Chengdu Museum: A Journey Through Sichuan's Timeless Heritage

The Chengdu Museum (成都博物馆) is a world-class cultural destination that beautifully showcases the rich history, art, and folk culture of Chengdu and the wider Sichuan region. It’s not just a museum—it's a time-travel experience through 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.

🏛️ Overview
📍 Location: Next to Tianfu Square, downtown Chengdu
🕰️ Opened: The new building was completed in 2015, replacing the original museum founded in 1958
🆓 Admission: Free, but you need to bring a valid ID or passport to enter
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM).
Closed on Mondays (except on public holidays).

🏯 Architecture
The museum’s modern design reflects Chengdu's ancient-modern fusion:
- Glass and bronze exterior, shaped like traditional Chinese stacking boxes.
- Interior: Minimalist, spacious, and immersive, with wide exhibition halls and interactive features.

🧭 Facilities and Tips
🧒 Kid-friendly: Lots of interactive exhibits, models, and family-friendly displays.
📷 Photography: Allowed in most areas, unless marked otherwise.
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop: Relax with Chengdu-style tea or buy local crafts and souvenirs.
📚 Language: Most exhibits include English translations.

🌟 Why Visit?
It’s Chengdu’s cultural heart—perfect for understanding the city before exploring places like Kuanzhaixiangzi or Wuhou Shrine.
A great rainy-day option or a peaceful break from busy streets.
Combines ancient history, local flavor, and interactive design in one of China’s best regional museums.

🏛️ Chengdu Museum Floor Guide
🅱️ Basement Level (B1): Man and Nature
Exhibition: Man and Nature: Donations from Kenneth E. Behring
Highlights:
- Over 300 animal specimens showcasing global biodiversity.
- Explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
- Chengdu Museum's first permanent nature-themed exhibition.
1️⃣ First Floor (1F): Entrance & Special Exhibitions
Features:
- Main entrance lobby and visitor services.
- Hosts rotating special exhibitions in the Special Exhibition Hall.
- Past exhibitions have included international art displays and cultural showcases.
2️⃣ Second Floor (2F): Ancient Chengdu – Pre-Qin to Southern and Northern Dynasties
Exhibitions:
- Chengdu in Pre-Qin Times: Showcasing artifacts from the Baodun culture, Sanxingdui, and Jinsha sites.
- Chengdu from Qin to the Southern and Northern Dynasties: Highlights Chengdu's role as a political and cultural center.
Highlights:
- Over 240 artifacts, including bronze heads and burial items.
- Interactive displays and models illustrating ancient Shu civilization.
3️⃣ Third Floor (3F): Chengdu from Sui to Qing Dynasties
Exhibitions:
- Chengdu from Sui to Yuan Dynasties: Chronicles the city's development during these periods.
- Chengdu in Ming and Qing Dynasties: Focuses on architectural advancements and cultural prosperity.
Highlights:
- Over 600 artifacts, including porcelain, gold, silver, and copper wares.
- Displays on Chengdu's water transportation system and mercantile culture.
4️⃣ Fourth Floor (4F): Modern Chengdu & Folk Customs
Exhibitions:
- History and Culture Display of Chengdu/Recent Historical Period: Covers Chengdu's role in significant 20th-century events.
- History and Culture Display of Chengdu/Folk Customs: Showcases traditional lifestyles and cultural practices.
Highlights:
- Exhibits on the Railway Protection Movement and Anti-Japanese War.
- Displays of traditional Sichuanese customs, including tea culture and local festivals.
5️⃣ Fifth Floor (5F): Puppetry and Shadow Plays
Exhibitions:
- Chinese Shadow Play: Explores the history and artistry of shadow puppetry.
- Puppetry of China: Features various forms of puppetry from different regions.
Highlights:
- Over 200 exhibits, including marionettes, rod puppets, and glove puppets.
- Interactive displays and performances illustrating traditional storytelling methods.

How to get here:
🚇 By Metro
Lines: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Tianfu Square Station (天府广场站). Exit: Use Exit C.
🚌 By Bus
Routes: Buses 13, 30A, 30, 43, 47, 51, 64, or G97.
Stop: Disembark at Xiyu Street Stop (西御街站), which is directly in front of the museum