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The Xi'an Forest of Steles Museum, formerly known as the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, was founded in 1944. Building on the 900-year-old "Xi'an Forest of Steles," it expanded into an art museum utilizing the ancient architectural complex of the Xi'an Confucius Temple. Its primary purpose is to collect, research, and exhibit steles, epitaphs, and stone sculptures from various dynasties. The museum comprises the Confucius Temple, the Forest of Steles, and the Stone Carving Art Room, covering an area of 31,900 square meters. The museum currently houses over 11,000 cultural relics, including over 4,000 steles and epitaphs dating from the Han Dynasty to the present day—the largest collection in China. The collection spans a comprehensive range of periods, spanning over 2,000 years. The museum boasts 11 exhibition rooms and a display area of 4,900 square meters.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Off-season (December 1st - end of February of the following year): Full ticket 50 yuan/person, half ticket 25 yuan/person
Peak season (March 1st - end of November): 75 yuan/person, half-price ticket 37 yuan/person
Xi'an Forest of Steles Museum is open to the public all year round
March 1st - November 30th: 8:00-17:45, no tickets, closing at 18:30
December 1st - end of February of the following year: 8:00-17:15, no tickets accepted, closing at 18:00
July and August: Tickets open from 8:00 AM to 6:15 PM, closing at 7:00 PM
The Forest of Steles in Xi’an was established in 1087 during the Song Dynasty. It houses thousands of stone tablets inscribed with classic texts, historical records, and calligraphy, making it a crucial site for Chinese literary and cultural heritage.
Located in Beilin District, Xi’an. Accessible via Xi’an Metro Line 2 (Beilin Station), local buses, taxis, or by walking from nearby attractions in the city center.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Best visited in spring and autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
The entrance fee is around ¥50. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via official online ticketing platforms.
Advance booking is optional but recommended during weekends and Chinese public holidays.
Approximately 2–3 hours to explore the steles, exhibition halls, and surrounding courtyards.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Limited English guided tours can be arranged in advance. Audio guides in English may be available at the entrance.
Start from the main hall, proceed through the Tang and Song dynasty galleries, then visit the Yuan and Ming exhibition halls, finishing with the courtyards and smaller side galleries.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available; special cultural events may occasionally be held.
Weekdays are less crowded. Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays for a quieter experience.
Facilities include public toilets, drinking water points, rest areas, and souvenir shops within the museum grounds.
Most areas are accessible for elderly and children. Wheelchair access is partially available, but some areas may have steps.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted for tickets and on-site purchases.
Nearby streets have local Xi’an restaurants serving noodles, dumplings, and snacks. Small cafes are also available within walking distance.
Vegetarian and Halal restaurants can be found nearby in Xi’an city center.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located in Beilin District, within 5–10 minutes of the Forest of Steles.
Souvenir shops sell calligraphy books, replicas of famous steles, postcards, and traditional handicrafts.
Taxi, rideshare, or local bus services can take visitors to other nearby attractions or back to the city center.
