Shaanxi History Museum
Spot Introduction
Shaanxi History Museum is the first large-scale modern national-level museum in China, with a collection of over 1.7 million cultural relics spanning from ancient times to modern history. It is known as the “pearl of the ancient capital and the treasure house of China.” Designed by famous architect Zhang Jinqiu, the museum adopts a Tang-style architectural complex featuring a “central hall and four corner towers,” embodying the perfect fusion of Tang Dynasty elegance and modern architectural art.
The museum, which began construction in 1983 and officially opened to the public in 1991, covers an area of 65,000 square meters with a building area of 56,000 square meters. It comprises three main exhibition areas: basic displays, thematic exhibitions, and temporary exhibitions. The basic display, themed “Ancient Civilization of Shaanxi,” systematically showcases the historical development of Shaanxi from prehistory to the Ming and Qing dynasties through over 3,000 precious cultural relics.
Among the museum’s holdings, the bronze wares of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, terracotta figures from various periods, gold and silver vessels, and wall paintings from the Tang Dynasty are particularly notable. The Tang Dynasty gold and silver vessels unearthed from the Hejiacun cellar are considered national treasures, demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of the prosperous Tang period. Additionally, the museum houses a vast collection of valuable inscriptions, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and other artifacts, serving as a crucial repository for studying ancient Chinese history, art, and technology.
As a national first-level museum, Shaanxi History Museum is not only an institution for the preservation and display of cultural relics but also a significant platform for cultural dissemination. The museum regularly organizes various academic lectures, cultural salons, and educational activities, and collaborates with multiple museums both domestically and internationally.
Spot Introduction
In recent years, the museum has also actively promoted digitization, allowing more people to appreciate these precious cultural heritage through virtual exhibitions, online tours, and other means.
The museum’s visiting experience is also very user-friendly. There are multiple rest areas, cultural and creative shops, and dining service areas inside, providing visitors with comprehensive services. It’s worth mentioning that the museum’s interpretation service is very professional, with both traditional guide services and intelligent voice navigation systems to meet the needs of different visitors.
Must-see Attractions
Basic Display Hall
- Prehistoric Civilization
- Zhou and Qin Cultures
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
Boutique Cultural Relic Exhibition Hall
- Treasure of the Museum
- Tang Dynasty Gold and Silver Ware
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
Temporary Special Exhibition Area
- Thematic Exhibitions
- Cultural Exchanges
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
Digital Interaction Area
- Multimedia Display
- Cultural Relic Restoration
- Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes
Visiting Suggestions
Best Touring Route
- Basic Display → Boutique Cultural Relics → Special Exhibition → Digital Interaction
- It is suggested to visit in chronological order.
Visiting Time Arrangement
- Enter the museum in the morning.
- Avoid peak hours.
- Choose according to your interests.
Practical Tips
- Make an appointment ahead of time.
- Rent an audio guide.
- Bring your ID card.
Transportation Guide
- Subway: Xiaozhai Station, Line 2 and Line 3
- Bus: Route 24, Route Tour 8, Route 401
- Self-drive: Navigate to the museum parking lot.
- Taxi: About 30 minutes from the city center.
Recommended Nearby Food
- Xiaozhai Food Street
- Defachang Dumplings
- Snacks on Hui Muslim Street
- Tea Restaurant
Special Reminders
- Make an appointment ahead of time.
- Control the flow of people.
- No photography.
- Keep quiet.
- Bring your ID card.
- Free bag storage.
- Suitable for cultural tours.
- No food allowed.