Visit the Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum to explore ancient Chinese bamboo slips, which were used as writing material before paper was widely adopted. You can view collections of these bamboo slips, learn about their historical significance, and experience the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. It's also a great spot to gain insight into China's rich literary history.

The Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum combines the high-rise architecture of the Wei and Jin Dynasties with modern Chinese garden architecture. With excellent daylighting, it provides visitors, experts, and scholars with a cultural haven that combines viewing, leisure, and research. Its design, inspired by the high-rise architecture prevalent during the Three Kingdoms period, is the world's only modern museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, organization, research, and display of bamboo slips. It is also a key cultural attraction and a gateway to Changsha's international community.
Suitable for all seasons;
It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with distinct four seasons, hot and rainy summers and warm and humid winters.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Famous attractions: Changsha Wu Jian, a treasure from the Han Dynasty
Free but not free ticket system, you can get free tickets with ID card, student ID card and other documents
09:00-17:00; Ticket sales stop at 16:30 (Wednesday-Monday, January 1-December 31) Closed to the public (Tuesday, January 1-December 31)
Tips:
Closed on New Year's Eve, the first and second days of the Lunar New Year.
The Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the historical use of bamboo slips as a writing medium in ancient China. Bamboo slips were crucial in the transmission of Chinese literature, scientific knowledge, and historical records during the pre-paper era. The museum highlights this aspect of Chinese history and culture, providing valuable insights into the development of writing in China.
The Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum is located in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. The nearest metro station is about a 20-minute walk away, and public buses frequently service the area. Taxis are convenient and affordable in this region.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The best times to visit are weekdays, especially in the morning when the museum is less crowded. Avoid weekends and national holidays when it is more likely to be busy.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance. While there may be options for online booking, it's usually not required unless visiting during peak tourist seasons.
It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance. However, booking tickets a few days in advance may be useful during peak periods like Chinese New Year or national holidays to avoid long lines.
You will need about 1-1.5 hours to fully explore the Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum, depending on your interest in the exhibits and reading the historical information.
The must-see highlights include the collection of ancient bamboo slips, detailed exhibits on the history of writing in China, and the interactive displays that show the process of bamboo slip production. The museum also features ancient calligraphy examples and texts that were preserved on bamboo.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in Chinese may also be offered. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it's advisable to check ahead of time.
Photography is allowed in the museum’s public areas. The exhibits of bamboo slips and ancient calligraphy are great for photos. The museum’s architectural design also offers aesthetic opportunities for capturing the atmosphere of ancient Chinese culture.
Start your visit by exploring the history of bamboo slips in the introductory section. Then, move on to the main exhibit halls where the bamboo slips are displayed. Finish your visit by viewing the interactive displays and any special exhibitions on the art of calligraphy.
The museum does not offer night visits, light shows, or special tours. It is best to visit during the day to fully experience the exhibits and available services.
The museum tends to be less crowded during weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and public holidays can be busier, so visiting outside these times is ideal for a quieter experience.
The museum has basic amenities, including toilets, rest areas, and small souvenir shops. There are no large food courts, but you can find refreshments at nearby shops outside the museum.
The museum is accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. It has ramps and elevators for easy access to all floors. The exhibits are also designed to be family-friendly, making it a suitable attraction for all ages.
Mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted, as well as cash. Credit card payments may not be available for smaller purchases inside the museum, but they are typically accepted for larger transactions.
There are no large restaurants inside the museum, but several cafes and local eateries can be found nearby, offering traditional Chinese dishes and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available at some nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal food options may be limited in the immediate area. It's recommended to check with the restaurant in advance.
Several mid-range and budget hotels are located near the museum, including the Hunan Hotel and Changsha Xiangjiang Hotel. These provide convenient accommodations for museum visitors.
Nearby attractions include Yuelu Mountain, the Hunan Provincial Museum, and the Hunan Martyrs Park. These can be easily visited on the same day as the Bamboo Slips Museum.
There are small souvenir shops at the museum selling bamboo-themed items, traditional calligraphy brushes, and postcards with images of the museum’s exhibits. These are great keepsakes to remember your visit.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or public transport (bus or metro) to other nearby attractions. The metro and bus systems are well-connected and convenient for further sightseeing in Changsha.