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At the Xuzhou Han Dynasty Stone Relief Museum, visitors can explore ancient stone carvings and reliefs that showcase the art and culture of the Han Dynasty. It is recommended to take a guided tour to learn about the historical significance of the reliefs and sculptures. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy capturing the intricate details of these ancient works. The museum also offers exhibits on Han dynasty history and artifacts.
The Xuzhou Han Dynasty Stone Relief Art Museum, located on the east shore of Yunlong Lake, consists of two buildings: the South Building and the North Building. The South Building is the newer building, located near the lower station of the Yunlong Mountain Cableway, and features a modern exterior. The North Building is the older building, with an exterior modeled after Tang and Song Dynasty architecture. Han Dynasty stone reliefs are carved on Han Dynasty crypts, cemetery ancestral halls, tomb gates, and temple gates. Hundreds of these stone reliefs are exhibited in both the South and North Buildings. Their depictions are imbued with a rich, ancient style, encompassing myths and legends, historical stories, and real-life experiences, ensuring a truly captivating experience for cultural enthusiasts.
The North Building (Old Building) primarily displays Han Dynasty stone reliefs from the late Qing Dynasty to 1989, inlaid throughout the long corridor and seven exhibition rooms. Among these are the depictions of Emperors Yan and Huang ascending to heaven in Room 1, the earliest known depiction of the Queen Mother of the West in Room 2, textile paintings in Room 3, welcoming banquets in Room 4, the tripod recovery from the Si River in Room 5, and the ox-ploughing scene in Room 7, a classic example found in history textbooks. These are all masterpieces not to be missed.
The South Wing (New Wing) features Han Dynasty stone reliefs newly acquired after 1900, divided into six sections. "Shendao Tianlu" displays the stone carvings lining the sacred path to the mausoleum, "Chengtian Jingzu" showcases stone carvings from ancestral halls, "Tiangong Shenyun" features Han Dynasty stone reliefs with artistic and creative composition, "Han Shi Chunqiu" displays Han Dynasty stone reliefs depicting various aspects of social life, "Qianqiu Digong" displays stone carvings from the cemetery, and "Stele Inscriptions" showcases Han Dynasty stone steles with inscriptions unearthed in Xuzhou.
The warm temperate humid climate makes it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Han Dynasty stone reliefs represent a unique artistic moment in China's Han Dynasty. Eighty percent of these reliefs are realistic, making them not only a medium of art but also a historical treasure. They offer a subjective glimpse into the daily lives of Han Dynasty nobles. Xuzhou, the capital of the Han Dynasty Chu Kingdom, has unearthed numerous Han Dynasty stone reliefs, which are collectively housed in the Han Dynasty Stone Relief Museum.
It is built to play for 3 hours.
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The Xuzhou Han Dynasty Stone Relief Museum houses some of the most significant archaeological discoveries from the Han Dynasty, a period of immense cultural and political importance in Chinese history. The museum features a collection of stone reliefs that were unearthed from tombs in the region, offering a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and artistic practices of the Han people. The museum helps preserve the region's rich cultural heritage and educates visitors on ancient Chinese civilization.
The museum is located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. It can be reached by taxi or public bus from Xuzhou city center. The nearest bus stop is a short walk from the museum entrance. If coming from Xuzhou Railway Station, a taxi ride to the museum will take approximately 20 minutes.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are weekdays, especially in the morning, to avoid crowds. It’s ideal to visit in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the exhibits.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or online through local tourism websites. It is advisable to check online availability during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during national holidays or peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets online a few days in advance during these times to avoid long queues.
Visitors typically need around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum, including time for reading the exhibits and appreciating the intricate details of the stone reliefs.
Must-see highlights include the collection of Han Dynasty stone reliefs, the tomb artifacts, and the exhibits detailing the daily life and artistic practices of the time. The large reliefs and their intricate carvings are the main attraction.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are also offered in multiple languages, including English, to help international visitors understand the historical context of the reliefs and exhibits.
The best photography spots are near the large stone reliefs and the artifacts displayed in the main exhibition hall. These areas offer great opportunities for capturing the details of the carvings and the historical objects.
Start at the main entrance and explore the stone reliefs first, as they are the museum’s primary feature. Then move to the exhibition halls that display artifacts from the Han Dynasty, including pottery, weapons, and daily life objects. End with the smaller exhibits or temporary exhibitions on ancient Chinese culture.
The museum does not currently offer night visits or light shows. It operates during the day, and visitors are encouraged to visit within the opening hours to fully experience the exhibits.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the mornings, when there are fewer visitors.
The museum has public restrooms, water stations, and a small gift shop offering souvenirs related to the Han Dynasty. There are no major food facilities within the museum, so it is advisable to eat before or after your visit in the nearby areas.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility challenges. It is also suitable for children, with engaging exhibits that will interest young visitors. However, some of the stone reliefs are displayed in high sections, so children may need assistance to view them properly.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at the ticket counter and in the gift shop. Cash is also accepted, but digital payment options are more commonly used and more convenient.
There are a few local restaurants near the museum offering traditional Chinese meals. For more options, visitors can head to the city center where a wide variety of dining choices are available, from casual eateries to mid-range restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some nearby local restaurants, though halal food may be more limited. It's advisable to check restaurant menus ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions.
There are a variety of hotels in Xuzhou city, ranging from budget options to more comfortable mid-range hotels. Some options near the museum include the Xuzhou Jinling Hotel and other city center hotels that offer easy access to transportation and dining.
Nearby attractions include the Xuzhou Museum, Yunlong Mountain, and the Tomb of the King of Chu. These sites are easily accessible and can be combined with a visit to the Han Dynasty Stone Relief Museum for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop in the museum that sells items such as replicas of Han Dynasty artifacts, traditional Chinese crafts, and historical books related to the Han Dynasty.
After visiting the museum, visitors can take a taxi or public bus back to Xuzhou city center. For longer journeys, the Xuzhou Railway Station is nearby, offering access to trains for travel to other cities in Jiangsu Province and beyond.
