A Visit to the National Museum of China

Stepping into the National Museum of China is like embarking on a fascinating journey through 5,000 years of history. It is like a magnificent scroll of Chinese civilization, a brilliant intersection of history and art, and a sacred cultural site in the hearts of countless Chinese people. The National Museum of China is located on the east side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, facing the majestic Great Hall of the People. The entire building is magnificent, with a total floor area of nearly 200,000 square meters. The museum houses an astonishing number of collections, with more than one million pieces, making it one of the largest museums in the world in terms of floor area. The museum has 48 exhibition halls, each of which is like a treasure trove of history, and each exhibit is a witness to history, quietly telling the story of time. It is best to plan ahead before visiting the museum. With so many exhibition halls and such a rich collection of exhibits, it would take a whole day to savor each exhibition. The museum has a real-name reservation system, and visitors need to book tickets 1 to 7 days in advance and enter the museum strictly according to the reserved time slot. This is not only to control the number of visitors but also to enhance the experience of each visitor, allowing everyone to better appreciate the charm of culture in an orderly environment. The basement level of the museum is the Ancient China Hall, which is like a vivid general history of China, with exhibits arranged in chronological order from ancient times to the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the entrance, there is a prominent timeline and a dynamic map of the territory, giving visitors a clear understanding of the development of Chinese civilization. The museum is filled with a dazzling array of cultural relics, and the ancient bronze wares exude a mysterious aura, as if taking people back to the era of rituals and wars. The exquisite porcelain, from the simple pottery to the magnificent blue and white porcelain, showcases the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The calligraphy and paintings are full of the fragrance of ink, with calligraphy that is as vigorous as a dragon and paintings that are profound in meaning, fully demonstrating the elegance and wisdom of ancient literati. These cultural relics all highlight the splendor of Chinese civilization, inspiring awe in people. In addition to the permanent Ancient China Hall, the museum also has a variety of thematic and temporary exhibitions. Thematic exhibitions, such as the coin exhibition, jade art exhibition, and porcelain exhibition, each focus on a specific field and delve into its historical and cultural connotations. The coin exhibition showcases various currencies from ancient times to the present, witnessing the development and changes of the Chinese economy. The jade art exhibition displays the long history of jade culture and the exquisite craftsmanship of jade artifacts. The porcelain exhibition fully demonstrates China's reputation as the "country of porcelain." The temporary exhibitions cover multiple series, constantly bringing new surprises and experiences to visitors, keeping the museum vibrant and attractive. During the visit, the museum's free guided tour service is undoubtedly a highlight. Visitors can easily scan the QR code to check the schedule of guided tours and plan their visit route accordingly. They can also choose the paid guided tour service, where the professional and enthusiastic guides will introduce the stories behind each exhibit in detail, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of their historical background and cultural value while appreciating the cultural relics. The experience of visiting the museum is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual baptism. The exhibits, which carry a heavy history, seem to take you through time and space, back to that distant era, to feel the vicissitudes and splendor of history. The guides' culturally rich explanations are like a key that opens a door to the depths of history for you. However, visiting the museum is also a test of physical strength. The exhibition halls are vast, and the number of exhibits is numerous, so even a cursory tour takes a lot of time. Visitors need to plan their time reasonably and take a break when necessary to better enjoy this cultural journey. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm) and is closed on Mondays (except for public holidays). During the visit, visitors are required to wear masks and cooperate with ID verification and health monitoring to ensure their own and others' health and safety. The National Museum of China is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history and culture. Here, you can travel through time and space, have a dialogue with history, and deeply feel the splendor and charm of Chinese civilization. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a culture seeker, the museum will provide you with an unforgettable cultural experience, giving you a deeper understanding and insight into Chinese civilization.