Live Your Best Lives
The Xi'an Museum, located two kilometers south of the Xi'an City Wall, consists of three parts: the renowned Tang Dynasty Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Jianfu Temple complex, and the museum. This unique architectural layout, integrating museum, pagoda, temple, and garden, is unique among museums nationwide. Its overall design is inspired by the concept of the earth being round and the sky being square, and its architectural style embodies traditional Chinese cultural values. It has been recognized as one of Xi'an's ten future landmark buildings.
The Xi'an Museum houses a collection of 130,000 cultural relics from various periods in the Xi'an region , including 14,400 nationally recognized Grade III or higher artifacts . A significant number of these artifacts date back to the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, periods of significant influence in Chinese history. The museum is exhibiting over 2,000 exquisite artifacts for the first time . In addition to traditional display cases, the exhibits incorporate a variety of techniques that reflect current high-tech electronic, imaging, and audiovisual technologies.
The museum's exhibition content consists of three parts: basic exhibition, special exhibition and temporary exhibition. The basic exhibition is themed " Ancient Capital Xi'an " and focuses on Xi'an's history as an ancient capital for 13 dynasties and its architectural history of more than a thousand years, highlighting the development history of Xi'an as a capital city.
The special exhibitions include Buddhist sculptures with the theme of " Majestic Precious Appearance " , ancient calligraphy and paintings with the theme of " Three Truths and Six Grasses, Carving the Moon and Cutting the Clouds " , ancient jades with the theme of " Spirit of Heaven and Earth " , and seals with the theme of " A Thousand Chestnuts " . The temporary exhibition is titled " Treasures of the Capital Region " , and for the first time, precious cultural relics from relevant districts and counties of the city are displayed together.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Free admission with ID card ( 3,000 tickets per day )
March 15th - October 31st : 9 : 00-17 : 00 , Garden Cleaning at 18:00
November 1st - March 14th : 9 : 00-16 : 30 , Garden Cleaning at 17:30
Closed every Tuesday
Xi'an Museum is located in the ancient capital of Shaanxi province, which was once the capital of 13 dynasties, including the Tang Dynasty. The museum showcases Xi'an's rich cultural and historical heritage, including artifacts from ancient China, with particular emphasis on the Silk Road, the Tang Dynasty, and the Terracotta Army.
The Xi'an Museum is located in the city center of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. It can be easily reached by metro (Line 2, Xi'an Railway Station or Xiaozhai Station), bus, taxi, or on foot if you're staying nearby.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to visit early in the morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons (April to October).
Entrance to the Xi'an Museum is free, though some special exhibitions may charge an additional fee. Tickets can be obtained at the museum entrance or reserved online in advance.
Tickets are not required in advance for general entry, but it is recommended to book for special exhibitions or during busy seasons. Booking 1-2 days ahead is advised for popular exhibitions.
It typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum fully, depending on the exhibitions and your interest in each section.
Guided tours are available in both Mandarin and English. Audio guides are also available for rent in multiple languages, including English.
The best photography spots include the grand entrance hall, the Tang Dynasty exhibitions, and the outdoor garden area that provides a serene atmosphere for pictures.
Start with the Bronze Age Exhibition, followed by the Tang Dynasty relics, then explore the Silk Road and ceramics galleries. End with the outdoor garden area for a relaxing walk and photos.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, it occasionally hosts special tours and events. Check the museum's schedule for any cultural performances or special exhibitions.
The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the mornings before noon.
There are toilets, water fountains, and rest areas available. The museum also has a small café and a souvenir shop selling cultural and historical items.
The museum is fully accessible for elderly visitors, children, and people with disabilities. There are wheelchair ramps and elevators for easy access to all floors.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards are accepted at the museum’s entrance and gift shop. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or food items.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, as well as halal food due to the Muslim population in Xi'an.
There is a souvenir shop inside the museum offering traditional Chinese art, ceramics, and replicas of historical artifacts from the museum’s exhibitions.
After visiting the museum, taxis and public buses are readily available. The metro system also provides easy access to other attractions such as the City Wall and the Terracotta Army.
