Shaanxi Archaeology Museum

Located in the south suburb of Xi'an, home to the world-famous Terracotta Army and the capital of Shaanxi Province, Shaanxi Archaeology Museum is China’s first comprehensive archaeological museum. With a traditional Tang Dynasty architectural style, the museum has a total construction area of 35,000 square meters (8.6 acres), including an indoor exhibition area of 5,800 square meters (1.4 acres) and an outdoor exhibition area of 10,000 square meters (2.5 acres). Here visitors can not only appreciate precious cultural relics of different eras but also learn about archaeologists' daily work and various kinds of archaeological and research methods and tools. 
 

Shaanxi Archaeology Museum has collected more than 200,000 historic artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic Age (from around 3.3 million years ago to around 12,000 years ago) to 20th century and offers a clear lineage of Chinese archaeology. At present, 4,218 groups of 5,215 cultural relics are on display, more than 90 percent of which are unveiled to the public for the first time. 

The indoor exhibition of the museum is themed on “Archaeological Holy Land, Magnificent Shaanxi” and divided into 4 parts: 

 1. History of Chinese Archaeology at 1F: It displays the birth and development of Shaanxi archaeology and even the whole Chinese archaeology, covering famous sites like Banpo Site, Terracotta Army, Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Famen Temple and Yaozhou Ceramics Kiln Site. 

 2. Cultural Genealogy at 1F: The exhibition systematically shows the cultural genealogy in Shaanxi province, from the origin of modern humans and early human life, to the ancient Chinese cultural features and sites in Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties. The currently found most luxurious vehicle in the Western Zhou Dynasty is displayed here.

 3. Key Archaeological Discoveries at 2F & 3F: Occupying two floors, this part gives a detailed introduction to key archaeological discoveries in Shaanxi including metropolitan sites like Shimao and most representative remains of the Qin, Han, Tang Dynasties and ancient sites after Song Dynasty (960-1279), like the Lü family cemetery and Yaozhou Ceramics Kiln Site. 

 4. Archaeological Conservation at 3F: This part offers a general introduction to the conservation of cultural relics, revealing the skills of the restoration, protection and research of ceramics, bronzes, complex remains, murals, textiles and lacquerware. 
 

There is also a temporary exhibition hall at 1st floor, displaying the latest archaeological discoveries, which do not have fixed themes or exhibits. The outdoor exhibition area is also worth your lingering, including a field archaeology theme area, a brickwork area, and a ceramic and stone carving relics area. 
 

Yan Zhenqing (709-784) is one of the most famous calligraphers in Chinese history. The calligraphy is in fact an epigraph found at the tomb of Luo Wanshun who died in 746. By now, only 3 authentic Yan Zhenqing's early calligraphy works have been found and this epigraph is one of them. The museum offers a great chance for visitors to take in the beauty of Chinese calligraphy thousands of years ago.

As one of the most influential female politicians, Shangguan Wan'er (664 - 710) was the then ‘prime minister’ appointed by Emperor Wu Zetian (690 - 705) in the Tang Dynasty, the most powerful woman in Chinese history. The ancient tomb of Shangguan Wan'er was unearthed several years ago. However, it was badly damaged and no complete bones could be found. The valuable and well-preserved epigraph recorded the great woman’s life stories, cause of death and burial place. Her death and tomb damage may be both caused by Emperor Xuanzong due to a coup.   
 

 A bronze canister dated back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC) is worth your attention. Wonder why? Because the remaining content of the little tank was detected to be water, calcium carbonate and animal fat. And thus it is considered the original skin care product used for men at that time. 

It is lucky to unearth an ancient carriage in such an early period. Though it is dubbed the most luxurious vehicle back then, now what we can see is only a simple and uncompleted remain. However, it is still a surprise for present people to learn about its background story and have a glimpse at the excavation, cleaning, restoration and protection of the ancient relics.  
 

The Shimao Site in the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC) is the largest metropolitan site unearthed so far. To better display the well-preserved ancient walled city, the museum uses 3D printing thchology to create scaled-down models of the city walls, palaces, large cemeteries, and handicraft shops. Also, a stone pillar carved with a two-faced god showcases the exquisite craft from 4,000 years ago.

   

The octagon-shaped brick tomb featured well-preserved colorful murals on the walls is one of the most impressive exhibits in the museum. The murals can date back to 700 years ago and they vividly depict the life scenes of the tomb owner. 
 

Take Metro Line 2 to Wei Qu Nan Station. Exit from Exit D and walk south for about 450m (490yd) to transfer to Bus Line 738 to Wenyuan Road South station. After getting off, walk south for about 200m (220yd), you can see the museum.