Xi Jinping Egypt Visit 2026: Grand Egyptian Museum Tour

Xi Jinping’s Egypt visit in 2026 included a high-profile tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on September 2. The visit brought Egypt’s ancient civilization, the newly opened museum and China-Egypt cultural ties into the international spotlight.

For travelers: the visit is a useful reminder that the Grand Egyptian Museum is now a major part of the modern Cairo experience, alongside the Pyramids and the wider Giza Plateau.

Xi Jinping Visits the Grand Egyptian Museum

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, visited the Grand Egyptian Museum accompanied by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi. The visit took place on September 2, 2026, as part of Xi’s official visit to Egypt. Egyptian presidential sources said the tour included presentations on the museum and its archaeological collections, with explanations in Arabic and Chinese.

What Did the Visit Include?

The tour covered several of the museum’s headline spaces. The delegation visited the Grand Staircase, where they received explanations about the archaeological objects displayed along the route, and the Pyramids Panorama area for commemorative photographs.

The visit also concluded with the Tutankhamun Treasures Gallery, where the presidents and first ladies were briefed on important objects including Tutankhamun’s famous golden mask and throne.

Why the Grand Egyptian Museum Matters for Travelers

The museum has become one of the defining additions to a Cairo itinerary. Its location beside the Giza Plateau makes it possible to plan the museum and the Pyramids as part of one broader Giza experience, while still allowing enough time to appreciate each site.

Xi Jinping’s Comments on Egyptian Civilization

During the tour, Xi expressed admiration for Egyptian civilization and described the Grand Egyptian Museum as a world-class cultural landmark. The visit also highlighted the shared heritage of two ancient civilizations and the role of cultural exchange in Egypt-China relations.

What Does This Mean for Visitors to Cairo?

For travelers, the biggest practical takeaway is simple: the Grand Egyptian Museum should be treated as a destination in its own right, not merely as a short add-on to a Pyramids visit. If you are planning a first trip to Cairo, allow enough time for both the Giza archaeological area and the museum.

• Combine the Great Pyramids of Giza with the museum when your schedule allows.
• Leave enough time for the museum’s major galleries and staircase.
• Use a knowledgeable guide if you want historical context rather than a quick visit.
• Check current museum access and ticket information before your travel date.

How to Add the Grand Egyptian Museum to Your Egypt Trip

The museum fits naturally into a Cairo stay of two to four days. A first-time itinerary can combine Giza and the museum on one day, Historic Cairo on another, and Saqqara or Memphis on an additional day. Travelers continuing south can then move on to Luxor, a Nile Cruise or Aswan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Xi Jinping visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Xi Jinping visited the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on September 2, 2026, during his official state visit to Egypt.

Who accompanied Xi Jinping at the museum?

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi accompanied Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan during the museum tour.

What did Xi Jinping see at the museum?

The tour included the museum presentation, the Grand Staircase, the Pyramids Panorama and the Tutankhamun Treasures Gallery, including the golden mask and throne.

Should tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Yes. It is one of the major cultural attractions to include in a Cairo itinerary, especially for first-time visitors interested in ancient Egyptian history.

Event photos: Xinhua/CCTV. Museum image: Wikimedia Commons. Information checked against Egyptian presidential and current news reports dated September 2–5, 2026.