Guangxi Museum

广西壮族自治区博物馆

A provincial museum reopened in 2022 after an expansion, with Guangxi's general history, the Western Han feather-pattern bronze phoenix lamp and artifacts from the Hepu Han Tombs. Admission is free.

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Museum stands beside Minzu Square on Minzu Avenue in Nanning. Founded in 1934, it reopened after a major renovation and expansion in 2022, with greatly increased exhibition space. It is the best place to start understanding Guangxi's history, and admission is free.

The main permanent exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of Guangxi, traces the region's history from the Paleolithic era to the Qing dynasty. Highlights include finds from the Hepu Han Tombs related to the Maritime Silk Road, such as glassware, gold ornaments and a Persian ceramic jug. Also featured is the Western Han feather-pattern bronze phoenix lamp, the museum's treasure, a bronze lamp designed to channel smoke away safely. Other pieces include a bronze drum with egret patterns and a large bronze horse. The Guangxi Ethnic Folk Customs exhibition displays Zhuang brocade, embroidered balls, bronze drums and the traditional costumes of various ethnic groups. There are also modern and contemporary Guangxi exhibitions and temporary special shows. The building itself is worth seeing. The new museum incorporates the old Minzu Square, and there are often events in the square out front. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can rent an audio guide or join a timed guided tour. Getting there: exit at Minzu Square station on Metro Line 1, or walk about 15 minutes from Zhongshan Road. The museum is in the same area as Sanjie Liangxiang and Zhongshan Road, so you can plan a one-day old-town route: the museum in the morning, Sanjie Liangxiang in the afternoon, and Zhongshan Road in the evening.

Please note: the museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. Entry requires an ID card. During holidays and the summer break, you need to book ahead through the official WeChat account. Large luggage must be checked. The galleries are air-conditioned and can feel chilly, so bring a light jacket. The museum shop's bronze drum and Zhuang brocade souvenirs make good gifts.

Guangxi Museum

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