Sanxingdui Museum – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

The Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆) is a renowned cultural institution located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China. It is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable archaeological discoveries made at the Sanxingdui archaeological site, which unveiled a mysterious ancient civilization.

The museum offers a captivating journey into the past, allowing visitors to delve into the enigmatic world of the Sanxingdui culture. The museum’s architecture reflects the distinct characteristics of the civilization, with its unique design elements and aesthetic appeal. It provides a perfect backdrop for the extraordinary artifacts displayed within.

The newly completed hall of Sanxingdui, opened to the public on July 28, 2023, is the largest monolithic structure dedicated to archaeological sites in the region, boasting a display area of 22,000 square meters. Housing over 1,500 artifacts, including pottery, bronze wares, jade artifacts, gold items, and ivory pieces, nearly 600 of them make their debut, tripling the quantity of previously exhibited artifacts.

The exterior of the new hall showcases a harmonious blend of glass curtain walls and bronze sunshades, with the mound portion constructed from natural granite. This juxtaposition creates the distinctive “Ancient Shu Eye,” inspired by the worship of eyes in Sanxingdui culture. The eye motif, represented by two massive glass curtain walls, directly faces the excavation area of the Sanxingdui site, symbolizing a talk that transcends time.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Highlights of Sanxingdui Museum
  • Ancient Artifacts
  • Bronze Sculptures
  • Gold Masks
  • Cultural Significance
  • Archaeological Site
• Map and Recommended Routes
• Vlog about Sanxingdui Museum
• Photography Tips at Sanxingdui Museum
• Popular Restaurants in Guanghan
• Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
• Other Attractions in Suburb of Chengdu
• Other Museums in Chengdu

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

The Sanxingdui Museum is located in the city of Guanghan, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. The specific address is No. 1 Sanxingdui Road, Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China. There are three ways to get to the museum from Chengdu:

Coach: You can take a coach at Chengdu Zhaojue Temple Station (成都昭觉寺汽车站) and then transfer to bus 6 at Guanghan Transportation Hub (广汉汽车客运中心) to reach the museum.

Tourist Attraction Shuttle Bus: There are express coaches to Wuhou Memorial Temple, Chunxi Road, Pedestrian Street, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and Wide and Narrow Alleys. They generally depart at 10.00 or 10.30 am and return at 3.30 p.m.

High-Speed Train + Bus: Take the high-speed train at Chengdu East Railway Station, and then transfer to a taxi or bus at Guanghan North Railway Station. This should be the most convenient way to get to the Sanxingdui Museum from Chengdu if you are on a self-guided Tour. Here is the timetable of the trains from Chengdu to Guanghan:

Highlights of Sanxingdui Museum

Ancient Artifacts

The Sanxingdui Museum houses a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts from the Shu Kingdom, providing a glimpse into a civilization that flourished over 3,000 years ago. The collection includes over 4,000 artifacts, such as bronze sculptures, gold masks, jade objects, pottery, and ceremonial vessels. The bronze sculptures astound with their intricate craftsmanship and depict human figures, animals, and mythical creatures. The gold masks, adorned with symbolic designs, are among the most extraordinary finds. These artifacts not only showcase the advanced artistic skills of the ancient Shu civilization but also challenge our understanding of early Chinese culture and its origins.

Bronze Sculptures

The Sanxingdui Museum houses a mesmerizing collection of bronze sculptures that provide a glimpse into an ancient civilization’s artistic prowess. These magnificent artifacts, dating back over 3,000 years, depict mystical creatures, gods, and human figures. The sculptures are characterized by their intricate detailing, exaggerated features, and intricate designs. Each piece showcases the creativity and skill of the Sanxingdui people, whose civilization was mysteriously lost and rediscovered in the 20th century. These bronze sculptures serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Sanxingdui, offering visitors a captivating journey through time and a profound appreciation for the artistic legacy of this enigmatic civilization.

Gold Masks

The Sanxingdui Museum boasts a remarkable collection of gold masks that captivate visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty and historical significance. These exquisite masks, discovered in the ancient ruins of the Sanxingdui civilization, are a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of this mysterious culture. Crafted from pure gold, the masks feature intricate designs and elaborate detailing, including striking eyes, delicate patterns, and symbolic motifs. These masks not only serve as a visual feast but also offer a window into the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Sanxingdui people. Each gold mask represents a fascinating piece of history, shedding light on a civilization lost in time and leaving visitors marveling at the extraordinary talents of its creators.

Cultural Significance

The Sanxingdui Museum holds immense cultural significance as it unveils the mysteries of the ancient Sanxingdui civilization. This enigmatic culture, lost for centuries, resurfaced with the discovery of its remarkable artifacts. The museum offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing the artistic brilliance and advanced craftsmanship of the Sanxingdui people. Their bronze sculptures, gold masks, and other relics not only showcase the ingenuity of their creators but also provide valuable insights into their spiritual beliefs, social structure, and cultural practices.

Archaeological Site

The Sanxingdui Museum not only houses a remarkable collection of artifacts but also provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the archaeological site itself. The Sanxingdui archaeological site covers a vast area and continues to be an active site of excavation. Visitors can witness ongoing archaeological work, gaining insight into the excavation process and the discoveries being made. This immersive experience allows visitors to appreciate the scale and significance of the ancient Shu civilization firsthand.

Map and Recommended Routes

Regular Recommended Route:

1F Century Dream – 1F Majestic Royal Capital – 2F Heaven, Earth, and Gods – Sanxingdui Cultural and Post Office – Artifact Restoration Center – Sacrificial Altar – Bronze Gallery

Photography Recommended Route:

2F Heaven, Earth, and Gods – 1F Majestic Royal Capital, Century Dream – Sanxingdui Cultural and Post Office – Artifact Restoration Center – Sacrificial Altar – Bronze Gallery

Tip for Photographers: Arrive early, ideally by 8:30 AM, and head straight to the Bronze Tree in the third exhibition hall to capture photos with fewer crowds before exploring the rest of the exhibits.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Route:

Artifact Restoration Center – Sacrificial Altar – Bronze Gallery – Sanxingdui Cultural and Post Office – Three Exhibition Halls of the Exhibition Hall

Tip for Late Arrivals: If you arrive late and find the exhibition halls crowded, starting with the Artifact Restoration Center and following this reverse route can help you avoid larger crowds.

Vlog about Sanxingdui Museum

Photography Tips at Sanxingdui Museum

Clean the Glass: Use a dry tissue to clean the display cabinet glass, removing any sweat marks, oil smudges, or fingerprints.

Clean Your Camera Lens: Ensure your phone’s camera lens is clean for the best clarity.

Optimal Distance and Focus: Stand 1 to 2 meters from the artifact, set the zoom to 1.5 to 2 times, tap to focus on the artifact, and reduce exposure until the surrounding area darkens, making the background less cluttered.

Use Portrait Mode: Utilize natural light or studio lighting in portrait mode, and lower the exposure to make the background cleaner and darker.

Patience for Clean Backgrounds: If you still can’t achieve a clean background, adjust your position and focus while keeping the angle steady. Be patient and wait for a less crowded moment to capture the photo.

Post-Processing: In editing, lower the exposure, enhance contrast, sharpness, and clarity according to your desired photo effect. Use a spot removal tool to eliminate any remaining clutter in the background.

Popular Restaurants in Guanghan

Zheng Yihan Jin Si Noodles (郑一涵金丝面) | Average Cost: ¥15

• Specialty: Features a series of famous Guanghan snacks. You can order a set meal, ideal for trying a bit of everything. The ¥25 set includes 10 dishes, and for two people, it’s recommended to share one set. The food here is quite substantial.
• Tip: Another recommended spot is Guanghan Ming Snacks (广汉名小吃), an old place favored by locals for its more authentic flavors compared to Zheng Yihan.

Fried Li Jie’s Spicy Hotpot (炸炸李姐冒菜) | Average Cost: ¥5

• Specialty: A must-visit for its unique fried delicacies. You can choose from different bowl sizes and prices (¥8, ¥10, ¥13, ¥16) to fill as you like. Don’t miss their fried mung bean noodles, fried cold noodles, and tofu skin.

Liu Douhua (刘豆花) | Average Cost: ¥6

• Specialty: A bean curd shop that has been around for over thirty years, serving freshly made tofu pudding daily. They offer both sweet and savory options.
• Recommendation: Try the beef tofu pudding (for savory taste) and the boiled mung bean noodles.

Bao Beef (包牛肉) | Average Cost: ¥25

• Specialty: A long-established restaurant known for its beef dishes. The ingredients are authentic and hearty, with a standout dish being their twice-cooked beef.
• Recommendation: Try the garlic shoots twice-cooked beef, steamed beef with rice powder, potato beef tendon stew, and their specialty rice.

Xiongdi Mung Bean Cake (兄弟绿豆酥) | Average Cost: ¥10

• Specialty: A humble pastry shop where locals frequently queue up. Their pumpkin cakes bring nostalgic memories, featuring a crispy exterior and a hearty filling. Best enjoyed fresh and packed to go.
• Recommendation: Mung bean cake (best eaten warm), sugar-free rice cakes (buy half a pound), pumpkin cake (2 pounds to take home), and red bean cake (less recommended than mung bean cake).

Haohao Tofu Dried Snacks (好好吃豆腐干) | Average Cost: ¥25

• Specialty: A small but delightful spot known for its red oil rabbit cubes, beef jerky, and tofu dried snacks. Great for taking home as gifts.
• Recommendation: Red oil rabbit cubes, five-spice tofu dried snacks, and spicy tofu dried snacks.

Zhang Mama Fried Tofu (张妈妈炸豆腐) | Average Cost: ¥15

• Specialty: Focuses on sweet and spicy tofu and fried tofu. Their stinky tofu is unique and different from other places in Chengdu, being clean yet richly flavored.
• Recommendation: Stinky tofu and sweet and spicy tofu (with exceptional chili powder).

Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews

Advance Ticket Booking: It is recommended to purchase tickets at least one day in advance (officially suggested 5 days). Tickets are released daily at 20:00. During holidays, consider booking even earlier.

Facilities and Snacks: Sanxingdui Museum is equipped with water dispensers and snacks, which are typically set near the restrooms. Across from the museum exit is a snack street, providing additional dining options. Limited food choices are available in the surrounding area.

Audio Guide for Understanding Exhibits: The exhibits are complex, and it is advised to use the audio guide for a better understanding. The guide covers basic information such as the excavation time and dimensions of artifacts.

Travel Recommendations: For those not wishing to wake up early, it’s suggested to take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Guanghan North Station the night before, stay overnight in Guanghan, and then return to Chengdu on the direct shuttle after visiting. The one-way fare for the shuttle is 25 yuan.

Timing of Departure: Avoid leaving at the closing time of 18:00, as taxis might be scarce.

Other Attractions in Suburb of Chengdu

Xiling Snow Mountain

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Luodai Ancient Town

Jiezi Ancient Town

Anren Ancient Town

Pingle Ancient Town

Other Museums in Chengdu

Jinsha Site Museum

Chengdu Museum

Sichuan Museum

Teddy Bear Museum, Chengdu

Shuijingfang Museum, Chengdu

Sanhe Classic Car Museum, Chengdu

Sichuan Cuisine Museum, Chengdu

Chengdu Sichuan Tapestry Woven And Embroidered Museum