Sanxingdui Museum: What to See & How to Visit from Chengdu

If you love culture and history, and want to explore one of China's most unique and fascinating collections of artifacts, the Sanxingdui Museum is an excellent pick. These relics date back 5,000 years and contain many Bronze Age treasures and tools from the Shu civilization. You can't see these relics anywhere else, which is why the Sanxingdui Museum should be on your must-visit list! Read on to learn how to experience the museum to the fullest.

Bronze mask displayed in Sanxingdui museum

Essential Visiting Information

Amazing antiques at Sanxingdui Museum

The Sanxingdui Museum is located at No. 133 Xi'an Road, Guanghan City, in China's Sichuan Province. Since it's near Chengdu, we would recommend you extend your Chengdu tour with a visit to this museum.
It accommodates all kinds of guests; many areas are wheelchair accessible, and they offer an interpretation service. You can also visit with a guide who can explain all of the exhibits and their importance to you.

Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum. You will need to book your ticket through the official WeChat account or on trip.com. Remember bring your electronic ticket and your passport when you visit. We can also help you plan your visit and book your tickets online.

• Main Exhibition Hall Hours
  March - June and September - December: 8:30 am to 6 pm, last entry at 5 pm
  January - February and July - August: 8:30 am to 8 pm, last entry at 6 pm
• Restoration Hall Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
• Cost: 72 RMB for adults; children under 130 cm get in for free

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The History and Story of Sanxingdui

Beautiful antiques in the museum

The history of Sanxingdui dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when the area was the Shu kingdom, a proud Bronze Age civilization that vanished without a trace in 1100 B.C.E. The remains of this civilization were unearthed about 100 years ago, and archeologists have been trying to figure out what happened to the Shu kingdom ever since.

Well over 2,000 artifacts, such as valuable gold, ivory, and jade relics, have been discovered at Sanxingdui. There's also plenty of bronze, including a giant bronze mask. While archeologists can't say for certain what the masks are, there's some speculation that they might depict the leader of the Shu civilization, Cancong.

What is certain is that the Shu kingdom was a deeply evolved and sophisticated civilization that not only left behind relics, but also earth formations. Known as the “Three Star Mounds”, the remnants of this civilization led architects to believe that it was a huge city and perhaps one of Southeast Asia's most important Bronze Age civilizations.

Highlights of the Sanxingdui Museum

While everything at the Sanxingdui Museum is impressive, there are a few highlights that truly stand out. We highly recommend seeing these relics on your trip to the museum, as they will give you a deeper appreciation for what the Shu kingdom looked like and also early Chinese art in general.

Bronze Standing Figure

Two bronze standing figures

The Bronze Standing Figure is the largest human bronze statue of its time, and it also has plenty of impressive detail that makes it a must-see item in the Sanxingdui Museum. It's 262 centimeters high and composed of both the human figure and the platform it is standing on. The detailing is interesting too. The figure wears a lotus crown and an elegant garment that falls past its knees and gives the statue a streamlined look.

Bronze Head with Gold Mask

Bronze head wearing a gold mask

The Bronze Head with Gold Mask was excavated from a sacrificial pit, meaning that it likely was used in a burial ritual. The combination of two precious metals, gold and bronze, and detailing around the eyes and mouth makes the mask a true work of art. Like many pieces found at the Sanxingdui archeological site, this one is mysterious, but it's also undeniably beautiful.

The Huge Bronze Mask

A huge bronze mask in Sanxingdui Museum

Towering 64.5 centimeters high, this massive bronze mask is easily one of the most exciting relics at the museum. The size is only one piece of the puzzle, too. This mask has deeply detailed eyes that look that they're coming out of the sockets and a smile that will stay with you long after you leave the museum.

Bronze Sacred Tree

Admire the Sacred Tree at different distance

The Bronze Sacred Tree, or Holy Bronze Tree, stands 396 centimeters high and is the largest of its kind in China. It has plenty of detailing, including celestial elements, birds, and fruits, and has nine branches. Archeologists speculate that this sacred tree has to do with sun worship and certainly would have been one of the most important items for the people of the Shu kingdom.

The Gold Stick

The pattern carved on the Gold Stick

While many of the best items at the Sanxingdui Museum are bronze, some are other materials, like this 142-centimeter-long gold stick that dates back to 4000 B.C.E. Carved with details of fish, birds, and a human head, it's a delicate and beautiful relic that speaks to the wealth of the Shu kingdom.

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How to get to the Sanxingdui Museum

Gold mask antique in the museum

The museum is located at the Sanxingdui Historic Site and is easily accessible from Chengdu. You can take the high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Guanghan North Station and then take a 6.8-kilometer taxi ride to the museum. You can also take the number 6 or 10 bus from Guanghan North Station.

If you'd prefer to go by bus from Chengdu, take any number of buses from Chengdu City to Zhaojue Temple, then take the bus to Guanghang. For a more comfortable and hassle-free experience, we can customize a private itinerary with your own driver and guide to take you directly to the museum.

Travel Tips

Afternoon tea at Sanxingdui cafe

To make your trip as smooth as possible, we suggest that you book your tickets well in advance, especially during the busy summer season. Aim to book at least five days ahead to get your spot. Additionally, it makes sense to learn the history of the Shu kingdom so you can get a better understanding of its importance and consider hiring a guide for a more in-depth experience.

Visiting on the weekdays will serve you well too, as you'll generally find fewer people than on the weekends. We can answer any specific questions you have about the museum, the artifacts there, or combining your museum trip with other attractions in the area.

Discover the Sanxingdui Museum

Learn about the fascinating Shu kingdom and the Bronze Age in China at the Sanxingdui Museum. At China Odyssey Tours, we're happy to create a customized itinerary that suits your needs. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com or visit our contact page to start planning today.