Free Museum Days in Guangzhou 2026

Guangzhou is making cultural heritage more accessible in 2026. 

Multiple museums across the city have confirmed their free admission days, giving residents and visitors regular chances to explore history, art, and heritage without paying a ticket fee. 
Alongside citywide free days and monthly free-entry policies, several major museums are also rolling out headline exhibitions—including a large-scale Ancient Egypt exhibition arriving this February.
Bookmark this list before planning your next museum crawl.

Museums across Guangzhou will offer free entry on the following dates:

• May 18 – International Museum Day
• May 19 – China Tourism Day
• June 13 – Cultural and Natural Heritage Day

In addition, all museums maintain one free-admission day each month, with dates set individually by each institution.

Free Entry for Specific Professional Groups

On designated commemorative days, some museums offer free admission (with a valid work ID) to:

• May 12 – International Nurses Day (nurses)
• August 19 – Chinese Doctors’ Day (doctors)
• September 10 – Teachers’ Day (teachers)
• October 26 – Sanitation Workers’ Day (sanitation workers)

Museum-by-Museum Free Admission Calendar

Guangzhou Museum

Founded in 1929, the Guangzhou Museum is one of China’s earliest public museums, housed in the iconic Zhenhai Tower inside Yuexiu Park.

• Regular ticket: RMB10, RMB5 (concession)
• Free Admission Days 2026:

          Jan 7 · Feb 4 · Mar 4 · Apr 8 · May 18-19 · Jun 13 

          Jul 8 · Aug 5 · Sep 9 · Oct 14 · Nov 4 · Dec 9

Guangdong Folk Art Museum

Set inside the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, this museum is a showcase of Lingnan craftsmanship, including wood, brick, stone carvings, ceramics, and vivid architectural decoration.

• Regular ticket: RMB10, RMB5 (concession)
• Free Admission Days 2026:

          Jan 14 · Feb 11 · Mar 11 · Apr 15 · May 18–19 · Jun 13 

          Jul 15 · Aug 12 · Sep 16 · Oct 14 · Nov 11 · Dec 16

Nanyue King Museum

Built around the 1983 discovery of the Nanyue King’s tomb, this is one of the few museums in China where visitors can enter an original Han dynasty burial chamber.

• Regular ticket: RMB10 (full), RMB5 (concession)
• Free Admission Days 2026:

          Jan 14 · Feb 11 · Mar 11 · Apr 15 · May 18–19 · Jun 13 

          Jul 15 · Aug 12 · Sep 16 · Oct 14 · Nov 11 · Dec 16

Liwan Museum

Located along scenic Litchi Bay, Liwan Museum spans four heritage sites, including traditional Xiguan mansions and former residences of notable figures.

• Regular ticket: RMB
• 5Free Admission Days 2026:

           Jan 14 · Feb 11 · Mar 18 · Apr 15 · May 18–19 · Jun 13 

           Jul 15 · Aug 12 · Sep 16 · Oct 14 · Nov 18 · Dec 16

Guangzhou Maritime Museum

Centered on the Nanhai God Temple (built in 594), this museum traces Guangzhou’s maritime history and its role in the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

• Regular ticket: RMB10, RMB5 (concession)
• Free Admission Days 2026:

          Jan 21 · Feb 11 · Mar 18 · Apr 15 · May 18–19 · Jun 13 

          Jul 15 · Aug 19 · Sep 16 · Oct 21 · Nov 18 · Dec 16

Huadu District Museum

Covering sites including Hong Xiuquan’s former residence and the Zizheng Dafu Temple complex, this museum highlights local history and Cantonese folk culture.

• Regular ticket: RMB8
• Free Admission Days 2026:

          Jan 14 · Feb 11 · Mar 18 · Apr 15 · May 18–19 · Jun 13 

          Jul 15 · Aug 12 · Sep 16 · Oct 14 · Nov 18 · Dec 16

Between affordable entry fees and guaranteed free admission days each month, museums across Guangzhou are more accessible than ever in 2026. 

It’s a year that invites unhurried visits and spontaneous discoveries. 

Save the list and plan your cultural days freely.
[Cover image via Pexels, and the rest images via GZFAO]

Source: ThatsGuangzhou