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Explore the diverse collections at the Gansu Provincial Museum, including ancient artifacts, historical relics, and cultural exhibitions. Don’t miss the famous Han Dynasty tomb murals and the Silk Road-related exhibits. It's also a great place to learn about Gansu's local history and ethnic cultures.
The Gansu Provincial Museum is a comprehensive local museum in China, located on the south side of Xijin West Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. Renamed the Gansu Provincial Museum in 1956, it now has a building area of over 18,000 square meters. The museum's collection includes over 75,000 natural specimens, historical relics, revolutionary relics, and ethnic relics, including over 110 first-class collections. These include Gansu painted pottery, the world-famous bronze galloping horse and chariot-and-horse terracotta warriors unearthed from the Han Dynasty Tomb of Leitai in Wuwei, Han Dynasty medical prescriptions, and the "Repaying Parents' Gratitude Sutra Painting" from the second year of Chunhua in the Northern Song Dynasty (991).
The most well-known exhibit is the Eastern Han Dynasty bronze galloping horse, also known as the Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow. In 1983, the Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow was designated as the Chinese tourism symbol by the National Tourism Administration and is also the treasure of the Gansu Provincial Museum.
Suitable for all seasons
It is mainly divided into: Gansu Painted Pottery Exhibition Hall, Silk Road Exhibition Hall, Paleontological Fossil Exhibition Hall, Gansu Buddhist Art and Red Gansu.
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
free
9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
Closed every Monday (except national holidays)
The Gansu Provincial Museum is one of the most important museums in the region, showcasing the rich history and culture of Gansu Province. It holds collections from the Silk Road, featuring artifacts from various dynasties, as well as Tibetan, Hui, and other local ethnic groups’ cultural items. It helps preserve and educate the public about the region’s diverse heritage.
The museum is located in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, on Wenshui Road. It can be easily accessed by taxi, local buses, or walking from nearby landmarks like the Yellow River. There is no metro service to the museum directly, but a taxi or bus ride is convenient from most parts of the city.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with closed days around public holidays or special occasions. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, especially early in the morning, to avoid large crowds that typically form during weekends or national holidays.
The entrance is free, though there may be additional fees for special exhibitions or guided tours. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or sometimes reserved online for special events.
For general visits, booking tickets in advance is not required. However, for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons, it’s recommended to book tickets a few days ahead, especially for guided tours.
A full visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. If you want to explore each exhibition and the artifacts in detail, plan for about 3 hours. Guided tours may extend the visit time slightly.
The must-see highlights include the ancient Silk Road relics, the Han Dynasty tomb murals, the Tibetan and Hui cultural exhibits, and the collection of ancient fossils. The museum also features an impressive collection of ceramics, jade, and Buddhist artifacts.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes English, depending on the availability of English-speaking guides. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for rent at the museum.
The best photography spots are in the exhibition halls featuring the Han Dynasty murals and the Silk Road artifacts. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to check the museum's guidelines. Exterior shots of the museum building can also be great for architectural photography.
Start with the Silk Road and ancient relics sections to get a sense of Gansu’s historical significance. Follow with the ethnic culture exhibits, which display Tibetan, Hui, and other minority groups. If you’re interested in art, the section with ancient ceramics and Buddhist art is a must-see.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Gansu Provincial Museum. Special tours can be arranged for groups, but they are typically available during daylight hours. The museum does host special exhibitions and events, so check for those on their website or at the entrance.
The museum can get crowded on weekends, public holidays, or during school vacations. The least crowded times are typically weekday mornings. Visiting during the off-peak season (autumn and winter) also offers a quieter experience.
The museum offers clean and well-maintained toilets, a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, and resting areas where you can relax. There are no large dining facilities, but you can find local snacks and water at the shop. Outside the museum, there are cafes and restaurants where you can sit down for a meal.
The museum is accessible for elderly visitors, children, and those with disabilities. It has ramps, elevators, and wide corridors to ensure easy movement for wheelchair users. The staff are helpful, and special assistance is available on request.
Cash is generally accepted, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more common in Lanzhou and are recommended for ease. Credit cards may also be accepted at the museum gift shop and some services.
Inside the museum, there is a small shop selling refreshments. Nearby, you can find a variety of Chinese restaurants offering Lanzhou beef noodles, dumplings, and other local specialties. Several cafes around the museum serve light snacks and drinks.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in Lanzhou, especially near the city center. Some local restaurants may offer vegetarian-friendly dishes, and there are a few halal restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels near the Gansu Provincial Museum, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Notable ones include the Lanzhou Jinchang Hotel and the Lanzhou Sofitel. More economical options are also available nearby.
Nearby attractions include the Yellow River Scenic Area, the Zhongshan Bridge, and the Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden. These can easily be combined with a visit to the museum for a full day of sightseeing in Lanzhou.
Yes, the museum has a gift shop selling souvenirs such as traditional Chinese crafts, local artwork, and replicas of ancient artifacts. You can also find items related to the Silk Road and Tibetan culture, such as textiles and jewelry.
After visiting the museum, you can easily take a taxi or use public buses to reach other parts of Lanzhou. The Zhongshan Bridge and Yellow River scenic area are close by and accessible by a short taxi ride or public transport. Buses and taxis are available for further travel to other tourist destinations in the city.
