Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
ShowingFilter 1021-1040 of 1872 listings.
National Chambal Sanctuary
Straddling three states, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the National Chambal Sanctuary protects 245 square miles (635 square km) of natural habitat where the Chambal and Yamuna Rivers meet.
Established in 1979 to protect the endangered Gharial crocodiles, the park is now home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Ganges River dolphin, marsh crocodile, smooth-coated otter, Indian wold, Indian striped hyena and eight species of turtles. More than 300 species of resident and migratory birds have been spotted within the sanctuary.
Visitors hoping for a glimpse of river dolphins, crocodiles and other wildlife can do so on guided boat tours of the Chambal River. Nature trails wind along the river, offering further wildlife observation opportunities.
Practical Info
The National Chambal Sanctuary is located 43 miles (70 km) southeast of Agra. The best way to get there is by guided tour or private car.
Address: Mau Road, Rajasthan, India
Hours: 5am-7pm
From $ 38
Nan Lian Gardens
The golden temple, brilliant red bridge and colorful flowers of Nan Lian Garden have been welcoming travelers in search of ancient Chinese beauty since its doors opened in 2006. Visitors to this classic garden will find relaxing ponds and trickling streams, expertly pruned trees and Zen rock gardens typical of the old-school Chinese tradition.
After exploring the beauty of Nan Lian Gardens, travelers can venture into exhibit halls, where informative displays outline ancient architectural practices used to build all wooden structures on site. A typical Chinese tea house offers visitors an opportunity to relax in the beauty of the garden while sipping cups of green tea and a trip to the nearby Buddhist nunnery makes a perfect addition to an already peaceful afternoon.
Practical Info
The gardens are located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon in Hong Kong. It is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. It is easily accessible via public transportation using the Diamond Hill station. Entry is free.
Address: 60 Fung Tak Rd, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
From $ 85
National Center for the Performing Arts
The unmistakable National Center for the Performing Arts sits immediately to the west of Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. This oval structure is made from thousands of titanium plates combined with sheets of glass and is surrounded by an artificial lake, which from afar gives the appearance of a giant egg floating on the water. This appearance has earned the building the nickname, ‘The Giant Egg.’
The National Center for the Performing Arts houses three separate yet connected performance venues, including the Opera House, the Concert Hall, and the Theater Hall. The center hosts national and international classical music performances, as well as opera, ballet, and traditional Chinese dance performances.
Practical Info
To reach the National Center for the Performing Arts, take a Line 1 subway train to Tiananmen West and use Exit C. There is an underground passage from here directly to the venue. The center is closed on Mondays but open throughout the day from Tuesday to Sunday for general visits. Tickets for specific shows can be purchased at the ticket office at the north gate.
Address: 2 W Chang'an Ave, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 6
National Museum of Korea
Not only is the National Museum of Korea the best in the country, it’s also free. In a sweeping introduction to Korean art, culture and history, the museum houses more than 150,000 artifacts with around 11,000 on display, so you’ll have plenty to see, even if you’ve been to the museum before.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am - 6pm
Wed, Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun, Holidays: 9am - 7pm
From $ 18
National Gandhi Museum
Known as the father of the nation for his leading role in India’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi is among the most important activists of the 20th century. The National Gandhi Museum was inaugurated in his honor in 1961, and today attracts visitors interested in Gandhi, the Independence Movement, and the struggle for peace.
The Basics
This small museum houses numerous artifacts related to Gandhi’s life, including old documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and personal effects. The museum also houses 23 models of spinning wheels in honor of Gandhi’s devotion to self-sufficiency through weaving. The museum’s library houses a huge collection of documents of academic interest; you can search the entire catalog online ahead of your visit.
Most visitors go to the museum before or after paying their condolences at Raj Ghat across the street, where Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Private and small-group Gandhi-themed tours stop here and at Raj Ghat, as well as at the Gandhi Smriti, where the leader was killed.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Gandhi Museum is a must for fans of history, politics, social justice, and Gandhi himself.
- Still photography is permitted in the museum.
- There’s a small on-site bookshop with many hard-to-find books.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The museum is located just west of the Yamuna River, across the street from Raj Ghat. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Purple Line’s Delhi Gate Station and a 15-minute drive from Connaught Place and Old Delhi. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The museum is open 9:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. It’s always a good time to visit, though Sundays can be quieter due to the absence of school groups. If you plan to pair a trip to the museum with the outdoor Raj Ghat, you may want to avoid hotter months such as May and June, or come earlier in the day, before the heat reaches its full intensity.
India’s Many Gandhi Museums
This museum is just one of many dedicated to Gandhi located across the country. Others include the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, South India; the Mani Bhavan in Mumbai; three museums in East India; and the Mahatma’s own ashram in his home state of Gujarat. Also in New Delhi, the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum is housed in the Gandhi Smriti, where the leader was assassinated, and features all sorts of audiovisual materials and exhibits that tell Gandhi’s story by mixing computer-generated imagery with physical objects.
Address: Raj Ghat, New Delhi 110 002, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
National Gallery of Modern Art
Located just across the traffic circle from India Gate along Rajpath, the National Gallery of Modern Art was opened in 1954 as a place to feature contemporary Indian art. Housed within the former palace of the maharaja of Jaipur, the museum houses a collection of works by Indian and British artists from 1850 onward.
One of the most fascinating things about visiting the museum is seeing how differently modern art developed in India compared to the United States or Europe. With a collection spanning 150 years, browsing the galleries is akin to a crash course in modern Indian art history. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby National Museum to complete the picture.
One of the most fascinating things about visiting the museum is seeing how differently modern art developed in India compared to the United States or Europe. With a collection spanning 150 years, browsing the galleries is akin to a crash course in modern Indian art history. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby National Museum to complete the picture.
Practical Info
While the museum’s collection is dominated by painting, you’ll also find
exhibits on modern sculpture, print making and photography. Don’t miss
the collection of colorful paintings by Amrita Sher-Gil and the works of
British artist Thomas Daniell.
Address: C-Hexagon, Delhi High Court, India Gate, New Delhi, ND 110001, India
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Admission: Indian: INR10; Foreign National: INR150; Student/Child: INR1
From $ 36
National Art Museum of China
The National Art Museum of China is one of the largest art museums in the country. Its permanent collection includes both ancient and contemporary Chinese artwork, as well as notable works from international artists. The third floor is dedicated to the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which have included such exhibits as the popular World of Puppets show.
Art lovers will be in their element at the National Art Museum of China, with modern art being the main focus here, despite the collection of imperial Chinese art also on display. Symbolism, culture, ethnicity, and the abstract are all strong themes explored throughout the museum.
A maximum of 4000 free tickets are issued each day at the museum. One free ticket per person is permitted per day, but only if valid photo ID is shown.
Did You Know? The architectural concept behind the National Art Museum of China is said to be based on uniting dualities, such as past and future, large and small, calm and dynamic. The museum’s two drum-like structures reference ancient Chinese stone drums.
Practical Info
The National Art Museum of China is around a ten-minute walk from Exit E of Dongsi Station on Line 5 of the subway. To reach the museum by bus, take the number 103 or 111 and alight at the National Art Museum of China.
Address: 1 Wusi Street, Beijing 100010, China
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: Free (Bring photo ID)
From $ 65
National Museum
Malaysia’s National Museum (Muzium Negara), housed within a beautiful Minangkabau-style building in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the city’s best and an excellent place to learn about Malaysia’s long and rich multicultural heritage. Completed in 1961 and opened two years later, the museum takes visitors on a journey through time with beautifully curated displays divided into four themed galleries.
The Prehistory gallery displays stone tools and other Paleolithic artifacts dating back thousands of years, including the Perak Man, the oldest mostly intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia. The second gallery, The Malay Kingdoms, contains art and artifacts that trace the various people groups and kingdoms that once existed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Borneo Islands. The Colonial Era gallery recounts the period from 1511 to 1945 when foreign powers ruled the nation, and the final gallery, Malaysia Today, highlights the national movement and Malaysia’s many achievements since gaining independence.
Try to time your visit to take advantage of a free docent-led English tour of the museum. They take place several times throughout the week.
Practical Info
The National Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Entrance costs 5 RM for adult foreigners and 2 RM for foreign children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children ages 6 and under enter for free. The museum is accessible by the RapidKL bus No. 115, and it is stop number 12 on Kuala Lumpur hop-on, hop-off buses. There is also ample parking available for 3 RM per car.
Address: Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission: Adult Foreigners 5 RM, Children 6-12 2 RM, Children ages 6 and under enter for free.
From $ 8
Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
Shanghai’s premier shopping street, Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road) features businesses ranging from small shops and stalls to massive department stores and malls. It’s the world’s longest shopping district, stretching 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) from the Bund to Jing’an Temple, and attracts over a million visitors a day.
The Basics
Nanjing Road is divided into Nanjing Road East, which includes the popular pedestrian strip and historical buildings, and Nanjing Road West, which has more modern structures. Though it’s possible to find anything on Nanjing Road, visitors often shop here for local products such as silk, paintings, calligraphy, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Many half- and full-day Shanghai tours feature a stop at Nanjing Road. Choose a walking tour, bike tour, or bus tour and visit the popular shopping street in addition to other top Shanghai attractions, such as the Bund and Yuyuan Garden. Or opt for an evening Nanjing Road visit combined with a Huangpu River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nanjing Lu is a must for first-time visitors to Shanghai and those who love to shop.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the length of Nanjing Road.
- If you get tired of walking, board the tram that runs down the eastern part of the road.
- There are a lot of touts and hawkers on Nanjing Road, and some can be very aggressive. It’s best to ignore them or say no firmly and move away.
How to Get There
The eastern part of Nanjing Road runs from the Bund to People's Square, and the western part runs from People's Square to Jing'an Temple. You can start from the Bund and walk, or you can take metro line 2 or 10 to Nanjing Road East, the start of the pedestrian zone. To reach the center of Nanjing Road, take subway line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square, then walk east toward the Bund or west toward Jing’an Temple.
When to Get There
Nanjing Road can be visited anytime, but shops tend to be open from about 10am to about 10pm. Visit during the day to admire the architecture and experience the crowds, and come back in the evening, when the street lights up in neon. Nanjing Road is very popular and becomes extremely crowded on weekends and holidays.
Historical Shops of Nanjing Road
Some shops on Nanjing Road date back to the Qing dynasty. They include Shanghai Laojiefu Department (1860), which sells clothes, fabrics, and silks; Duo Yun Xuan (1900), which sells calligraphy and painting; Heng De Li Clocks and Watches Co. (1864), which sells luxury watches and clocks; and Cai Tong De Pharmacy (1882), which specializes in traditional Chinese medicine.
Address: Shanghai, China
From $ 31
National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai
Occupying a former auditorium popularly known as Sir C. J. Hall, the National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai opened to the public in 1996 and has since become the most notable modern art museum in India. Notable German art historian Herman Goetz curated the museum’s first exhibition — a collection of sculptures by prominent Indian and international artists — and today the collection some 17,000 works dating from 1850 onward. Highlights include works by lauded Indian painters Raja Ravi Varma, M. F. Husain and Tyeb Mehta.
As worthwhile as the permanent collection are the museum’s rotating exhibitions, which often highlight prominent Indian or international artists.
Practical Info
The National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai maintains an updated calendar of current and upcoming exhibitions, so give it a look before you visit to see what might be showing.
Address: M G Road, Mumbai 400032, India
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: 150 rupees
From $ 42
Nathan Road
Hong Kong’s Nathan Road is the main thoroughfare in Kowloon that runs from from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po. This busy street is lined with a huge array of food and shopping outlets and can usually be found brimming with tourists.
Nathan Road is the oldest street in Kowloon and these days is lined with dazzling neon signs that point the way to both cheap and upmarket establishments. If you intend to visit Nathan Road for its shopping opportunities, you won’t be disappointed. Open right up until midnight, Nathan Road has it all, from boutiques touting the latest fashion designs, to electronics shops selling every brands of digital camera and cell phone imaginable.
Food-wise, Nathan Road is awash with options, from local cuisine to international dishes. There are also a number of foodie gems hidden away in the side streets leading off from Nathan Road in addition to the main street itself.
Practical Info
Reaching anywhere on Nathan Road shouldn’t be a problem — there are no less than five MRT stations built beneath the road, and there are also numerous bus routes that run through it.
Address: Nathan Road, Hong Kong, China
From $ 34
National Folk Museum of Korea
This national museum is an impressive collection of Korean culture and history as displayed in nearly 100,000 artifacts. It’s housed in the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Its halls and exhibits tell the stories of daily life in Korea across time and occupation. In this way, many of the Korean traditions that have existed for centuries come to life and continue to be preserved. The museum has been open since 1945, expanding the breadth of its collection when it merged with the National Museum of Korea in 1975.
In addition to exhibitions dedicated to history, way of life, and life cycles of the Korean people, there is an open-air exhibit featuring replicas of important items from village life. The exhibits range from prehistory to the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Korean arts and crafts, performance art, and a children’s museum supplement the excellent efforts to showcase Korean life and culture.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is free, but tickets to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace must be purchased. The nearest metro station is either Anguk or Gyeongbokgung Station.
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea, South Korea
Hours: Open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 9 am to 6 pm
From $ 18
National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world. Well-kept galleries display choice artifacts that pay homage to Hinduism and Buddhism. Even daily objects, like household utensils, and items used in religious ceremonies are on display.
Works in the museum, which opened in 1920, are divided into four categories: stone, metal, wood and ceramics. Be sure to check out the bronze standing adorn Buddha, as well as ceramics dating as far back as the Neolithic period.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace. Visitors can enter at the corner of Streets 13 and 178. Admission is US$5 and travelers can arrange a one-hour group tour of the museum for an extra US$3.
Address: 13 Street and 178 Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Admission: $5
From $ 15
Nanshan Temple
Built in 1988 to commemorate two thousand years of Buddhist history in China, Nanshan Temple and the surrounding Buddhism Cultural Zone serve as a window into China’s rich Buddhist heritage. Nanshan is also the largest Buddhist temple established since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Situated at the foot of Nanshan Mountain, the temple architecture was heavily influenced by the Tang Dynasty. Visitors enter the grounds through The Mountain Gate, where two figures of the Buddha stand guard. Several more statues of the Buddha in his various forms live within the two main halls of the temple. A terrace in front of the temple looks out over the South China Sea, affording stunning views of the nearby 354-foot (108-meter) copper statue of the Buddhist goddess Guan Yin.
Come hungry, as the vegetarian food served at the temple restaurant is famously tasty.
Practical Info
Nanshan Temple is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Sanya City along the Hainan West Expressway.
Address: Hainan West Expressway., Sanya, China
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: 150 RMB
From $ 250
Nanluoguxiang
Nanlouguxiang, an alleyway in Beijing lined with traditional hutong courtyard houses, has a history spanning more than 800 years. One of Beijing’s oldest hutongs, Nanluoguxiang was built during the Yuan Dynasty and today houses a collection of bars, restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
Located near the Drum and Bell Tower, Nanluoguxiang makes a convenient shopping stop if you’re looking for a way to spend an afternoon. Many of the shops in the area cater to foreign visitors with postcards, Communist-era propaganda posters, T-shirts and kitschy souvenirs to take back home with you. You’ll also find several boutiques selling high-quality Chinese handicrafts. While the neighborhood gets crowded, it’s quieter than the hutong near the Back Lakes.
Located near the Drum and Bell Tower, Nanluoguxiang makes a convenient shopping stop if you’re looking for a way to spend an afternoon. Many of the shops in the area cater to foreign visitors with postcards, Communist-era propaganda posters, T-shirts and kitschy souvenirs to take back home with you. You’ll also find several boutiques selling high-quality Chinese handicrafts. While the neighborhood gets crowded, it’s quieter than the hutong near the Back Lakes.
Practical Info
Subway: Line 6 and Line 8 (at Nanluoguxiao).
Address: Nanluoguxiang, Beijing, China
From $ 14
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Beside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque (Masjid Negara) reinvents traditional Islamic architecture with its angular lines and neutral color scheme. Built in 1965, the mosque was designed as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is a center of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Muslim community.
The Basics
The cultural significance of the National Mosque makes it an integral part of most Kuala Lumpur sightseeing tours. The 18-pointed star dome is said to represent Islam’s five pillars and the 13 states of the Malaysian archipelago. The majority of tours combine a visit to the National Mosque with stops at the famous Petronas Towers as well as the Batu Caves, one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines.
For travelers that want to combine culture with nature, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park are both within a 10-minute walk of the mosque.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but phones must be in silent mode.
- Traditional attire, which include robes for men and a headscarf for women, is provided for travelers who want to go inside the mosque.
- A must-see for lovers of religious architecture.
- The National Mosque is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
You can either take a taxi to the mosque using a ride hailing app or go by public transport. The mosque is diagonally across from Kuala Lumpur railway station, and there is an underground walkway that goes underneath Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Alternatively, book a tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
During prayer times, which occur six times per day, the National Mosque is closed to the public. Make sure to check the most up-to-date times online as they’re subject to change according to the position of the sun.
Religious Harmony in Kuala Lumpur
If you want to get an overview of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant multiculturalism, combine a visit to the National Mosque with a stop at Thean Hou Temple, a bright Buddhist monument, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, an extravagantly decorated temple that’s one of the oldest in Malaysia.
Address: Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 8
National Museum of Mongolia
The Museum of Mongolia is one of the nation’s top attractions and also holds one of the country’s most comprehensive collections of cultural, historical, political and scientific materials. Since 1991 the museum has resided in its convenient city location, making it an essential stop for travelers staying in Ulaanbaatar.
Travelers will find exhibits on the Mongol Empire, as well as a vast history of the nation prior to Mongol rule. The country’s lengthy history is laid out in both ancient archeological findings, and contemporary artifacts and pieces. One of the museum’s most impressive collections is the display of traditional attire that showcases dress from each of the country’s ethnic groups.
Visitors can explore this museum on their own, or as part of a comprehensive day tour of Ulaanbaatar. It’s the perfect place to gain a general understanding of the culture, tradition and history of this vast land.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Juulchin Street-1 in Ulaanbaatar, not far from the city’s main square. It is open daily from 9:30am-6pm. Most literature is in both English and Mongolian, making this an easy museum to explore without a guide.
Address: Juulchin Street -1, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-6pm
From $ 38
National Diet Building
The National Diet Building is the center of Japanese politics, as it houses both chambers of the Diet, or legislative arm: the House of Representatives, which meets in the left wing, and the House of Councillors, which meets in the right wing. Built in 1936, the building is constructed almost entirely of Japanese materials.
The building is iconic for its pyramid-shaped dome in the center of the complex, which made it the tallest building in Japan at completion. The interior is decorated with cultural artifacts and art pieces, such as bronze statues of the men who are credited with formulating Japan's first modern constitution. The building sits on land once inhabited by feudal lords, giving the spot even more historical significance. It is sometimes referred to as the House of Parliament or the Government building in Tokyo.
Practical Info
Groups of up to 10 people can enter the House of Councillors wing without prior reservations. To visit the lower house in the building, a House of Representatives member is required as an escort, and prior arrangements are necessary. For groups of more than 10, reservations are always required. A free one-hour tour takes place only when the Diet is not in session, and English guides are not always available. The National Diet Building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached via a short walk from the Nagata-Cho Station on Tokyo Metro Subway.
Address: 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan
Hours: 9am-5pm
From $ 45
Nanzen-ji Temple
It is not every day that a retirement home is converted into a temple. After Emperor Kamayema’s death in 1305, however, this is exactly what happened. Named the Nanzenji Temple, it is now one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The Nanzenji Temple complex includes multiple buildings and several subtemples. Walking paths wind through the complex.
An impressive, large gate—the Sanmon entrance—welcomes visitors to the temple. The gate memorializes the soldiers who died in the battle for Osaka Castle in 1615. Visitors can make their way up to a balcony on the gate, which affords an incredible view of Kyoto and beyond. Trees line both sides of the pathway through the complex, and mountains dot the distant horizon. One of the popular spots on the premises is a zen rock garden, with formations many believe look like tigers swimming through the water.
Practical Info
The closest subway station to Nanzenji Temple is Keage Station on the Tozai Line. From Kyoto Station the trip takes about 20 minutes. One unique way to access the temple is by walking the Philosopher’s Path first; the temple is located at the southern end.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8435, Japan
From $ 34
National Museum of China
The National Museum of China is the largest museum in the country, and one of the largest in the world. It features rotating exhibits exploring the history of China, from the Opium Wars and founding of the Communist Party, to the Sino-French and Sino-Japanese Wars. It also covers the Chinese Revolution of 1911, as well as the social unrest of 1989.
A history buff’s dream, the museum’s collection is vast, extending to a million items that range from replicas of a Peking man’s bones, to scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries. It also feature many hundreds of decorative artefacts such as porcelain items, bronzes, pottery, lacquerware, textiles, and various artworks.
Located to the east of Tiananmen Square – a popular highlight on Beijing day tours – the National Museum of China is easily reached from most places in the city.
Insider’s Tip: While entrance into the museum is free, daily admittance is limited, so you may want to consider reserving a ticket online in advance. Security is extremely tight, so expect numerous security checkpoints and lots of time waiting in line – and don’t forget to take valid photo ID.
Practical Info
The National Museum of China sits to the east of Tiananmen Square, opposite the Great Hall of the People. Take Line 1 of the subway to Tiananmen East, or Line 2 to Qianmen.
Address: 16 East Chang'an Street, Beijing 100006, China
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday
From $ 24