The world's most-visited museums list just got a major shake-up, and China is the big winner. According to the latest Global Experience Index from the Themed Entertainment Association and its partners, 12 of the top 20 museums are now in China, with the top three spots all claimed by Chinese institutions. A decade ago, this list was dominated by European and American names. Now, the balance has shifted dramatically.
Part of the change comes from a broader definition of what counts as a museum. The ranking now includes historic palaces and heritage sites, not just traditional art galleries. That opens the door for places like Beijing's Forbidden City, which took the number one spot with a staggering 19 million visitors in 2025. Once the imperial residence of Chinese emperors, it now houses a vast collection of treasures, from jade artifacts to ancient paintings.
Beijing Leads the Charge
Beijing alone claims five spots on the list. The Summer Palace, a sprawling complex of gardens and lakes, comes in second with 17.38 million visitors. The National Museum of China, which traces the country's history from ancient times to the modern era, ranks tenth. Prince Kung's Mansion, a beautifully preserved Qing dynasty residence, sits at fourteen, and the China Science and Technology Museum closes out the top 20.
But the Chinese presence extends far beyond the capital. In Xi'an, the Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the famous Terracotta Army, takes third place with nearly 11 million visitors. Shenzhen's Nanshan District Museum, which focuses on local history, ranks sixth. The Opium War Museum in Dongguan, which retells the 19th-century conflicts with Western powers, comes in ninth. Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, known for its mysterious bronze masks, is fifteenth, just ahead of Chengdu's Wuhou Shrine Museum, dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period. Nanjing Museum and Shenyang Palace Museum round out the Chinese entries at eighteen and nineteen.
Europe and the US Hold Their Ground
Europe still has a strong presence, though it's now outnumbered. The Louvre in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, ranks fourth with just over 9 million visitors. It remains the most-visited museum outside China. The Palace of Versailles, with its Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens, is fifth. London's Natural History Museum and British Museum take seventh and thirteenth, respectively, both offering free entry to their permanent collections. The Vatican Museums, featuring Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes, are eighth.
Across the Atlantic, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is the only American institution to make the cut, landing at seventeenth. South Korea also has two entries, both in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers, this shift is a reminder that China's cultural offerings are as grand as its landscapes. If you're planning a trip, consider adding some of these museums to your itinerary. The Forbidden City and Summer Palace are obvious must-sees, but the Terracotta Army in Xi'an is equally unmissable. And with China's recent visa-free entry for many European countries, getting there is easier than ever. Check out our guide on China's 30-day visa-free entry for the latest details.
If you're more interested in Europe's museum scene, London's free museums are a great value, as highlighted in our piece on England's free national museums. And for a different kind of cultural experience, Brussels recently turned its museums into a midnight playground, which you can read about here.
The ranking also reflects a broader trend: heritage sites and palaces are drawing crowds like never before. Whether you're marveling at the Terracotta Army or wandering through Versailles, these places offer a direct connection to history. So next time you're planning a trip, don't just look for the classic art museums. The world's most-visited list is now a mix of ancient wonders and modern storytelling, and China is leading the way.
