destinationShaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum

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Historical Background: Shaanxi History Museum is located on the northwest side of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an and is one of the iconic scenic spots in Xi'an. The museum was planned in 1983, construction started in the summer of 1986, and it was officially completed and opened on June 20, 1991, and named Shaanxi History Museum. In 2016, Shaanxi History Museum was selected into the "Architectural Heritages of the 20th Century in China" by the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics and the Architectural Society of China. Museum Features: Shaanxi History Museum is a large - scale modern museum. Its completion marks that the cause of Chinese museums has entered a new stage of development. The museum building is a Tang - style architectural complex with a "central hall and lofty pavilions at the four corners". The main and secondary buildings are in an orderly manner, with a proper layout of high and low, and a solemn momentum, integrating national traditions, local characteristics and the spirit of the times. The museum covers an area of 65,000 square meters and houses more than 380,000 pieces of cultural relics, ranging from simple stone tools used in the initial stage of ancient humans to various utensils in social life before 1840, with a time span of more than one million years. The cultural relics are not only large in quantity and complete in variety but also high in quality and wide in value. The collection in the museum is a dazzling array of fine works. It is an art palace displaying Shaanxi's historical culture and ancient Chinese civilization and is known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Capital and the Treasure House of the Chinese Nation". There are many rare treasures in the museum, such as bronzes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, pottery figurines of all dynasties, gold and silverware from the Han and Tang dynasties, and murals from Tang tombs. Most of them are treasures from the prosperous Han and Tang dynasties, and there are many fine works prohibited from being taken out of the country by the state. Collection Highlights: There are three exhibition halls in the center of the museum. The first exhibition hall displays cultural relics from the pre - historic civilization of the Lantian ape - man 1.15 million years ago to the Qin Dynasty; the second exhibition hall shows cultural relics from the Han, Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern dynasties; the third exhibition hall mainly features cultural relics from the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Each exhibition hall has its own most precious artifact. Special exhibition halls are set up on both the east and west sides of the central hall. On the west side, there is the "Special Exhibition of Treasures from the Tang Dynasty (Treasure Hall, cultural relics unearthed from Hejiacun)", where many fine gold and silverware pieces from the prosperous Tang Dynasty have been moved for exhibition. On the east side, there is the "Special Exhibition of Tang Tomb Murals", displaying a batch of genuine Tang tomb murals. The Yu Ding: The Yu [yú] Ding is placed in the first exhibition hall at the entrance of the museum and can be regarded as the most precious artifact of the first exhibition hall. What is placed here is a replica, and the genuine one is kept in the warehouse. Inscriptions on the outer wall: The inscriptions "All under heaven belongs to the king; all the people on the land are the king's subjects" reflect the land - ownership system in the Western Zhou Dynasty. There are a total of four lines and 28 characters of inscriptions cast on the inner wall of the Yu Ding. The general meaning is that in the early August of a certain year, Queen Jiang took back the land originally granted to Shi Lu and re - granted it to Yu, and Yu made this ding to commemorate it. The Imperial Seal of the Han Dynasty's Queen: One of the treasures worth seeing in the second exhibition hall is this separately displayed imperial seal of a Han - dynasty queen. The whole seal is made of white mutton - fat jade from Hetian in Xinjiang, with a chi - tiger carved on it, symbolizing royal power. The Tri - colored Glazed Camel with Musicians: This world - famous tri - colored glazed camel with musicians is located in the third exhibition hall of Shaanxi History Museum. Its overall appearance and colors are well - preserved. There are seven men sitting on the camel's back, holding different musical instruments. Among them, the figure holding the clappers is listening intently, as if intoxicated by the wonderful music. The woman in the middle is performing, and the camel is opening its big mouth and looking up at the sky, as if singing along with its master. The Gold - inlaid Agate Cup with an Animal Head: This cultural relic in the "Special Exhibition of Treasures from the Tang Dynasty" is one of the first batch of 64 national treasures listed by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage that are never allowed to be exhibited abroad. In addition, there are also many other treasures such as the Black - glazed Bowl with Oil - drop Patterns, the Celadon Pot with a Handle for Pouring Liquid Upside - down, the Gilt - bronze Incense Burner with Bamboo - joint Shape, and the Gold Bowl with Patterns of Mandarin Ducks and Lotus Petals.

1. Why Visit Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda)?

A timeless fusion of Tang Dynasty heritage, world-class artifacts, and serene gardens—where history breathes amid a modern city.
Xi'an Museum uniquely integrates a museum showcasing 110,000+ relics, the 1,300-year-old Small Wild Goose Pagoda (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the tranquil Tangjianfu Temple Gardens. Unlike typical museums, it offers a holistic cultural journey through architecture, archaeology, and nature.

2. Highlights & Must-See Exhibits

a. Distinctive Features

Xi'an Museum stands out with its "museum-pagoda-garden" layout designed by renowned architect Zhang Jinqiu. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of early Chinese brick pagodas, symbolizes Tang Dynasty Buddhist influence and Silk Road exchanges.

b. Top Exhibits

  1. Gilded Bronze Dragon (Tang Dynasty): A symbol of imperial power, showcasing advanced Tang metalworking.
  2. Tri-Color Glazed Phoenix-Headed Pot (Tang Dynasty): Exquisite craftsmanship reflecting multicultural Silk Road trade.
  3. Gold-Backed Beast-and-Grape Mirror: Combines Chinese motifs with Hellenistic influences, representing cultural fusion.

3. Unique Experiences

a. Cultural Activities

Check the official website for seasonal workshops (e.g., Tang poetry readings, calligraphy): Xi'an Museum Official Site .

b. Special Exhibitions

Browse temporary exhibits like "Tang Dynasty Royal Treasures" via the official WeChat account or website[9].

c. Hands-On Experiences

  • Pagoda Bell Ringing: Participate in the ancient tradition at the pagoda’s bell tower.
  • Digital Museum: Use AR guides to visualize Tang-era Chang’an.

4. Accommodation & Transportation

a. Xi'an Hotels Near Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Luxury (￥800–1,500/night, 5–10 min walk):
  1. Hyatt Regency Xi'an – Adjacent to South Gate Square; visit Xi'an City Wall (1.2 km).
  2. Grand Noble Hotel – Near Bell Tower; explore the Muslim Quarter (2 km).
Mid-Range (￥300–600/night, 10–15 min walk):
  1. Atour Hotel (Nanshaomen Branch) – Close to Xi'an Sports Center; stroll Xi'an Botanical Garden (1.5 km).
  2. Hanting Express (Xiaoyanta Branch) – Walk to Xi'an Museum (8 min).
Budget (￥100–250/night, 15–20 min walk):
  1. 7 Days Inn (Xiaoyanta Metro Station) – Near Shuyuanmen Cultural Street (1.8 km).
  2. GreenTree Alliance (Nanshaomen) – Visit Daxingshan Temple (2.5 km).

b. Transportation

  • Metro: Line 2/5 to Nanshaomen Station (Exit F), then 8-min walk.
  • Bus: Routes 18, 203, 258 to Xiaoyanta Station.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Search “Xi'an Museum South Gate” for drop-off.

5. Visiting Tips

a. Tickets

  • Free entry; reserve online 1–3 days early via official website or WeChat (旺季 "peak season": April–October).
  • On-site registration available for non-peak hours (limited slots).

b. Attire & Gear

Wear comfortable shoes (large garden area); carry sunscreen/umbrella for outdoor sections.

6. FAQs

a. History

Built in 707 CE, the pagoda survived 70+ earthquakes. The museum opened in 2007.

b. Hours

  • Peak (Mar 15–Oct 31): 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00).
  • Off-Peak (Nov 1–Mar 14): 9:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30). Closed Tuesdays.

c. Tickets

Free; reserve online.

d. Guides

  • Audio Guides: ￥30–50 at entrance (EN/CN/JP/KR).
  • Human Guides: ￥150–300/group (book via website).

e. Etiquette

No flash photography indoors; respect prayer areas near the pagoda.

f. Nearby Attractions

  1. Xi'an City Wall (2 km, metro Line 2).
  2. Shaanxi History Museum (4 km, taxi 15 min).
  3. Bell & Drum Towers (3 km, bus 203).

g. Dining/Shopping

  1. Defachang Dumplings (1.5 km, walk 20 min).
  2. SKP Mall (3 km, metro Line 2).
  3. Xingqing Palace Park Night Market (2.5 km, taxi 10 min).

h. Photo Spots

  • Small Wild Goose Pagoda Reflection Pool (sunrise/sunset).
  • Tri-Color Glazed Figurines (vivid Tang-era poses).

7. Conclusion

Xi'an Museum (Small Wild Goose Pagoda) is a gateway to China’s golden age, blending architectural grandeur, artistic mastery, and spiritual serenity. Plan ahead to fully embrace this cultural gem.