Shanxi Museum - Meet Shanxi from 4000 B.C. to Modern Times

Where to see: Exhibit of “Achievements of Jin Kingdom”

The Bird-shaped Zun (wine vessel) of Jin Marquis of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C. - 771 B.C.) is the prototype of Shanxi Museum's emblem and the "treasure of the museum", which is known as "the glory of Jin State". It is a wine container, 39 cm in height, 30.5 cm in length and 17.5 cm in width. The bird's head is slightly raised. Its body is plump and the wings are curled up. A little bird quietly lies on its back and works as the handler of the zun. An elephant head is under the bird’s tail with its trunk curling up, forming a stable three-point support with the legs. On different parts of the zun, there are exquisite decorative patterns such as feather, cloud, thunder and so on. The Bird-shaped Zun was unearthed in A.D. 2000 in the tomb of Xiefu, the first Marquis of Jin, through which the capital and lineage of Jin State in the Western Zhou Dynasty has been confirmed. That is also why this cultural relic is of such great significance.

Where to see: Exhibit of “Cradle of Civilization”

This painted pottery pot of the Neolithic Age (about 4000 B.C.) is 45 cm in height, 35 cm in diameter, and 43 cm in abdominal diameter. In 1989, it was unearthed in Jinshengzhuang village, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. This is a clay red pottery with polished surface, short neck, wide shoulders, protruding upper abdomen, adducent lower abdomen, and small flat bottom. The upper abdomen is decorated with flower patterns formed by arcs and dots. It is large in size and complete in shape. Such a classic relic of Yangshao culture with beautiful shape, vivid curve and ingenious conception is rare even throughout the country.

Where to see: Exhibit of “Jade”

This jades group was unearthed from tomb No. 63 of the cemetery of Jin Marquis in Beizhao Village of Quwo County in 1993. The largest Huang (semi-annular jade pendant) is 15.8 cm long. The whole item is composed of jade Huang, Heng, jade tube, bead, agate tube, etc. with 204 pieces in total. When stretching up, the whole jade group can reach as long as 2 meters. The decorative patterns are mostly made in double hook technique, very exquisite. It is listed as first grade cultural relic and is prohibited from going abroad for exhibition.

Where to see: Exhibit of “Ancient Architecture”

It is 57 cm in height and 24 cm in caliber, unearthed in Lishi County in 1982. It is an incense burner placed in front of the Buddha statue in the temple for the worship of the gods. It is made of red clay, glazed in yellow, green and white, quite elegant colors that form a simple style. The censer cover is like a lotus seedpod and a lion on the platform of the lotus petal is erect, opening its mouth and sticking out its tongue. It is a good item of colored glazed artwork made at the turn of the Yuan (A.D. 1271 - 1368) and Ming (A.D. 1368 - 1644) dynasties.

Where to see: Exhibit of “The Melting Pot of Different Nationalities”

It is 82 cm in length, 40 cm in width and 2.5 cm in thickness, unearthed in 1965 in the tomb of Sima Jinlong in Shijiazhai, Datong, Shanxi Province. The two pieces of lacquer screen are connected by mortise and tenon. The board is painted with red lacquer, and tells the story of Biography of Women in Ancient China is in four layers. The lines are black, the faces and hands of the characters are painted in lead white, and the clothing and utensils are yellow, white, green, orange red, gray blue, etc. Wood lacquer painting is the product of cultural integration in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (A.D. 420 - 589), which has high historical and artistic value.

Shanxi Bronze Museum, the branch museum of Shanxi Museum, is the first provincial bronze museum in China. There are more than 2200 bronzes in the museum from Taosi Site (2300 B.C. – 1900 B.C.) to Qin (221 B.C. - 207 B.C.) and Han (206 B.C. - A.D. 220) Dynasties through the Bronze Age.

It consists of 3 basic exhibits themed in “Glories of Bronze Age”, namely Foundations of Chinese Civilization (the special status of Jin culture in the inheritance and development of Chinese civilization), World of Rites and Music (the distinctive features of Chinese bronzes as ritual utensils and the spiritual connotation of rites and music civilization), and Achievements In Technique and Arts (the advanced technology and outstanding contribution of ancient bronze casting).

Shanxi Museum locates just a river across Taiyuan downtown and Shanxi Bronze Museum is about 9 km from it.

• 5km away from Taiyuan city center, about 15 minutes' drive;
• 17km away from Taiyuan South Railway Station, about 30 minutes' drive;
• 24km away from Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, about 35 minutes' drive.

Getting to Taiyuan First: Before getting to Shanxi Museum, you are suggested to reach Taiyuan city first. It is recommended to take a high speed train from Beijing (3 hrs), Xian (3-4 hrs), Pingyao (40min), etc. Flight is also available from Beijing (1.5h), Shanghai (2.5h), Chongqing (2h), Chengdu (2h10min), Wuhan (2h), etc.

Taiyuan to Shanxi Museum Transfer: It is recommended to take a bus or taxi to Shanxi Museum as it is near the downtown area. You can also book a private Taiyuan tour package from us that covers the transfer, ticket, accommodation, meal, etc. to save all the troubles. Contact Us Now>>