Xuchang Museum

Introducing Xuchang Museum

Xuchang Museum is a medium-sized local comprehensive museum. It houses over 12,000 cultural relics, including bronzes, pottery, porcelain, jade, calligraphy and paintings, and stone carvings. The majority of these artifacts date from the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, with Han Dynasty stone carvings and pottery being particularly prominent.

The Xuchang Museum is grand and imposing, featuring innovative architecture and a simple yet elegant style. Its layout, centered on the Wenfeng Pagoda, is symmetrical from north to south. The exhibition area adopts a U-shaped floor plan, forming two quadrangles. The tourist area is connected by a long corridor, featuring pavilions, terraces, towers, and pavilions. The entire building is a single-eaved, curved-roof imitation of an ancient style, with white walls, gray tiles, red-lacquered columns, and overhanging eaves. The staggered layout creates a perfect blend of Suzhou gardens and northern quadrangles. It combines the delicacy, elegance, and refinement of southern architecture with the strength, dignity, and rigor of northern architecture, harmoniously complementing the ancient pagoda.

Han Dynasty portrait art is a specialty of the Xuchang Museum's collection, encompassing exquisite stone carvings and molded and fired bricks. The exhibition is divided into an indoor display of exquisite brick and stone portraits and an outdoor gallery of stone portraits. Xuchang Han Dynasty paintings date back to a relatively late period, with the majority consisting of works from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The portraits are detailed, often in relief with intaglio lines or in shallow relief with relief lines carved into the ground. The lines are clean, crisp, and vigorous. Themes often include auspicious birds and beasts, exotic flowers and trees, chariots and horseback rides, hunting, and architecture. The depictions strive for a lifelike, vivid, and lifelike imagery, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Xuchang Han Dynasty paintings.

Climate and best time to travel

Warm temperate monsoon climate; Xuchang Museum is a medium-sized museum in Henan Province, suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

We recommend viewing the museum's collection of exquisite works: "Exhibition of Historical Relics of the Han and Wei Dynasties in Xudu", "The Monarch and His Horses Eating at Taicang" picture bricks, etc.

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-17:00, last admission at 16:00, closed on Mondays (except holidays)

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Most Popular FAQs for Xuchang Museum

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

Xuchang Museum is a key cultural institution that preserves and displays artifacts from Xuchang’s long history, dating back over 2,000 years. The city served as the capital of the Wei Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, and the museum highlights this rich heritage through its exhibitions on ancient culture, archaeology, and art. It also houses fossils from early Homo sapiens discovered in the region, known as the “Xuchang Man.”

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

Xuchang Museum is located in Weidu District, Xuchang City, Henan Province, near the city center. Visitors can reach it by taking local buses such as routes 8, 12, or 26, or by taxi from Xuchang Railway Station (about 10 minutes’ drive). Walking is also convenient if staying nearby.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays, except public holidays).
• Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds.

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

Admission to Xuchang Museum is free. Visitors are required to present a valid ID card or passport at the entrance. Tickets can be obtained on-site at the service counter or reserved through the museum’s official website or WeChat mini program.

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

Advance booking is recommended during weekends and holidays, but on regular days, walk-in entry is usually available.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Typically, 1.5 to 2 hours are enough to explore the museum thoroughly.

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

• Exhibition on “Xuchang Man” fossils — featuring prehistoric human remains discovered locally.
• Three Kingdoms Culture Hall — artifacts from the Wei Kingdom era.
• Ancient Jade and Bronze Collections — showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
• Temporary exhibition halls with rotating cultural themes.

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

Free guided tours in Chinese are available at scheduled times. Visitors may also request English-language introductions or printed guides at the information desk.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The museum’s main entrance and courtyard, featuring modern architectural design.
• Display areas for the Xuchang Man fossils and ancient bronze ware exhibits.
• Panoramic interior atrium showcasing the central sculpture or relic display.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start from the prehistoric culture exhibition → ancient civilization section → Three Kingdoms period displays → temporary exhibition halls → museum courtyard.

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

No night visits or light shows are available. All exhibitions are held during daytime hours only.

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

It can be busy on weekends and holidays, but weekday mornings are generally quiet and ideal for a relaxed visit.

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

• Clean public restrooms.
• Rest areas and benches throughout the museum.
• A small souvenir and book shop near the exit.
• Water dispensers and vending machines in the lobby.

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

Yes, the museum is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-friendly walkways. Families with children and elderly visitors can move around comfortably.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted. Cash is also accepted at the gift shop or for special events.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local restaurants around the museum serve Henan-style noodles and dumplings.
• Small tea houses and cafes are within walking distance.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, several nearby restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, and halal options can be found within the city center.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Xuchang International Hotel – upscale option near the city center.
• Vienna Hotel Xuchang – comfortable mid-range accommodation.
• 7 Days Inn or Jinjiang Inn – budget-friendly options close to the museum.

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

• Spring and Autumn Tower Scenic Area.
• Baling Bridge Park.
• Yanling National Forest Park.
• Han Dynasty Ancient City Ruins.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• The museum shop sells replicas of bronze artifacts, cultural books, postcards, and local crafts inspired by Xuchang’s history.

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

• Taxi or DiDi ride to nearby attractions or hotels.
• Local buses connect to Xuchang Railway Station for onward travel to Zhengzhou or Kaifeng.
• High-speed train from Xuchang East Station for longer journeys.