Overview
Opened in 1991, the Shaanxi History Museum is one of China's top four museums, housing roughly 1.7 million artifacts. Most come from Shaanxi province, the heartland of 13 ancient dynastic capitals, presenting a chronological journey through 5,000 years of Chinese civilization — Neolithic, Bronze Age, Qin-Han, Tang, and Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing. National treasures include the bronze chariot from the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, Tang gold cups, and Han jade-leaf burial goods. The annex 'Tang Treasure Hall' showcases over 300 imperial Tang treasures. Free admission (reservations required) but extremely popular — book a week in advance. Annex CNY 30. A 15-minute walk from Xiaozhai Station (Metro Line 2).
Opening Hours
09:00-17:30 (closed Mondays; last entry 16:00)
Travel Tips
Renting the audio guide (CNY 30, Korean available) makes the artifacts' historical context much clearer. The Tang Treasure annex requires a separate ticket but is well worth it.
Hotels near Shaanxi History Museum
Hotels and guesthouses in Xi'an, Yanta, Xi'an
Other attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Army
Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army — over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses.
Xi'an City Wall
China's best-preserved ancient city wall, circumnavigable by bicycle.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A seven-story brick pagoda built by the Tang monk Xuanzang to house scriptures brought from India.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)
A 1,000-year-old Hui Muslim district — Xi'an's ultimate street food paradise.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
Xi'an's iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower built in 1384 — beautifully lit at night.
Huaqing Palace
The imperial hot spring retreat where Tang's Yang Guifei famously bathed.