Shaanxi History Museum - Pearl in Ancient Capital and Treasure of China

First Exhibition Hall

We can explore the history from Prehistoric Times to Qin Dynasty in sequence by these valuable collections.

First unit in this hall is From Apes to Human Beings. The remains of ancestors lived in 1,150,000 years ago are perfect representation of the vibrant childhood and the dawn of Chinese Civilization.

The second unit, Blossom of Zhou Dynasty, shows the political institution and economic pattern of ancient Chinese state by rich relics of the emperors of Zhou Dynasty. Bronze wares are most typical.

In 221 BC, Qin State united the different parts of China and built the first unified multi-ethnic centralized feudal empire. East Empires is the third unit which focuses on terracotta warriors statues of Qin Dynasty and shows the tremendous momentum.

There are two parts in the Second Exhibition Hall, Vigorous Han Dynasty and Conflict and Fusion.

The first upsurge of social development of China, like booming economy and culture and open-door to the outside world, are embodied in Vigorous Han Dynasty. Here you can feast your eyes on assortments of treasures among which some are national treasure including: Jade Seal with Characters “Huang Hou Zhi Xi (皇后之玺)” which is the only surviving example of material evidence for the study of Empress’s seal of Han Dynasty, Bronze Bamboo-joint-shaped Censer with Gilded Gold and Silver, Gold Discs, Gilded Bronze Water Container and so on.

Conflict and Fusion collects many cultural remains and religion relics of agricultural nation and grassland nationality. Great collections like the golden seal with Characters “Jin Gui Yi Qiang Wang (晋归义羌王)”, Dugu Xin (独孤信) ’s 26-faced Jet Seal, Golden Monster of Han Dynasty etc. All these objects reflect the harmony of multi-nations and the flourishment of Buddhism and Han’s art.

Thriving Tang and Farewell to Imperial Capital constitute the Third Exhibition Hall.

Through the exhibition of Thriving Tang, Tang Dynasty at the height of power and splendor comes to your eyes. Once being the capital of Tang Dynasty, Xi’an is the place where most relics from Tang Dynasty were excavated. Each one of Tri-colored Crouching Camel, Gold Bowl with Design of Lotus Petals and Mandarin Ducks, Gilded Bronze Dragon with Iron Core, Mirror with Lacquered Back Inlaid with Four Phoenixes Holding Ribbons in their Mouths and Secret Celadon Dish is cherished treasure.

From Farewell to Imperial Capital, we can learn that Shaanxi Province remained its charm despite it was no longer capital any more.

Murals from Tang Dynasty Tomb (Admission: 270 RMB) are most featured collections in Shaanxi History Museum. Covering over 1,000 square meters, there are about 600 murals themed with Tang-style architecture, concise but vivid human figures, distinguished featured wares and sprightly natural landscape. They make a great contribution to studying the social life especially the material life and spiritual pursuit of the nobilities.

Exhibition Hall for Treasures of Great Tang

Tang Dynasty is the most powerful dynasty in China’s history and gold ware, silver wares and jade articles are the symbol of Tang Dynasty. In 1970, more than 1,000 relics were discovered in Hejia Village in Shaanxi and they are exhibited in Shaanxi History Museum. These exhibits attract a mass of history-enthusiasts with its high quality, ample variety and good protection.

Beast Head Agate Cup is the most valuable treasure of Shaanxi History Museum. With a caliber of 5.9 cm, it is in the pocket-size, just 6.5 cm in height and 15.6 m in length. Inlaid with golden mouth and carved with distinctive layers in the three-colored agate, this Beast Head Agate Cup shows indeed skilled craftsmanship. According to historical materials, this sandwich agate is similar to “Rhyton”, so it becomes a great reference to study the cultural communication between western country and ancient China, especially in Tang Dynasty.

Located in Xi'an City, Shaanxi History Museum is quite easy to get to.

• 6 km away from Shaanxi Railway Station, driving for 25 mins
• 40 km away from Xi’an Xi'anyang International Airport, driving for 1 h
• 43 km away from Terracotta Warriors and Horses, driving for 50 mins

Travel with China Discovery (Highly Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Shaanxi History Museum with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, only one kilometer from Shaanxi History Museum, is the existing largest and oldest pagoda in China. It is regarded as the gem of Chinese ancient architectural history and a sacred Buddhist land for its rich Buddhist culture, profound history of famous figures, splendid architectural art. It is also the symbolic building which served as the cohesion of the intelligence of working people in ancient China. Climbing up to the top of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and watching out, you will get a magnificent view.

Xian has a lot of places to visit. Terracotta Warriors and Horses is definitely the No.1 must-see. After that, take a stroll or rent a bike on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, to enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi’an. Then try some local snacks at the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter. On the next day, you can go to visit Da Cien Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to feel the Buddhist culture, then get a deeper understanding of the past of this city in Shaanxi History Museum. If you are interested in mountain climbing, don’t miss the challenging Mount Huashan which is famous for lofty peaks and steep paths. If you have other ideas or questions about a Xian tour, please feel free to contact us. We are also specialized in customized tours according to your own requirements, interests, travelling budgets, etc.

- 2 Days Xian City Break
- 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
- 4 Days Xian Highlights Tour with Mount Huashan Hiking