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Explore the rich cultural history through exhibits showcasing the local heritage, ancient relics, and traditional artwork. The museum offers educational displays on regional customs and crafts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the art galleries and rotating exhibitions.
Located in Shangzhou, Shaanxi Province, the Shangluo Museum is a site-based museum, begun in 1996. Comprising the remains of Dayun Temple and Chenghuang Temple, it covers an area of 13,000 square meters. The museum showcases over 120 exquisite artifacts, carefully selected from over 38,000 unearthed during archaeological exploration and excavation throughout the region over the past five years. These include a jade yizhang (a jade dagger-like coin) from the Xia Dynasty, a Western Zhou bronze gui (a tiger-shaped gui) lid richly inscribed, and exquisitely shaped pottery jars from the Spring and Autumn Period.
The Shangluo Museum displays artifacts made of various materials, including stone, bone, pottery, lacquer, jade, and bronze, dating from the Neolithic Age to the Han Dynasty. Some of these artifacts fill archaeological gaps in Shaanxi Province. In particular, the large, round dinosaur egg fossils, dating back approximately 100 to 70 million years, are a rare find.
Shangluo was once a triangular area where the three kingdoms of Qin, Jin and Chu met. There are many cultural relics in the area, including more than 100 temples, pagodas, and ancient caves. The ruins of Chuangwangzhai, Shang Yang's fiefdom, and the "Four Hao Ancient Tombs" are well-known.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate presents four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, dry winters and wet summers, and distinct dry and wet periods. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The museum features a 244-square-meter historical exhibition hall showcasing significant archaeological discoveries from Shangluo in recent years. These include the Paleolithic cave site in Luonan County, recognized as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China in 1997; the Xia and Shang Dynasty site at Donglongshan in Shangzhou, part of the national "Xia, Shang, and Zhou Chronology Project"; and archaeological findings from the Shang Yang fiefdom in Danfeng, as well as findings from Qin, Chu, and Jin cultures.
The exhibition room is divided into four units:
The first unit is the Shangluo Paleolithic, which contains various stone tools, as well as fossil specimens of elephants, rhinoceroses, etc.
The second unit displays jade, stone, bone, pottery, bronze and other artifacts from the Neolithic Age and the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, focusing on the history and civilization of Shangluo during the Xia and Shang dynasties.
The third unit mainly displays a group of exquisite pottery lacquerware, bronze ritual vessels and chariot and horse tools unearthed from a tomb with one coffin and two coffins in the Jin State in the late Spring and Autumn Period.
The fourth unit displays the Warring States city walls, "Shang" character tiles, and deer and turtle pattern tiles discovered during the excavation of Shang Yang's fiefdom in the ancient city of Danfeng, as well as the Warring States Chu tombs excavated in the east of Shangyi City and a complete set of pottery ritual vessels and bronze weapons unearthed from the Chu tombs.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
08:00-18:00
The Shangluo Museum, located in Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, highlights the region’s rich history, showcasing artifacts from the prehistoric period to modern times. The museum serves as an important cultural hub for both locals and visitors, preserving the local traditions and artifacts.
The Shangluo Museum is situated in the city center of Shangluo, Shaanxi. It can be easily accessed by taxi or public transportation. Local buses frequently pass near the museum. Taxis are a convenient option from nearby areas and hotels.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the morning, to avoid the crowds. Weekends may have more visitors, particularly during local holidays.
Entrance to the Shangluo Museum is typically free of charge. Special exhibitions or events may require a ticket, which can be purchased at the museum entrance or through their official website if available.
Advance booking is not required for general entry, as the museum is free. However, for special exhibitions or events, it’s recommended to book tickets online a few days in advance, especially during busy periods.
Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum, especially if you're interested in the detailed exhibits and artifacts. If you prefer a more in-depth visit, consider spending 3 hours to explore all sections thoroughly.
Must-see exhibits include the collection of ancient relics, historical artifacts related to the Tang dynasty, and the museum's art gallery showcasing regional artworks. The cultural displays focusing on local traditions are also a highlight.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are offered in both Chinese and English. It’s recommended to request a guide in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The best photography spots are the museum’s grand hall and the outdoor courtyard, which offer great angles of the architecture and surroundings. Inside, the artifacts provide a fascinating backdrop for photography, though be mindful of the museum's photography rules.
Start with the historical exhibit section, followed by the traditional art displays and regional relics. Conclude your visit by checking out the temporary exhibitions, which often feature local artists or cultural themes.
Night visits or light shows are not typically available at Shangluo Museum. However, special events or evening exhibitions might occur during festivals or cultural celebrations. It's best to check the museum’s schedule in advance for such events.
The museum can get busy on weekends and during local holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays, particularly in the morning. Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The museum has clean restrooms, a small café offering drinks and snacks, and seating areas for resting. There are also souvenir shops that sell museum-related merchandise and local handicrafts.
The museum is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available for easy movement. It is also family-friendly, with kid-friendly exhibits and spaces for rest.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash is still accepted, but it's recommended to use mobile payments, especially for souvenirs or special exhibitions. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in the museum.
There is a small café inside the museum for refreshments. For a broader selection, you can visit nearby restaurants in the city center that offer Shaanxi cuisine, such as local noodles and steamed buns.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. However, halal food options are limited within the museum area, and visitors seeking halal food should check restaurants in the city center.
There are several budget-friendly hotels near the museum. For more upscale accommodations, you can find options in the city center, offering a variety of international and local choices.
Nearby attractions include the Shangluo Ancient City Wall and the Taibai Mountain, which is a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers. Both can easily be combined into a day trip.
Souvenir shops inside and around the museum sell local handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and cultural artifacts. The museum shop also offers prints and books related to the exhibits.
The best options are taxis or buses, which are readily available from the museum. For further travel, you can take a bus or taxi to the nearby train station for connections to other parts of Shaanxi Province.
