Nanjing Museum
Quick answer
Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, China — originally proposed by Cai Yuanpei in 1933 as the National Central Museum, Nanjing Museum is one of the earliest modern museums in China. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mondays. Admission: free standard admission. Allow 2–3 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Nanjing Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | Free standard admission |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 9 AM opening — Minguo Street is quietest before 11 AM. |
| Getting there | Metro: No direct metro — bus or taxi from Nanjing metro stations |
| Address | 321 Zhongshan E Rd, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China |
| Official website | njmuseum.com |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Nanjing Museum known for?
Originally proposed by Cai Yuanpei in 1933 as the National Central Museum, Nanjing Museum is one of the earliest modern museums in China. It was redeveloped in 2013 into six themed galleries arranged around a central hall.
Its 430,000 objects include a Han-era jade burial suit linked with gold thread and an entire recreated Republican-era street complete with vintage shops, a cinema, and a tea house.
The museum is free with advance reservation and sits on Zhongshan East Road near the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in the Zhongshan Scenic Area.
The Republican-era street (Minguo Street) is the museum's most popular attraction — a walk-through recreation of 1930s Nanjing commercial life.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Families · First-Time Visitors to Nanjing
How long do you need at Nanjing Museum?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Nanjing Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread
📍 History Gallery, Han section
A complete jade suit sewn with gold thread for a Han dynasty noble — among the finest jade burial suits outside Beijing.
- 2
Republican-Era Street (Minguo Street)
📍 Underground gallery, Art Gallery wing
A full walk-through recreation of 1930s Nanjing with a barber shop, cinema, post office, and tea house — the museum's most popular display.
- 3
Ming Imperial Porcelain
📍 Art Gallery, Ceramics section
Blue-and-white and polychrome porcelain from the Ming imperial kilns — Nanjing was the Ming capital before Beijing.
- 4
Gold Belt Ornaments
📍 History Gallery
Delicate gold belt plaques with dragon and phoenix motifs from a Southern Dynasties tomb.
What are the must-see works at Nanjing Museum?
4 highlights that define the collection: Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread, Republican-Era Street (Minguo Street), Ming Imperial Porcelain and more.
Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread
Han Dynasty jade workers · 2nd century BCE
📍 History Gallery, Han section
A complete jade suit sewn with gold thread for a Han dynasty noble — among the finest jade burial suits outside Beijing.
Republican-Era Street (Minguo Street)
Museum recreation · permanent
📍 Underground gallery, Art Gallery wing
A full walk-through recreation of 1930s Nanjing with a barber shop, cinema, post office, and tea house — the museum's most popular display.
Ming Imperial Porcelain
Jingdezhen kilns · 15th century
📍 Art Gallery, Ceramics section
Blue-and-white and polychrome porcelain from the Ming imperial kilns — Nanjing was the Ming capital before Beijing.
Gold Belt Ornaments
Southern Dynasties goldsmiths · 5th century
📍 History Gallery
Delicate gold belt plaques with dragon and phoenix motifs from a Southern Dynasties tomb.
Collections and highlights
- • Jade burial suit with gold thread
- • Republican-era recreated street
- • Imperial porcelain gallery
- • Digital art gallery
- • 430,000-object collection
Tips for visiting Nanjing Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 9 AM opening — Minguo Street is quietest before 11 AM.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Busy on weekends and holidays; Minguo Street draws the longest queues.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free with advance timed reservation via the official website or WeChat.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Museum café; restaurants along Zhongshan East Road.
- 5.
Accessibility
Accessible main galleries; Minguo Street has some steps.
How do you get to Nanjing Museum?
- metro No direct metro — bus or taxi from Nanjing metro stations
- bus Multiple routes along Zhongshan East Road stop at the museum
- walk 20-minute walk from Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum through the scenic area
Address: 321 Zhongshan E Rd, Xuanwu, Nanjing, China
Nanjing Museum: frequently asked questions
Where is the recreated Republican street?
It runs the length of one underground gallery and is open to walk through.
Is reservation required?
Yes, free timed reservations should be booked in advance.
How long should I spend at Nanjing Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of Nanjing Museum. Our 4-stop route — Jade Burial Suit with Gold Thread, Republican-Era Street (Minguo Street), Ming Imperial Porcelain and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Nanjing Museum best known for?
Originally proposed by Cai Yuanpei in 1933 as the National Central Museum, Nanjing Museum is one of the earliest modern museums in China. It was redeveloped in 2013 into six themed galleries. Key highlights include Jade burial suit with gold thread, Republican-era recreated street, Imperial porcelain gallery.
How do I get tickets for Nanjing Museum?
Free standard admission. Book a free timed ticket on the official website to guarantee entry at busy times. Official site: https://www.njmuseum.com/en
Can I combine it with Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum?
Yes — the mausoleum is a 20-minute walk through the Zhongshan Scenic Area. Allow a full day for both.
Is Nanjing Museum open on Mondays?
No — Nanjing Museum is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are Nanjing Museum's opening hours?
Nanjing Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Nanjing Museum free to visit?
Yes — free standard admission.