Things to Do at Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum, often called 'China's treasure house,' is one of the country's premier museums and a must-visit destination in Xi'an. Established in 1991, this world-class institution houses over 370,000 precious artifacts spanning Chinese history from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, with particular emphasis on the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an served as the capital of ancient China. The museum's collection includes bronze vessels, ancient coins, murals, gold and silver artifacts, and Tang Dynasty tri-color ceramics that showcase the artistic achievements of various Chinese dynasties. The museum building itself is an architectural marvel, designed in the Tang Dynasty style with traditional Chinese elements including upturned eaves, vermillion pillars, and grey tiles. The structure harmoniously blends ancient Chinese architectural principles with modern museum functionality, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements its invaluable collections. As the first large-scale modern national museum in China, it represents the pinnacle of Chinese museum design and curation.

The museum is located in the Yanta District, about 1 km northwest of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Take Metro Line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai Station and walk 10 minutes, or take buses 5, 19, 24, 26, 27, 30, 34, 401, 521, 527, 610, 701, 710, or tourist bus lines 6, 8, or 9 to Shaanxi History Museum stop. Taxis from Xi'an city center take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The museum provides limited parking, so public transportation is recommended.