Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum

What are the most recommended things to do in Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum?

At the Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum, visitors can:

  • Explore the exquisite Song Dynasty porcelain collections, including vases, plates, and ceramic artifacts.
  • Learn about the history of porcelain making through interactive displays and educational exhibits.
  • Attend special workshops or demonstrations on traditional porcelain crafting.
  • Take a walk through the museum's beautifully landscaped gardens which complement the ancient art.


Introducing Sichuan Song Dynasty Ceramics Museum

The Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum, the only dedicated museum dedicated to Song Dynasty porcelain, is located at 613 Xishan Road, Mingyue Garden Community, Suining City, Sichuan Province. It covers an area of ​​12 mu (approximately 1.6 acres) and has a floor area of ​​5,000 square meters. The museum currently houses a collection of 10,056 cultural relics, including 31 first-class, 342 second-class, and 1,063 third-class items.

The Sichuan Song Dynasty Ceramics Museum is a specialized museum dedicated to Song Dynasty porcelain in China. It boasts six exhibition halls, covering 3,300 square meters. The museum is divided into five sections: "Reading Porcelain," "Listening to Porcelain," "Appreciating Porcelain," "Making Porcelain," and "Appraising Porcelain." The museum primarily exhibits porcelain and bronze artifacts from the late Southern Song Dynasty, unearthed during a rescue excavation in Jinyu Village, Suining, in September 1991. The exhibits include a Longquan celadon lotus-leaf-lidded jar, a gui-shaped furnace with dragon ears, and a Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain plum vase.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Winter 8:30~18:00

Summer 8:30-18:30

Closed on Mondays


Most Popular FAQs for Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum

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

The Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum is dedicated to showcasing the art of porcelain making that flourished during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). The museum highlights the development of porcelain as an art form and its cultural significance in both China and the world. The collection features rare examples of Song Dynasty ceramics, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship from this historical period.

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

The Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum is located in Suining, Sichuan Province, China. The museum is accessible by taxi or private car from Suining city center. If you're coming from Chengdu, it is about a 2-hour drive. Public transportation options like buses may also be available from nearby areas.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with extended hours during holidays or special events. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, particularly in the morning, when the museum is less crowded. The off-season months (outside of national holidays) tend to be quieter and offer a more peaceful experience.

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

The entrance fee for the Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum is generally around ¥40-¥60. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or through online platforms for advance booking. It's advisable to check their official website or local ticketing services for current prices and availability.

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

Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or public holidays. It's ideal to book at least a week in advance to secure tickets and avoid long waits, particularly for any special events or exhibitions.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the museum, including viewing all exhibits and reading through the informational displays, it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to participate in a workshop or guided tour, you may want to allocate additional time.

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

The must-see highlights include:

  • The Song Dynasty ceramics exhibition, showcasing porcelain masterpieces from this era.
  • The workshop areas where visitors can see traditional porcelain crafting techniques in action.
  • The artifacts gallery, with rare porcelain pieces and their historical contexts.
  • The garden and outdoor area, which offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and photography.

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

Yes, the museum offers guided tours in Mandarin. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available, but foreign language options (such as English) are less common. It is recommended to check with the museum for availability of guides or translation services in advance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Some of the best photography spots include:

  • The exquisite porcelain artifacts displayed under soft lighting for great close-up shots.
  • The museum gardens that provide a beautiful backdrop for portraits and scenic photography.
  • The museum's main hall, where you can capture the grandeur of the space and displays.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main porcelain exhibition hall, then visit the artifact gallery to see more rare items. Afterward, head to the workshops for live demonstrations of porcelain making. Finish your visit with a stroll through the museum gardens for a relaxing experience. If you have time, check out any special exhibits that may be available.

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

Night visits or light shows are generally not available at the Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum. However, the museum occasionally holds special exhibitions or workshops that may require prior booking or special arrangements. It is advisable to check the museum’s schedule for any upcoming events.

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

The museum is less crowded during weekdays and in the off-peak seasons (typically outside of Chinese New Year and major holidays). To avoid crowds, visit in the early morning or later in the afternoon, especially during weekdays.

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

The museum has toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs and museum-themed merchandise. There may also be a café or vending machines with snacks and drinks for visitors.

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

The Sichuan Song Dynasty Porcelain Museum is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and wheelchair access. However, the terrain in some areas of the garden may be challenging. Children will enjoy the interactive displays and workshops, making it a family-friendly attraction.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

The museum accepts both cash and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted at the museum entrance and shop.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, there are limited snack options and a small café. Nearby, visitors can find a variety of local Sichuan restaurants, offering regional specialties like hotpot and dumplings.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan options available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be available in local eateries, but they are less common near the museum.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby accommodations include:

  • Suining Grand Hotel
  • Sichuan Suining Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Suining

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

Other nearby attractions include:

  • Suining Confucian Temple
  • Suining Nan'an Mountain
  • Qianfo Mountain

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The museum has a small souvenir shop where visitors can purchase ceramic-themed souvenirs, postcards, and museum merchandise. Typical souvenirs include miniature porcelain pieces and traditional crafts.

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

After visiting the museum, the best options to continue the trip are to take a taxi or private car to nearby Suining train station or Suining bus station for connections to other cities like Chengdu. You can also take a bus or train to other attractions in Sichuan Province.