Shaanxi History Museum Guide: Must-See Exhibits & Tips

The Shaanxi History Museum offers visitors a fantastic overview of Chinese culture, with rooms of treasures that span the different dynasties. This museum houses 370,000 different exhibits from ancient times to modernity, and we think it's one of the best exhibits in the country and well worth seeing. Plus, since it's near Big Wild Goose Pagoda and not far from Tang Paradise in Xi'an, you can easily combine it with other activities.

Terracotta Warriors in the museum

Basic Facts about Shaanxi History Museum

Ancient statues in Shaanxi History Museum

Visitors can get free tickets that cover the Basic Exhibition Hall, but access to specific other special exhibitions, like the Tang Dynasty Treasures Exhibition, costs extra. You can reserve the tickets on WeChat or purchase a combination ticket for 270 RMB, which includes both basic and special exhibitions.

As the free tickets will be fully booked within minutes of the WeChat reservation window, reserving one can be difficult or inconvenient, especially with a time difference. We can help you book a combination ticket to save you the stress of trying to secure a ticket at the exact booking time. We suggest plan to spend two to three hours in the museum.

• Address: No. 91 East Xiaozhai Road, Yanta District, Xi'an City
• Hours:

November 15th to March 14th, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
March 15th to November 14th, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Shaanxi History Museum is closed on Mondays for renovations except on national holidays. There is parking on the southwest side of the museum, or you can take public transportation or a taxi to get there. If you're taking the metro, get off at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station and walk ten minutes to the museum. You can also take Metro Line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai Station, which is about eight minutes away from the museum.

The museum is divided into four sections: permanent exhibition halls, temporary exhibition halls, the hall of Tang paintings, and the Preface Hall.

What to See in the Shaanxi History Museum

Different shapes of ancient porcelains

It's logical to start in No. 1 Exhibition Hall, on the first floor, as it depicts Chinese history from prehistoric times. This hall contains prehistoric relics and important historical items from the Western Zhou and Qin Dynasties.

The second-floor No. 2 Exhibition Hall explores the later relics of the Han Dynasty and Northern and Southern Dynasties. This hall focuses heavily on architecture and explores some of the earliest cultural exchanges China had with its partners on the Silk Road.

Visitors will also find the No. 3 Exhibition Hall on the second floor, which explores the legacy of the Tang Dynasty. The artifacts from this exhibition are truly stunning, with plenty of perfectly preserved precious metal relics, pottery, and items from the Silk Road. You can really appreciate the opulence of the Tang Dynasty and its importance for both Xi'an and China as a whole when you explore this room.

Tang Dynasty Treasures

Amazing Buddhist statues and wall sculptures

Exhibit space B1 is dedicated to the Tang Dynasty, with artifacts split between the western and eastern sides. On the western side, you'll find treasure from Heija Village in the Shaanxi Province, which gives a snapshot of daily life during this period.

On the eastern side, the mural paintings of the Tang Dynasty cover a full 1,000 square meters and are easily one of the most impressive permanent collections in the museum. You'll see the Tang Dynasty artistically portrayed in great detail. There are 600 murals in this room. You'll need to purchase an additional ticket to visit this room.

Tang Dynasty Stone Coffins and Murals

The Bronze Tiger-Shaped Tally

Preserved Tang Dynasty stone coffins and murals make up another important part of the museum. These coffins were unearthed from the Jingling Mausoleum and include royal tombs, including the Empress Zhenshun. These tombs are artworks in and of themselves, with intricate etchings and designs that speak to the craftsmanship of the Tang Dynasty.

There are plenty of other treasures in the museum that tell an impressive story about Chinese culture and history. They will serve you well as you explore other historical sites in Xi'an. Below are just a few examples of what you'll find in this museum.

• Bronze Tiger-Shaped Tally of Du County: From Warring States Period
• Gold Dragons in Running Position: From Tang Dynasty
• Sword with A Horse-Head-Shaped Handle: From Late Shang Dynasty
• The Empress Jade Seal Inscribed with Characters “Huang Hou Zhi Xi”: From West Han Dynasty
• Silver Perfume Fumigator: From Tang Dynasty

Nearby Attractions

Enjoy the light show at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Shaanxi History Museum is centrally located near several impressive attractions, such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi Art Museum, and the Shaanxi Xi'an Botanical Garden.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is an important Chinese Buddhist site built during the Tang Dynasty. It contains many relics, including Buddhas and engravings, and offers fantastic views of Xi'an, especially in the evening.

The Shaanxi Art Museum, or the Shaanxi Artists Gallery, is just a few blocks away. It houses seven modern and historic art galleries and offers regular lectures and workshops.

The Shaanxi Xi'an Botanical Garden is another excellent palace to visit. You'll find 3,400 types of plants and ample places to sit and meditate in this bountiful urban garden. Wear comfortable shoes if you're planning on pairing your Shaanxi History Museum visit with a trip to the botanical garden or Big Wild Goose Pagoda, as both of these attractions require a lot of walking.

Tips for Visiting

Although it is logical to start on the first floor and work your way up, visitors might want to head immediately to the Tang Dynasty Treasures exhibition on B1. This is the most popular and arguably most impressive part of the museum, and if you get there early, you can avoid most of the crowds.

The museum is popular with both locals and tourists, so try to visit during the week and avoid holidays to have more of it for yourself. Flash photography and selfie sticks are forbidden in the museum.

Taking a Trip Through Chinese History

The Shaanxi History Museum is at the top of our list when it comes to Xi'an attractions that you need to see. Let us help you make the most of your trip to Xi'an and appreciate the culture and history every step of the way. Contact us or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to start on your personalized itinerary today.