Museums are the eyes of a city, revealing its soul. As the capital of 13 dynasties, Xi’an is rich in history and culture, making its museums a must-visit. With over 100 museums in and around the city, including seven or eight national first-class museums, this guide will help you navigate the highlights.
Shaanxi History Museum: The First Stop to Understand Xi’an’s Culture
The Shaanxi History Museum, also known as “Shanbo,” ranks alongside the Palace Museum in Beijing and the Nanjing Museum as one of China’s top three museums. A visit here is essential for understanding the history and culture of this ancient capital. The museum is vast, so taking your time is recommended.
Admission is free but requires a ticket, which is limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t forget your ID and arrive early to queue. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets for the Treasure Hall or the Tang Dynasty Mural Hall to skip the line and gain access to exclusive exhibits. For a richer experience, hire a guide or rent an audio guide—it's worth it!
● [Transportation]
1. Take bus routes 5, 24, 27, or Tourist Line 8 to “Cuihua Road (Shaanxi History Museum)” station.
2. Take Metro Line 2 to Xiaozhai Station and walk east.
● [Tickets]
Free entry with timed tickets: 4,000 free tickets per day (2,500 before 2 PM, 1,500 after). One ticket per person with ID.
Treasure Hall: ¥20/person
Tang Dynasty Mural Hall: ¥300/person
● [Guide Fees]
Manual Guide: Basic exhibit (¥100 in Chinese, ¥150 in English/Japanese), Tang Dynasty treasures (¥50 in Chinese, ¥100 in English/Japanese).
Audio Guide: Deposit ¥100, rental ¥30.
● [Opening hours]
Tuesday to Sunday:
Winter (Nov 15–Mar 15): 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (ticket cutoff: 4:00 PM)
Summer (Mar 16–Nov 14): 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (ticket cutoff: 4:30 PM)Closed Mondays (except public holidays).
The Terracotta Army Museum: The Eighth Wonder of the World
The Terracotta Army is synonymous with Xi’an and a must-see attraction. However, it’s infamous for scams and fake sites. To avoid being tricked, take Tourist Line 5 from Xi’an Railway Station or book a private car. Remember, its full name is the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, so don’t mistake other “museums” for the real one.
The museum includes two parts: the Terracotta Army and the Emperor’s Mausoleum, connected by a free shuttle bus.
● [Transportation]
1. From Xi’an Railway Station East Square, take Tourist Line 5 or 307 (¥7) or buses 914/915 (¥10).
2. From Lintong District, take bus 101, 914, or 915 (15-minute ride).
3. Private car rentals help avoid scams.
● [Tickets]
Peak Season (March–Nov): ¥150
Off-Season (Dec–Feb): ¥120
Free shuttle between the two main areas.
● [Opening hours]
Peak Season: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Off-Season: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Beilin Museum: A Haven for Calligraphy and Stone Carvings
The Beilin Museum, the oldest in Shaanxi, specializes in ancient stone carvings, epitaphs, and steles. Though less grand than Shaanxi History Museum, it boasts national treasures like the Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum and the Jingyun Bell. For calligraphy enthusiasts, it’s a treasure trove of works by Wang Xizhi, Yan Zhenqing, and other masters. Nearby, there’s a street selling calligraphy supplies and offering custom poems—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
● [Transportation]
Take buses 14, 23, 40, 118, or others to the museum.[Tickets]
Peak Season: ¥75 (half-price: ¥37)
Off-Season: ¥50 (half-price: ¥25)
● [Opening hours]
March–April: 8:00 AM–6:15 PM
May–Oct: 8:00 AM–6:45 PM
Nov: 8:00 AM–6:15 PM
Dec–Feb: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Banpo Museum: Explore 6,000-Year-Old History
The Banpo Museum showcases the Banpo site, a Neolithic settlement from 6,000 years ago. The exhibits include homes, burial sites, and tools, providing a vivid picture of life during the Yangshao culture. Its most famous artifact is the Human-Face Fish-Patterned Pot, a classic from Chinese history textbooks.
● [Transportation]
Take buses 15, 406, or 913 to the museum.[Tickets]
Peak Season: ¥35
Off-Season: ¥25
● [Opening hours]
Peak Season: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Off-Season: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Hanyangling Museum: A Walk Above Ancient Burial Pits
Hanyangling is the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han and his empress. What makes this museum unique is its underground hall, where visitors walk on glass floors to view excavated burial pits below. With dim lighting and a haunting atmosphere, you can see life-sized human and animal figurines. Perfect for archaeology enthusiasts or those seeking a unique experience!
● [Transportation]
From Xi’an: Take Tourist Line 4 from Tang Paradise South Gate.
From Xianyang: Take Bus 5.
● [Tickets]
Peak Season: ¥90
Off-Season: ¥65
● [Opening hours]
Peak Season: 8:30 AM–7:00 PM
Off-Season: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Walking through these museums is like traveling through time, experiencing millennia of history in a single day. Afterward, reward yourself with a bowl of oil-splashed noodles and soak in the charm of Xi’an!
