The planning happens before you reach Beijing’s Tian’anmen East metro station. The museum runs entirely on reservations made through its official website, each one tied to a visitor’s ID, and children are part of that chain: a child aged 14 or under has to be booked by an accompanying adult and must go in with the person who made the booking. So the adult whose ID is on the reservation needs to be at the gate with the kids.
The trade-off is flexibility. There is a weekly limit per account, and a cancelled booking still counts against it, so a plan changed at the last minute can cost you the week. Choose your entry slot with that in mind.
Once inside, the day is easier than the booking. Strollers and wheelchairs can be borrowed free for the day at the service desk against an ID and a deposit, there is a mother-and-baby room on the south side of the Art Corridor, and food is spread across several floors, from cafés to a food space by the basement theatre. Smart lockers in the Art Corridor and the third-floor leisure area take bags off your hands.
Family FAQ
How much does National Museum of China cost?
Free for all visitors, but only with a free advance reservation made with a valid ID.
Do you need to book National Museum of China in advance?
Reservation is required; each account can book once a week, for up to 5 people per booking.
What are the opening hours of National Museum of China?
9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), extended to 17:30 (last entry 16:30) from 1 June to 31 October; closed Mondays except Chinese national public holidays.
Can you bring a stroller to National Museum of China?
Borrow a stroller free for the day at the service desk with a valid ID and a RMB 500 deposit.
