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Shaanxi Archaeological Museum is China's first archaeological museum. It is located in the south of Zhoujiazhuang Village, Guodu Street, Chang'an District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. It was trial-opened on April 28, 2022.
The museum covers an area of approximately 250 mu (approximately 250 mu) and has a total construction area of approximately 36,000 square meters, including 5,800 square meters of indoor exhibition space and 10,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition area. It houses over 200,000 artifacts and specimens unearthed from sites and tombs throughout history, dating back to the Paleolithic Age. Its permanent exhibition, themed "Shaanxi, a Holy Land of Archaeology," is divided into four chapters: "Archaeological History," "Cultural Genealogy," "Archaeological Discoveries," and "Cultural Preservation Technology."
Suitable for all seasons
【Recommended cultural relics】
→Hollowed-out human-face basin-shaped vessel
Unearthed in 2008 at the Yangguanzhai site in Gaoling District, Xi'an, it is a cultural relic from the middle and late Yangshao culture, dating back about 5,000 years. It looks like an upside-down flower pot, with crescent-shaped eyes and a mouth hollowed out on the surface, and a small, delicate, three-dimensional nose made of clay, making it adorable and lifelike.
→Stone carving of god's face pillar
Unearthed in 2019 at the Shimao site in Shenmu City, Yulin City, it dates back to the late Longshan culture and the early Xia Dynasty, 4,300 to 3,800 years ago. It is called a "totem pole" and has a cylindrical shape with a relatively regular shape. The top and the body of the pole are engraved with patterns, including facial features, hair accessories, beards, etc., with exquisite lines and a majestic look.
→Xi Zun
Unearthed in 2013 from the Shigushan Cemetery in Weibin District, Baoji City, these artifacts date from the late Shang Dynasty to the early Western Zhou Dynasty. Two bronze vessels, one large and one small, were unearthed in Tomb M4. Their shapes incorporate a variety of auspicious beasts, with herbivorous heads and carnivorous legs, and they have the features of sheep, the appearance of deer, and the wings of birds.
→ Hejia Village Copper Wheel and Chariot Horse Pit
Unearthed in 2014 at the Zhouyuan site in Hejia Village, Qishan County, Baoji City, this relic dates back to the middle and late Western Zhou Dynasty. After packaging and cleaning, a bronze wheel-toothed chariot approximately three meters long was reconstructed.
→Rui Gong Ding
Unearthed in 2017 from Tomb M3 in the East 1 area of the Liujiawa site in Chengcheng County, Weinan City, this artifact dates back to the early Spring and Autumn Period. It features a round belly and hoof feet, upright ears, and a wide mouth. The lower portion of the mouth is decorated with a "Qi Qu" pattern, and the belly is covered with dense "Diao Qi" (scaled scales) patterns.
【Recommended Play Time】
According to your preference
Free admission, but reservations are required
The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday all year round
Closed all day on Wednesdays throughout the year
The Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, located in Xi’an, preserves and showcases artifacts from Shaanxi Province, one of China’s most historically significant regions. Xi’an was the starting point of the Silk Road and home to multiple ancient dynasties, making the museum essential for understanding Chinese civilization, archaeology, and cultural heritage.
The museum is located at 91 Xiaozhai East Road, Xi’an. Visitors can reach it by taking Metro Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station and walking, or by bus lines 44, 601, or 608. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also convenient options.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Mondays). Mornings and weekdays are the best times to avoid crowds.
General admission is 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased onsite or booked online through the official museum website or trusted ticket platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. Tickets can typically be reserved a few days to a week in advance online.
3–4 hours to see all permanent exhibitions, including major artifacts and halls, and longer if attending temporary exhibitions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some English-language guides or brochures are provided, but audio guides in English may be limited, so self-guided exploration is common for international visitors.
Night visits are not available. Special tours or cultural programs may occur occasionally, particularly during festivals or exhibition openings.
Weekdays are less crowded, especially mornings. Public holidays and weekends can be busy due to school groups and tourists.
Facilities include restrooms, drinking water stations, benches, a museum café, and souvenir shops.
The museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. Suitable for children, elderly visitors, and those with mobility challenges.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted for tickets, shops, and café purchases.
The museum café offers light snacks and beverages. Nearby Xiaozhai commercial area has numerous restaurants serving local Shaanxi cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available locally; halal restaurants are limited but present in Xi’an city center.
Several hotels and guesthouses are within 1–3 km of the museum, ranging from budget to mid-range options.
The museum shop sells replicas of artifacts, postcards, calligraphy sets, and small handicrafts related to Shaanxi culture.
