shaanxi history museum

Entrance Fee	Free but reservation is needed. Visitors who make a reservation with passports need to go to the ticket office at the south gfate to get a paper ticket. The museum issues over 1,600 tickets at 10:00, 11:00, 18:00, 19:00 respectively.
Opening Hours	Tuesday-Sunday: Mar.15 to Nov.14: 08:30 to 18:00 (entry before 16:30); Nov.15 to Mar.14: 09:00 to 17:30 (entry before 16:00); Closed on Mondays except public hoildays
Recommended Time for a Visit	2-3 hours Tip: Tourists are suggested to avoid visiting the museum in July and August because of the crowdedness. Chinese summer vacation is from July to August so that many parents bring their children to travel during this period.
Audio Guide Device	Deposit: CNY 100; Rental: CNY 30

The Shaanxi History Museum, acclaimed as “the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures,” offers visitors a captivating journey through the millennia of Chinese history and the rich cultural tapestry of bygone eras.Located on Xiaozhai East Road, adjacent to the northwest side of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum stands as the first modern national museum in China. Its construction commenced in 1983, culminating in its grand opening to the public in 1991. Spanning an expansive area of 65,000 square meters, the museum complex encompasses meticulously designed exhibition halls spanning 11,000 square meters, along with substantial storage facilities spanning 8,000 square meters, dedicated to housing its vast collection of relics.

Presently, the museum’s impressive collection boasts a staggering 370,000 exhibits, offering vivid insights into China’s rich history spanning over a million years, from prehistoric times (1,150,000 years ago) to approximately 1840 AD. The museum’s architectural grandeur pays homage to the Tang Dynasty’s distinctive style, featuring a central two-storied hall surrounded by four worship halls. Adorned predominantly in black, white, and grey hues, the halls exude an aura of solemnity and rustic charm.

The exhibition halls within the Shaanxi History Museum are organized into four primary categories: the Preface Hall, the permanent exhibition halls, the temporary exhibition halls, and a dedicated space for Tang Mural Paintings. Upon entering the central hall, visitors are greeted by the Preface Hall, where a replica of a stone lion from the Tang Dynasty’s Shunling Tomb and a vast depiction of the loess plateau and the Yellow River set the stage for exploration. Beyond this introductory space lie the museum’s permanent exhibition halls, inviting visitors on a captivating journey through the annals of Chinese history and culture.