Museum offers free admission to the public. However, pre-registration online via WeChat is mandatory to obtain a QR code for entry.
You'll need to download the WeChat app and find the museum's official account or a designated registration portal to book your free entry slot and generate a QR code.
The museum typically opens around 9 AM and closes around 5 PM, with the last entry usually an hour before closing. It's always best to check the official website or WeChat for the most current hours, as they can vary.
Yes, advance online booking via WeChat is required for free entry. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures a smoother entry process.
Be prepared for security checks similar to airports. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially during peak times, to allow for queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the main exhibits. If you're a history enthusiast and want to read every description, you could easily spend half a day.
The majority of exhibit descriptions are in Chinese. It's highly recommended to use a translation app on your smartphone to understand the content.
The museum focuses on four main themes: the ancient Ba-Yu culture, early Chongqing, the history of the Three Gorges Dam project, and wartime history.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's wise to look for signs indicating specific restrictions on certain artifacts or exhibits.
Yes, the museum is well-equipped with amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and other services to ensure a comfortable visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture of the museum itself is quite photogenic. Look for interesting angles in the exhibition halls, especially near displays like the Han Dynasty terracotta figures or the Three Gorges Dam models.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect delicate artifacts. Always check for signage or ask museum staff if unsure.
Yes, exhibits detailing Chongqing's wartime history or its development as a major city offer unique visual narratives. The high-tech displays, like the animated terracotta figures, are also very engaging for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to use a translation app to learn fun facts, or focus on the visual storytelling of ancient Ba-Yu culture and the sheer scale of the dam project. The museum's spacious layout also makes it easier to navigate with strollers, and the free entry is a big plus for budget-conscious families.
🤓 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Be prepared to spend a good amount of time here, and definitely utilize a translation app to fully appreciate the nuances of the displays. The museum provides a deep dive into the Ba-Yu culture and Chongqing's significant role in China's development and history.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Focus on capturing the details of ancient relics, the impressive scale of the Three Gorges Dam models, and the innovative high-tech displays. While flash photography might be restricted, the ambient lighting often creates a dramatic atmosphere for your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Three Gorges Dam
These exhibits are crucial for grasping Chongqing's modern development and its role in China's infrastructure. The museum aims to educate visitors on the scale of the project, showcasing its power generation capabilities and flood control measures. It’s a key part of understanding the region's transformation.
Exploring Ba-Yu Culture and Ancient Relics
These displays are vital for understanding Chongqing's deep historical roots, predating its modern urban sprawl. The museum meticulously curates these artifacts, often presenting them with detailed explanations (though primarily in Chinese) that highlight their cultural significance. The Han Dynasty terracotta figures are a particular highlight, brought to life with impressive technology.
Navigating the Museum with Technology
Beyond translation, some exhibits incorporate high-tech displays, such as interactive screens or augmented reality elements, to enhance the visitor experience. The museum's use of modern presentation methods, like those seen with the Han Dynasty terracotta figures, bridges the gap between ancient history and contemporary engagement, making the learning process more dynamic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit