From Ancient Shu to Modern Art: Chengdu’s Free Museum Days Guide

#freemuseumdays
Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan, is not just about pandas and hotpot—it’s also home to world-class museums, many offering free admission days perfect for budget travelers and culture lovers. Whether you're into ancient relics, modern art, or Sichuan’s rich history, this guide will help you explore Chengdu’s best museums without spending a dime.

1. Sichuan Museum (四川博物院) – Always Free

As the largest museum in Southwest China, the Sichuan Museum houses over 350,000 artifacts, including ancient bronzes, Han Dynasty pottery, and Tibetan Buddhist art.

Free Admission: Yes (permanent exhibitions)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Must-See Exhibits:
Sanxingdui-style bronze masks
Tang Dynasty gold and silverware
Sichuan embroidery and folk art

Tip: Free guided tours (Chinese only) run at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

2. Chengdu Museum (成都博物馆) – Always Free

This modern museum showcases Chengdu’s 3,000-year history, from the Shu Kingdom to modern times.

Free Admission: Yes
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Highlights:
Ancient Shu Kingdom relics
Shadow puppetry and Sichuan opera exhibits
Temporary international exhibitions (check schedule)

Visitor Tip: Located in Tianfu Square, it’s easy to combine with a visit to the Sichuan Science & Technology Museum (also free).

3. Jinsha Site Museum (金沙遗址博物馆) – Free on "Cultural Heritage Day" (June 8, 2025)

This UNESCO-tentative archaeological site reveals Chengdu’s 3,000-year-old Shu civilization.

Normal Ticket Price: ¥70
Free Admission Day: Cultural Heritage Day (June 8, 2025)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must-See:
Gold Sun Bird artifact (China’s cultural emblem)
Ancient ivory and jade relics
Excavation pit walkways

Note: Free tickets are limited—book online in advance via WeChat.

4. Sichuan Art Museum (四川美术馆) – Always Free

A hub for modern Chinese art, featuring Sichuanese painters and rotating exhibitions.

Free Admission: Yes
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Best For:
Contemporary ink paintings
Sculpture and calligraphy displays

5. Chengdu Natural History Museum (成都自然博物馆) – Free on "Science Day" (March 23, 2025)

A new, family-friendly museum with dinosaur fossils and interactive tech.

Normal Ticket Price: ¥20
Free Admission Day: National Science Day (March 23, 2025)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Fun Features:
Giant Mamenchisaurus skeleton
Mineral and gemstone exhibits

Other Museums with Occasional Free Entry

Wuhou Shrine Museum (武侯祠) – Free on Museum Day (May 18, 2025)
Du Fu Thatched Cottage (杜甫草堂) – Free during Sichuan Tourism Month (November)

Budget Traveler Tips

✔ Book Ahead – Free-day tickets often require online reservations (WeChat/website).
✔ Bring ID – Foreigners may need passports for entry.
✔ Avoid Weekends – Less crowded on weekdays.
✔ Combine Visits – The Chengdu Museum and Sichuan Museum are metro-accessible (Line 1/2).

Sample Itinerary for Free Museum Hopping

Morning: Sichuan Museum (always free)
Afternoon: Chengdu Museum (always free)
Evening: Stroll Jinli Ancient Street (free entry, great for street food)

Total Cost: ¥0 (plus transport/food).

Chengdu’s museums offer a deep dive into Sichuan’s history, art, and science—all for free if you time it right. Whether you’re marveling at ancient gold artifacts or exploring modern art, this city proves culture doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

Hungry after museum-hopping? Try Chengdu’s iconic dan dan noodles (¥10) or spicy rabbit heads (¥15) at a local eatery!