Overview
The Forest of Stone Steles Museum, formally opened in 1944 on the site of Xi'an's old Confucian Temple, is the world's largest museum of stone-carved calligraphy, housing over 3,000 steles inscribed with the writing of master calligraphers from the Han through Qing dynasties. The Tang-dynasty Kaicheng Stone Classics (114 steles carving the Thirteen Classics) and genuine works by calligraphy giants like Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Ouyang Xun line the galleries, truly earning the museum its 'forest of steles' name. A new North Hall, opened in 2025, expanded the collection to about 14,000 pieces. Admission CNY 75 in peak season (March-November), CNY 50 off-season. A 10-minute walk from Yongningmen Station (Metro Line 2).
Opening Hours
08:00-18:45 (summer, tickets close 18:00), 08:00-18:00 (winter, tickets close 17:15).
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Travel Tips
Renting the audio guide (CNY 30) makes it much easier to appreciate the historical significance of the calligraphy works. It's close to the South Gate (Yongningmen) of the city wall, making a convenient pairing.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Xi'an, China from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for China on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Xi'an on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Xi'an with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Xi'an 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Beilin Museum)
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Things to Do in Xi'an
Terracotta Army Guided Tour
A 4-hour guided tour through Pits 1, 2, 3 and the museum in Korean or English, hearing Qin Shi Huang's ambitions and the secrets of crafting the warriors. Guide fee extra (CNY 150-300)
Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride
Rent a bike atop the 13.7km Xi'an City Wall and loop the entire ramparts in about 1.5 hours — sunset is unforgettable. Admission + bike about CNY 100
Muslim Quarter Night Market Food Crawl
Eat your way through the 1,000-year-old Muslim Quarter night market — lamb skewers, yangrou paomo, biang biang noodles, roujiamo, and sweet bayberry tea. Budget about CNY 80-150 per person