Shaanxi History Museum

陕西历史博物馆

“The jewel of the ancient capital and the treasure house of Huaxia,” with more than 1.7 million artifacts showing the glory of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The Tang murals and the He Family Village gold and silver vessels are must-sees.

The Shaanxi History Museum lies northwest of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It opened in 1991 as China’s first large-scale modern national museum, and its collection exceeds 1.71 million objects. Its strengths are Zhou bronzes, Qin terracotta warriors, Han and Tang gold and silver vessels, and murals. The permanent exhibition, “Ancient Civilization of Shaanxi,” is divided into three halls. The first covers the prehistoric period through the Zhou and Qin, including the Western Zhou ox-shaped vessel, the Duoyou ding, and Qin terracotta warriors and bronze swords. The second hall covers the Han, Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern dynasties, with highlights such as the gilt bronze silkworm and the Empress’s seal. The third hall covers the Sui, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with a three-color glazed camel carrying musicians and Tang female figurines.

The two ticketed special exhibitions are the highlights. “Treasures of the Great Tang: Artifacts from the He Family Village Hoard” (30 yuan) includes national treasures such as a jeweled beast-head agate cup and a silver ewer decorated with dancing horses holding cups. “The Tang Mural Treasures Gallery” (300 yuan) features works such as the “Polo Players” and “Foreign Envoys” murals from the tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai. It is among the most important collections of Tang tomb murals in the world.

Basic exhibitions are free, but you must book in advance through the official WeChat account. Tickets are released 7 days ahead at 5:00 pm each day, and they sell out within seconds in peak season. Buying a 30-yuan ticket for the Treasures of the Great Tang special exhibition gives access through a separate entrance, which is generally easier to book.

The museum is closed on Mondays. An audio guide costs 30 yuan, and a human guide costs about 100–150 yuan. The Qin-Han Museum in the Qin-Han New City, which opened in 2022, is free and focuses on Qin and Han artifacts, and it can be visited separately.

Getting there: take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda station, Exit C, and walk 10 minutes. From Xiaozhai station on Lines 2 or 3, walk 15 minutes.

Suggested plan: arrive when the museum opens and spend about 3 hours inside. Eat lunch in Xiaozhai, then go to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Shaanxi History Museum

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