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The Hanzhong City Museum, also known as the Ancient Han Terrace, is located in the heart of Hanzhong City. It consists of three terraces. Legend has it that when Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, was enthroned as King of Han in 206 BC, his royal residence (or temporary palace) was built here. After the Song Dynasty, this area served as the back garden of the Hanzhong government office. Today, it is home to the Hanzhong City Museum. To visit the Hanzhong Museum, you should generally enter through the main gate (the north gate) and walk along the central axis, roughly running north-south.
The Hanzhong Museum features exhibits on the Thirteen Porcelains of the Han and Wei Dynasties at Shimen, the Ancient Baoxiang Plank Road, Hanzhong's Han Dynasty historical sites, artifacts unearthed from Song Dynasty tombs in Hanzhong, calligraphy and paintings by ancient celebrities, religious sculptures, and Hanzhong's modern revolutionary sites. Rich in historical and cultural heritage, it's well worth a visit.
The subtropical monsoon climate has distinct monsoon characteristics, with four distinct seasons compared to tropical regions. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are slightly shorter, while winter and summer are slightly longer. Winters are not extremely cold, and summers are not extremely hot. Rain and heat occur in the same season, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Upon entering the museum's main entrance, the most striking sight is the highest point of the ancient Han Terrace. Atop this rise stands the three-story Wangjiang Tower, a landmark of Hanzhong. Architecturally inspired by the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, it stands to the east and west of the Wangjiang Tower, flanked by the Bronze Bell Pavilion and the Stone Drum Pavilion. The Bronze Bell Pavilion houses a large bronze bell, said to be a relic from the Ming Dynasty Hanzhong Ruiwang Palace. The Stone Drum Pavilion to the west houses a jade drum, said to be the mounting stone for Emperor Liu Bang of Han.
The "Shimen Thirteen Products Exhibition Hall" houses cliff carvings from both sides of the Shimen plank road. The Shimen plank road and the cliffs along the Baohe River are covered with inscriptions of poetry and steles dating from the Eastern Han Dynasty, Wei and Jin Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as inscriptions on the construction of the ancient plank road.
The Thirteen Stone Gate Carvings, also known as the Thirteen Stone Gate Carvings of the Han and Wei Dynasties, are among the most precious of these cliff carvings. They include the Han Dynasty carvings "Shimen," "Monument to the Lord Opening the Baoxiade Road," and "Yupen," the Cao Wei Dynasty carving "Li Bao's Inscription on the Tongge Road," and the Southern Song Dynasty carvings "Yan Mao's Release on the Lord of the Yu Opening the Baoxiade Road" and "Record of the Completion of the Shanhe Weir." These cliff carvings were renowned even before the Tang and Song dynasties, lauded by archaeologists and calligraphers throughout the country.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-17:00
Closed on Mondays
The Hanzhong City Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Hanzhong. Located in the heart of the city, the museum highlights the area's importance during ancient times, particularly as a military and cultural hub. It features exhibits from various dynasties, with a focus on the Qin and Han periods.
The Hanzhong City Museum is located in the center of Hanzhong City. It is easily accessible by taxi, with plenty of public transportation options available, including buses. Walking is also a viable option if you're staying nearby. The museum is well-signposted and should be easy to find once you're in the city center.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the weekdays, preferably in the morning, when it is less crowded. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
The entrance fee is typically free, though donations are welcome. Tickets, if applicable, can be obtained at the entrance on-site. Online booking is not required, but it is advisable to check the museum’s official website for any special exhibitions that may require a ticket.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary, as entry is free. However, for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons, it’s a good idea to check ahead on the museum's website or by calling the museum to avoid any inconvenience.
A typical visit lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits. If you plan to explore everything in detail, including reading about the history and interacting with exhibits, allow up to 3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically offered, but the museum staff can provide general information. It's recommended to check with the museum in advance if you require any specific language support.
While the museum itself is more focused on exhibits than scenic views, the architecture provides good opportunities for photos. The interior exhibits, particularly the ones featuring historical artifacts, make for interesting photos. Outside the museum, the city provides some nice views, especially in the surrounding parks.
Start with the historical galleries, focusing on the Qin and Han sections to understand the early history of Hanzhong. Then, move through the art and cultural exhibits, before finishing at the temporary exhibitions for a more dynamic experience.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, it may host special events or temporary exhibitions. Check with the museum ahead of time for any evening events or lectures.
The museum is generally not crowded, especially during weekdays. For the least crowded experience, avoid weekends and national holidays. Morning visits on weekdays are ideal for a quiet experience.
The museum has basic amenities, including clean toilets and rest areas. There are no large food courts or restaurants inside, but small cafes and water stations are available. Souvenir shops selling local crafts may also be found.
The museum is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators for ease of movement. However, the exhibits may not be specifically designed for children, though they will enjoy the visual and interactive displays.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted in the museum and surrounding areas. Credit cards are generally not accepted inside the museum.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at restaurants nearby. Halal food can also be found in select areas of Hanzhong, particularly in Muslim-majority areas of the city.
The museum has a small souvenir shop selling local crafts, including traditional textiles, pottery, and cultural trinkets. Nearby shops in Hanzhong City also sell regional handicrafts and memorabilia.
