The Nanyue King Museum is one of the most important history stops in Guangzhou because it lets you see the Western Han Dynasty “Nanyue King” story in two different locations: the King’s Tomb site (the famous underground tomb) and the Palace & Garden site (the ancient royal palace area). If you want a museum experience that feels “real archaeology,” Nanyue King Museum is a perfect pick.
Below is a practical, no-fluff guide: where to go, how to get there by metro, tickets, hours, reservation rules (including the tomb lower level), and common mistakes.
What is the Nanyue King Museum (and what you’ll actually see) ✅
The museum operates as two exhibition areas:
- The Site of King’s Tomb (the headline): an excavated royal tomb site with major artifacts and the underground experience.
- The Site of Palace and Garden: remains and interpretation of the Nanyue royal palace/garden area.
The official museum visitor page lists both sites, their addresses, and transport options.
Choose your visit style (fast, standard, or full) 🧭
Option A — “Best value” (2–3 hours)
- King’s Tomb site only
- See the main museum exhibits + the tomb area you have access to with a regular ticket.
Option B — “Do it properly” (3–5 hours)
- King’s Tomb site + Palace & Garden site
- This gives you both the “artifact + tomb” impact and the “city archaeology” context.
Option C — “Archaeology nerd mode” (extra planning)
- King’s Tomb site including the lower level visit (requires a reservation via the museum’s WeChat instructions)
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
1) The Site of King’s Tomb (main tomb museum) ⚱️
Address: No. 867 Jiefang North Road, Guangzhou
Metro: Line 2 → Yuexiu Park station
Bus: “Yuexiu Park station / Jiefang North Road station / Panfu Road station” (as listed by the museum)
Practical tip: In map apps, search the Chinese name “南越王博物院” or paste the address to avoid being dropped at the wrong park gate area.
2) The Site of Palace and Garden 🏛️
Address: No. 316 Zhongshan 4th Road, Guangzhou
Metro: Line 1 or Line 2 → Gongyuanqian station
Bus: “Provincial Finance Department station” (museum listing)
Opening hours (important) ⏱️
The museum’s official visitor info states:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–17:30 (ticket stops at 17:00)
- Closed on Monday (except public holidays)
- There may be extended opening until 18:00 in summer/winter/national holidays (museum note)
✅ Best arrival time: before 15:30 so you’re not rushing and you still have time for both exhibits.
Tickets / prices / reservations 💳✅
The Site of Palace and Garden
- Free admission, but a ticket is required before entering
The Site of King’s Tomb
- Full price: 10 yuan
- Half price: 5 yuan
Important reservation note (don’t miss this):
The museum explicitly says the regular ticket does not include the visit to the lower level of the King’s Tomb site, and you should make a reservation for the lower level via the museum’s official WeChat account.
Who gets discounts/free entry?
The official page lists eligibility for half-price and free tickets (students, seniors, minors, etc.).
✅ Bring your ID/passport and any student/senior documentation if applicable.
How to reserve (official approach)
The museum asks visitors to follow their official WeChat account “南越王博物院” for ticket reservation and lower-level reservation instructions.
The best “first-timer” route inside (so it feels smooth) 🗺️✅
If you do King’s Tomb site only (2–3 hours)
- Start with the main exhibitions (get the story first)
- Then go to the tomb/site zones
- Finish with the museum shop / final highlights
Why? Because the exhibits explain what you’re about to see—so the tomb doesn’t feel like “just a big stone space.”
If you do both sites (3–5 hours)
Morning / early afternoon: King’s Tomb → then Palace & Garden
- Tomb site is the “wow” anchor; palace site then explains how the kingdom functioned above ground.
Tips & common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Use metro strategically
- Yuexiu Park (Line 2) for the tomb site
- Gongyuanqian (Lines 1/2) for the palace site
⚠️ Arriving too late
Ticketing stops at 17:00, so late arrivals often end up stressed or turned away from sections.
✅ Reserve the lower level if you want the “deep tomb” experience
People often buy a ticket and assume everything is included—officially, it’s not.
✅ Ask for services if needed
The museum lists helpful services like free luggage storage and wheelchair lending, plus free guided tours on open days (ask the information desk).
⚠️ Ignoring the two-site concept
If you only visit one site, you’ll still enjoy it—but the combined visit is what makes the Nanyue story feel complete.
FAQ ❓
Is Nanyue King Museum one building?
No—officially it has two exhibition areas: the King’s Tomb site and the Palace & Garden site.
How much is the ticket for the King’s Tomb site?
10 yuan full price and 5 yuan half price (official visitor info).
Is the Palace & Garden site free?
Yes, free admission, but you still need to obtain a ticket before entering.
How do I visit the lower level of the tomb?
The museum says you must reserve via their official WeChat account; it’s not included in the regular ticket.
Conclusion ✅
If you want the most “Guangzhou archaeology” experience, Nanyue King Museum is a top-tier choice. The King’s Tomb site delivers the iconic underground history moment, while the Palace & Garden site adds context that makes the kingdom feel real. Go early, use the correct metro stations, and reserve the lower-level tomb visit if you want the full experience.
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