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Visit the Jin State Museum to explore ancient artifacts from the Jin Kingdom. Highlight areas include the exhibition of bronze ware, pottery, and historical relics. Take a guided tour to learn about the region’s history and cultural significance during the Jin Dynasty.
The Jin State Museum, built on the site of the Qucun-Tianma Ruins, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, is the first museum dedicated to a site in Shanxi Province. It is also the only comprehensive platform in my country showcasing Jin culture. It comprises a sunken plaza, a site protection hall, an exhibition hall for unearthed cultural relics, a temporary exhibition hall, a Jiahe Terrace, office and equipment rooms, a multimedia hall, a collection storage facility, and research facilities.
Within the core area of the site, nine groups of nineteen tombs of Jin princes and their wives, ten chariot and horse pits, and 12,000 precious cultural relics have been unearthed. Since its groundbreaking in 2009, the museum, home to the largest chariot and horse pit from the Shang and Zhou dynasties in China, has garnered significant attention. Rectangular in plan, the pit measures 21 meters from east to west and 14 to 15 meters from north to south. Unearthed are 48 chariots and 105 horses, making it the largest chariot and horse pit discovered in China from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, predating the pit at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang by 600 years.
Suitable for all seasons
2-3 hours
50 yuan
Tuesday -Sunday (9:00-16:00)
The Jin State Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Jin Kingdom, which thrived in the northern part of China during the Spring and Autumn period. The museum contains over 10,000 artifacts, making it a key location for understanding the Jin Kingdom's contributions to Chinese history, culture, and art.
The Jin State Museum is located in the city of Yuncheng, Shanxi Province. It is accessible by taxi from the city center. Public transportation options such as buses are available, but it’s best to take a taxi for direct access. Walking from the city center is also possible but may take a bit longer.
The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the morning when it’s less crowded. Avoid visiting during Chinese holidays or weekends as it may get crowded with local visitors.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance. Online ticket booking may be available during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to check ahead.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. A few days in advance would be sufficient if you wish to avoid queues.
It will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum. If you plan to engage with the exhibits in detail or participate in a guided tour, allocate about 4 hours for a more comprehensive experience.
Key highlights include the bronze and jade artifacts, the pottery section, and the relics of ancient Jin state rulers. The museum’s exhibition halls are well-organized to guide visitors through the cultural history of the region.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available at the museum. Audio guides may also be provided in Chinese, and in some cases, there might be limited English-language support. It’s advisable to check with the museum in advance if English-speaking guides are available.
The best photography spots are inside the museum’s main exhibition halls where the artifacts are displayed. Take photos of the ancient bronze vessels and ceramics, which are exquisitely detailed. Photography is generally allowed, but make sure to follow the museum’s guidelines.
Start at the main entrance and follow the chronological order of the exhibits, beginning with early Jin artifacts. Explore the different sections dedicated to bronze, pottery, and ancient tools. Don’t miss the final gallery, which provides a comprehensive overview of the Jin Kingdom's culture.
There are no night visits or light shows available at the Jin State Museum. Special tours are only available during specific periods or events, so it’s best to inquire with the museum before planning your visit.
The museum tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially early in the morning. Avoid weekends and national holidays when it can get crowded with school groups and tourists.
The museum has basic facilities such as clean restrooms, water stations, and rest areas for visitors. There is a small gift shop selling souvenirs related to the museum’s exhibits. However, there are no full-scale dining facilities inside the museum.
The Jin State Museum is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors with ramps and elevators available. The museum is also suitable for children, with interactive exhibits that can engage younger visitors.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are the most commonly used methods of payment. Cards may not be accepted, so it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are several local restaurants and cafes near the museum, offering Shanxi cuisine. For more variety, you can find larger dining options in the city center of Yuncheng, which is just a short drive away.
Vegetarian food options are available in local restaurants around the museum, as Shanxi cuisine includes many vegetable-based dishes. However, halal food options are limited and may require visiting restaurants in the city center.
There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses near the museum. For more comfort, you can stay at hotels in Yuncheng city center, which offers a wider range of accommodations.
Nearby attractions include the Yuncheng Ruins, the ancient Wuling Tombs, and the Shilou Pagoda. These sites are easily accessible from the Jin State Museum and can be combined in a day trip.
The museum has a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs like replicas of ancient artifacts, postcards, and books about the Jin Kingdom. Traditional Chinese arts and crafts are also available.
Taxi or private car services are the best options to continue your trip after visiting the museum. Public buses and taxis are available for travel to other local attractions or back to the city center.