Chinese Stone Museum

Introducing Chinese Stone Museum

A new boutique hall was built in 2002, covering an area of ​​about 650 square meters. It houses hundreds of rare stones, including Lingbi stone, Taihu stone, Kun stone, Yingde stone, picture stone, stalactite, pictographic stone, paleontological fossils, etc. It is adjacent to Guiyuan Ancient Temple, leaning against Guqin Terrace in the north and Mo Shui Lake in the west. It has beautiful scenery and elegant environment.

It is a tourist attraction for foreign tourists, a provincial civilized unit, and a base for popular science education and patriotism education for young people. It has received millions of tourists from China and abroad. It has a collection of tens of thousands of square meters of rare stones, with more than 3,000 pieces on display year-round.

The museum houses a crystal stone weighing eleven tons, the largest in Asia; dozens of varieties of stones, including Shenlong green stone, Three Gorges stone, painted pottery stone, large fossils, grape agate, etc., all of which have exquisite collections; fossils such as Confuciusornis, large ichthyosaur, Notosaurus, Shovel-toothed Mammal, and Psittacosaurus are all rare collections in the domestic stone collection community.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical monsoon climate and the museum's architecture, typical of the Ming and Qing dynasties, are an urban garden-style art exhibition hall dedicated to collecting and displaying various types of rare stones and enriching the public's scientific knowledge and cultural life. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The Chinese Museum of Strange Stones houses eight exhibition halls showcasing a diverse collection of rare stones from China and abroad, encompassing over ten categories: pictographic stones, abstract stones, textured stones, painted stones, inscribed stones, celestial stones, garden stones, paleontological fossils, and mineral crystals. The museum's collection is leading in China in terms of quantity, variety, and quality.

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Chinese Stone Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Chinese Stone Museum in Nanjing showcases China's rich history with stone, highlighting the artistic, cultural, and geological importance of stones throughout Chinese civilization. The museum houses ancient stones used in architecture, art, and historical tools, offering a deep dive into the role stones have played in shaping the region's heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is accessible by taxi or public bus from Nanjing Railway Station. The nearest metro station is Xinjiekou Station (Line 1), from which it is a short walk to the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are weekdays in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is ¥40 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticketing platforms for convenience.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during holidays or weekends. Purchasing tickets a day or two before your visit should be sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits, depending on your interest in the various displays and historical information.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see areas include the ancient stone sculptures, carved stone tablets, and the fossil exhibit. The museum also showcases rare and significant stones that have been part of Chinese history and culture.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Chinese are available, and audio guides in both Chinese and English are provided for a more self-paced experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are around the stone sculptures and fossil exhibits. The stone carvings offer a detailed and intricate view that makes for great close-up shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the geological sections to understand the significance of stones, then move on to the cultural exhibits, followed by the stone art displays and fossil section. This allows a comprehensive overview of the museum's collections.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows. However, special thematic tours or exhibitions might be organized during certain times of the year.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are weekdays, especially in the mornings, when the museum is less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has restrooms, a small cafe offering refreshments, and rest areas. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs related to stones and fossils.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is accessible for elderly visitors and children. It has ramps and elevators for people with disabilities to easily move between floors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases in the museum shop.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, there is a small cafe offering simple snacks and drinks. Nearby, you can find a variety of local restaurants serving Jiangsu cuisine, including noodle shops and tea houses.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in the nearby restaurants. Halal food options are more limited but can be found at certain spots in Nanjing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Several hotels are within a short distance from the museum, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. For a more luxurious stay, there are high-end hotels located in the city center of Nanjing.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, and the Confucius Temple area. These can easily be combined in a day trip with a visit to the Chinese Stone Museum.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the museum selling stone-related items such as stone carvings, miniature sculptures, and fossils, as well as other museum-themed memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, taxis are a convenient option to travel around the city. Alternatively, you can take public transportation like buses or metro to reach other nearby attractions in Nanjing.