Northern Qi Mural Museum

Introducing Northern Qi Mural Museum

The Taiyuan Northern Qi Mural Museum, located in Wangjiafeng Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, is China's first on-site museum dedicated to Northern Qi murals. Building on the preservation of the Tomb of Xu Xianxiu, one of the "Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in China in 2002," the museum focuses on the conservation, research, utilization, and management of Northern Qi murals and other cultural relics. The museum covers a total area of ​​20,000 square meters, with a construction area of ​​5,355 square meters, including exhibition halls and a mural conservation and research center.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Exhibition Halls to Visit:
The first exhibition hall, "The Splendor of the Other Capital," focuses on the murals of the Northern Qi Dynasty's Xu Xianxiu Tomb. Through displays of artifacts, illustrations, and text, the exhibition showcases the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the Northern Qi Dynasty.
The second exhibition hall, "A Thousand Years at a Glance," utilizes modern technology, such as 3D projection and virtual reality, to immerse visitors in the charm of Northern Qi murals, as if they were transported back in time.
The third exhibition hall, "Simple and Standard Beauty: An Exhibition of Northern Qi Mural Art in Shanxi," showcases Northern Dynasties tomb murals unearthed from the Lou Rui Tomb, Jiuyuangang Tomb, and Shuiquanliang Tomb in Shanxi Province. These murals, such as the camel caravan and horse group paintings from Lou Rui's Tomb, showcase the painterly art of the late Northern Dynasties.
Interactive Experiences: During the visit, visitors can participate in interactive activities, such as mural copying and artifact restoration simulations, to deepen their understanding and interest in mural art.

Attraction opening hours

From Tuesday to Sunday, the museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30. It is closed on Mondays and open on national holidays.

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Most Popular FAQs for Northern Qi Mural Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Northern Qi Dynasty Mural Museum in Taiyuan is built on the original site of Xu Xianxiu’s tomb, one of the most significant mural tomb discoveries of the Northern Dynasties. The tomb murals cover over 300 m² and depict elite life in the Northern Qi era, offering rare insight into art, culture, and society from 1,400–1,500 years ago. The museum is China’s first thematic museum built on a mural tomb site.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Address: Wangjiafeng Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China.
• By bus: Take the Y7 tourist line (or local bus 70/822/813) to the stop nearest the museum.
• By taxi/self-drive: From Taiyuan city centre roughly 20–30 minutes, parking available at or near the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry around 4:30 PM). Closed on Mondays (except national holidays).
• Best times: Morning when it opens to avoid crowds; spring-early summer or autumn for comfortable weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry is free, but you must reserve a ticket online via the museum’s official WeChat or booking platform.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes — Due to conservation and visitor flow, you must make a time-slot reservation in advance. It’s advisable to book several days ahead, especially during weekends and holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allocate about 1–2 hours to cover all exhibition halls at a comfortable pace; up to 3 hours if you engage with VR experience and detailed study.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The mural scenes in Xu Xianxiu’s tomb — banquet, hunting, procession and daily-life imagery.
• The tomb passage and mound structure visible through glass in Hall 2.
• The comparative murals in Hall 3 from Lou Rui, Jiuyuangang, Shuiquanliang tombs.
• The immersive technology section (VR, 4K display) for an enhanced viewing experience.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Free volunteer-led guided sessions are available (Chinese language) at fixed times; audio-guide devices may be available on-site (check availability). No widely publicised English-language guided tours yet.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The viewing window overlooking the tomb mound and passage in Hall 2 — striking geometric lines.
• The mural panels with vivid figures and horses — ideal close-up shots where allowed.
• The exterior architectural design of the museum building at dusk for memorable frames. (Although less documented, good for photography)

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Enter the museum → Hall 1 to get historical context and mural overview → Hall 2 for the original tomb site and immersive experience → Hall 3 for comparative murals and deeper art-historical insight → exit via shop/lecture area. Taking a guided talk at 10:00 or 15:00 can enhance the experience.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no regular night visits or light shows reported; the museum operates daytime hours only. Special lectures or thematic exhibitions may occur occasionally.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• The museum tends to be less crowded on weekday mornings.
• Weekends and holidays can fill up quickly due to free entry and advanced reservation requirement. Booking early is advisable.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public restrooms and lockers available near entrance.
• A small museum shop with cultural-creative items related to the Northern Qi murals.
• Nearby dining is limited — visitors are advised to plan meals outside the museum.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Generally accessible for adults and children; however the site involves walking and there may be slopes/stairs to the entrance. The original tomb chamber is not directly accessible. Elderly or disabled visitors should take care and may request assistance at the service desk.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

As entry is free and reservation is online, no cash is required for admission. On-site shop likely accepts mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) though confirm at the counter. Bring mobile payment option or small cash for incidental purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no major restaurant chains inside the museum; visitors may find small snack stalls nearby or should plan to eat in Taiyuan city centre or near the museum in Yingze District. Arriving earlier or later for meals is wise.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

While not specified for the museum vicinity, as it’s in Taiyuan city area you should be able to find vegetarian options (e.g., tofu dishes, vegetables) in nearby restaurants; halal options may require inquiry or heading toward the city’s larger dining districts.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations in Yingze District or Taiyuan city centre provide convenient access to the museum. Choosing a hotel in central Taiyuan allows for easy transport to the museum by taxi or bus.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Shuangta Temple (Double Pagoda Temple) — located in Taiyuan, historically significant Buddhist site.
• Shanxi Museum — large provincial museum in Taiyuan showcasing broader regional history.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The museum shop offers cultural-creative products themed on Northern Qi murals (e.g., prints, copies, bookmarks). Visitors can purchase these as keepsakes of this unique art form.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• From the museum you can take a taxi or bus back to Taiyuan city centre or head to other attractions like Shuangta Temple or the old city area.
• If you have a car or ride-hail, you can proceed to nearby sites in Shanxi province for the afternoon/evening. Public transport options may require transfers.