Plan at a glance
Leave time for both the building and the exhibitions
Ordos Museum is at 5 Wenhua West Road in Kangbashi District. Designed by MAD Architects, its exterior resembles a meteorite that has landed in a grassland city. Inside, explore the region’s nature, culture and history across several floors and galleries; make time to experience the building itself as well.
Check the hours and exhibition notices before you go
According to a museum notice, extended hours run from May 1 through October 20, 2026. Regular hours of 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. resume on October 21, with the museum closed on Mondays. A September 30 notice extended the paid special exhibition “The Nile: Daily Life and Eternal Temples in Ancient Egypt” through November 18. Check for updated ticket, gallery and exhibition information before your visit.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Explore Ordos history and grassland culture
The museum’s galleries include “The Yellow River Flows Across the Grassland: Ordos History and Culture,” which tells the story of the region through its history and ethnic cultures. Choose the sections that interest you, and check object labels for names, dates and provenance. Do not assume an artifact from a neighboring region was unearthed locally in Ordos.
The paleontology exhibition suits families and natural-history fans
“Ordos Paleontology” is listed by the museum in Gallery 2. It pairs well with the history and culture exhibitions. If you are visiting with children, you could start with fossils and prehistoric life before moving on to human activity and grassland civilizations. Check on site whether interactive facilities and guided services are available.
Distinguish replicas, originals and temporary exhibits
The Eagle-Top Golden Crown Ornament on display is a replica; the original is held by the Inner Mongolia Museum. The Ordos Museum has other gold objects and bronzes from the grasslands. Check labels to distinguish objects such as the Gold Plaque with Tigers and Boar in Combat and the Warring States Bronze Deer with Large Antlers. Temporary loans may not be on display throughout an exhibition period, so check current notices.
For a wider Kangbashi route through public squares, parks and lakeside areas, see Kangbashi Tourist Area.
Build your day
Quick route | About 1.5–2 hours, working down from the upper floors
Start on the fourth floor with prehistoric displays in Gallery 5. Continue to the third floor for the Qin, Han, Sui and Tang history displays in Gallery 3 and the paleontology exhibition in Gallery 2. Finish on the second floor with the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing displays in Gallery 1 and City Memories in Gallery 7. Floors and galleries may change or close; pick up a visitor map when you arrive and follow the current route.
In-depth route | Combine permanent exhibitions with the architecture
For a longer visit, follow the route through Gallery 5 on the fourth floor, Galleries 3 and 2 on the third floor, and Galleries 1 and 7 on the second. Take time with the history displays, paleontology exhibits and object labels, then notice the building’s natural light, stairs and central atrium. Choose the sections that interest you and leave time for a rest or guided tour.
Check the dates for the paid special exhibition
A September 30, 2026 notice from the Ordos Museum announced that the paid exhibition “The Nile: Daily Life and Eternal Temples in Ancient Egypt” would run through November 18. As of October 20, 2026, the announced exhibition period has not ended. Before visiting, check for available tickets, gallery access and any updated notice.
Get there
Navigate to 5 Wenhua West Road
Search for “Ordos Museum” or “Ordos City Museum” and set 5 Wenhua West Road, Kangbashi District, as your destination. This is a different venue from the Ordos Bronze Museum in Dongsheng District. If you plan to visit other museums the same day, check each address and opening time separately.
Check buses 305, 602 or 309
The museum website lists Routes 305, 602 and 309 as serving the museum. Check current stops, service frequency and any temporary diversions in real time. If driving, follow signs for the museum parking lot; do not assume nearby streets or other public buildings provide museum parking.
Know before you go
Basic exhibitions are free; guided services are separate
The museum’s basic exhibitions are free. General walk-in visitors usually do not need an advance reservation; enter according to the on-site process with valid identification or a passport. The Ancient Egypt special exhibition requires a separate paid ticket. If you want a staff-led tour, ask the museum before traveling about the day’s service, available languages, reservation requirements and fees. Free admission does not mean temporary exhibitions, tours or museum-shop items are also free.
Check opening hours and current exhibitions
The museum is closed on Mondays; holiday arrangements are announced separately. Extended hours also have a stated end date. Before traveling, confirm the day’s hours and which galleries are open, especially if temporary exhibitions are changing, loaned objects are being withdrawn or maintenance is scheduled. Plan around the museum’s latest exhibition notices.