The history of China is highly complex, especially because of the extensive size of the country.

Many Chinese admit that they are not familiar with all of its past since there are too many details and events to follow.

On the other hand, Europeans find it harder to assimilate China’s history because it generally varies widely from the historical events and transitions that have taken place on the Western continent.

That is why I felt utterly fascinated when I visited the National Museum of China in Beijing, where I could explore numerous artifacts that were so distinctly different from all that I was used to seeing in European collections.

From the first glance that I gave to the impressively enormous building that looks directly upon Tiananmen Square, I could understand that history is very significant to this country.

The museum which was established in 2003, is based on the merger of the former National Museum of Chinese History and the National Museum of Chinese Revolution.

Constructed over an area of 192,000 square metres, it is the world’s largest home for historical artefacts and it is also renowned for its first-class modern facilities and services.

Within its huge space, it houses more than 40 galleries as well as 10 different art exhibitions and international loan exhibitions.

The artefacts provide visitors with the opportunity to observe the vast Chinese treasures relating to archaeology, history, art and calligraphy through different periods.

The porcelain section

The white and blue porcelain artefacts that were mainly created during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties are among the most popular in this section and the most famous around the world.

Interestingly, among the multitude of porcelain objects which this museum holds, the largest quantity are of this type.

The pottery section

The invention of pottery was very meaningful to humanity since it brought with it great developments in the standard of living.

The oldest pottery found in this museum goes back to the Neolithic Period where initially, clay was worked manually and later on, turned on the wheel.

Displayed artefacts which were produced in different eras are witness to the evolution of this sector as potters refined their skill and began to decorate their creations, at first through simple designs formed by fingers or basic tools and then by painting them with colourful, natural pigments.

This collection of pottery includes containers, tiles, figurines and other things that were used during burial rituals.

The silver and gold section

The substantial collection of such objects which are held in this museum generally cover the Shang (roughly 1600 BC to 1046 BC) and Qing (1644-1912) periods, which are among the most important epochs in the history of China.

By means of these artefacts, visitors can appreciate the excellent skill that existed among various artisans in different provinces and how these techniques continued to develop along the years.

Apart from the exquisite designs, some objects were also decorated with precious stones and so their value is inestimable.

This collection includes jewels, hair ornaments, incense recipients and food and drink containers.

The coins section

In China, the history of money goes back to the Shang Dynasty and progresses to the present.

Therefore, this collection is very relevant for the study of economic development of its culture.

Curiously, the first money in China consisted of shells and it was only in the ninth century BC that we see the first use of metal coins.

Later on, when the imperial decree issued by the First Emperor of China ordered the standardisation of writing, measurements and weights, the money sector developed further and we note the appearance of distinguished, round coins with a square cut out at their centre.

In China, paper money originated in the Song Period in the 10th century AC.

This collection boasts around 200,000 objects and, besides coins, it also includes some accessories and machinery used to produce money in different years.

The painted tiles section

Decorations on these tiles were done by casting or stamping methods.

The biggest value in these artifacts is in their potential to narrate 10 centuries of history since they illustrate scenes from everyday life, political and historical events, and artistic and ideological themes.

The art and calligraphy section

This is another important section in this museum since it holds within it some artistic masterpieces that go back to the Tang dynasty (AD618–907) up to modern days.

Basically, these works can be divided between those that were produced by famous artists in different periods and those that represent significant historical events.

For art enthusiasts, this area is a treasure trove of various artistic styles, subjects and materials.

The jade section

Jade is a precious stone that has a green colour and is very prominent in China. As some of the artefacts indicate, it is curious to note that even back in the Neolithic Period, people were already fascinated with this material.

In fact, according to archaeological evidence, it appears that jade was already being worked by humans from 8,000 years ago, though some scholars insist that probably this date could be pushed further back to 10,000 years ago.

Through the years, the societial function of jade changed considerably in China.

During the Neolithic period, jade had a spiritual significance and it was principally used for burial rituals since it was believed that through this stone people could communicate with their gods.

Then, in the Shang period (roughly 1600 BC to 1046 BC), jade became associated with military power rituals and it was used to decorate ceremonial weapons.

Later on, jade was used less for rituals and it became regarded more as a popular material.

However, the greatest development in jade artefacts is evident between the Ming and Qing Dynasties, where one can observe the best masterpieces.

Nowadays, this stone is still very appreciated in China, especially since it is not available in large quantities as in the past. Presently, the value of jade is in the belief that this material can help people live a longer life and that it brings good luck.

The bronze section

These artefacts are highly esteemed both locally and internationally, particularly those belonging to the Shang (roughly 1600 BC to 1046 BC) and Zhou (1046-256 BC) periods that were connected to ancient rituals and musical systems used in China.

Other objects in this zone reveal that around 4,000 years ago, the Chinese had already harnessed the technology related to bronze production.

Among these, one finds collections of everyday objects, ornaments, recipients, tools and weapons, all adorned with strikingly beautiful designs.

Some of these were decorated with ancient calligraphy characters gilded in gold or with fantastical creatures such as dragons.

Other collections

Certainly, during my visit, I could not miss the opportunity to view the collection of ancient oracle bones that shed a significant light upon the origin of Chinese writing.

Another unusual section held displays of musical instruments, some of which were constructed out of stone.

The collection of stamp blocks was amazing since they were adorned with precious stones. Yet the value of these artefacts lies also in the significant information that they relate about the various leaders and regulations that existed in China along different eras.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to see all this museum’s collections in detail in just one visit and therefore, one has to be very selective.

Otherwise, more than one visit should be scheduled.