The Guangxi Museum of Nationalities (广西民族博物馆), covering 130 acres, is a specialized museum dedicated to the rich cultural heritage of the 12 indigenous ethnic groups of Guangxi. The museum also focuses on the cultures of neighboring provinces and Southeast Asia, emphasizing the collection, research, and exhibition of traditional cultural artifacts.
The museum’s main building is designed to resemble a bronze drum, a symbol of Guangxi’s regional and ethnic identity. The structure, inspired by the mythical bird Kunpeng, seems to soar among the lush mountains and rivers. The building spans 29,370 square meters, with around 8,000 square meters dedicated to exhibition halls. The museum’s collection exceeds 50,000 items, including bronze drums, clothing, silver ornaments, textiles, stone tools, bamboo and wood artifacts, ceramics, and fossil specimens.
Notably, the museum houses 346 ancient bronze drums, making it the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection. It also boasts 18,600 textile items representing the 12 indigenous ethnic groups of Guangxi, highlighting distinct cultural features and a complete system of traditional weaving. Additionally, the museum contains 3,758 ethnic and folk artifacts from 31 countries and regions, offering a broad perspective on global cultural diversity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Guangxi Museum of Nationalities
- Vlog about Guangxi Museum of Nationalities
- Other Attractions in Nanning
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.15 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0771-2024322 |
Location and Transportation
The Guangxi Museum of Nationalities is located at 11 Qinghuan Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, near Liyuan Villa. To get there, you can take bus 69 and get off at Guanxi Museum of Nationalities Stop (广西民族博物馆站).
Highlights of Guangxi Museum of Nationalities
Bronze Drum Culture Exhibition
The bronze drum is a traditional bronze ritual instrument that has been popular in southern China and Southeast Asia for over 2,000 years. Throughout its long history, the bronze drum has been deeply intertwined with the social, economic, and cultural life of various ethnic groups in these regions, giving rise to a unique bronze drum culture. Historically, bronze drums were symbols of ruling power and were used in rituals, entertainment, gatherings, alliances, wars, funerals, and more.
As a comprehensive art form, the bronze drum combines elements of metallurgy, casting, painting, sculpture, music, and dance. Its unique shape and rich decorations reflect the economic conditions, cultural characteristics, and psychological qualities of the ethnic groups that created them, making it a veritable encyclopedia of ethnic history. To date, over 2,000 bronze drums from various periods, ranging from the late Spring and Autumn period to the late Qing dynasty, have been discovered in Guangxi. This vast collection represents the most extensive assemblage of bronze drums in the world.
Splendid Attire
The “Splendid Attire” exhibition showcases the beautiful traditional clothing of the 12 indigenous ethnic groups of Guangxi. These garments embody the wisdom and creativity of these ethnic groups, capturing the essence of their daily lives and cultural heritage. Each piece of clothing tells a story of the long historical journey and the vibrant culture that has flourished over the centuries.
World Ethnic Cultures Exhibition
This exhibition focuses on presenting the diverse and vibrant cultures of the world’s ethnic groups in an engaging and informative manner. It aims to highlight the richness of global ethnic cultures through a variety of exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to explore, experience, and learn about the social, economic, cultural, customary, and religious aspects of different ethnic groups around the world. The exhibition features a wide array of artifacts and open displays that invite viewers to delve into the fascinating stories and traditions of diverse cultures.
Zhuang Ethnic Culture Exhibition
The Zhuang Ethnic Culture Exhibition is designed to enhance understanding of the Zhuang people’s history and culture. It aims to enrich knowledge of Zhuang culture and foster cultural communication and exchange between the Zhuang and other ethnic groups. The exhibition primarily focuses on the history and culture of the Zhuang people, with a special emphasis on the unique characteristics of the Zhuang community in Guangxi. It vividly showcases the remarkable achievements and great civilization created by the Zhuang people throughout their long history.
Century-Old Objects Exhibition
The Century-Old Objects Exhibition is a special showcase of artifacts collected from the 20th century, gathered through a public call for contributions. The response has been enthusiastic, with thousands of items collected from various donors. These seemingly ordinary objects hold significant meaning, reflecting the grand narrative of national rejuvenation, societal transformation, and the rich tapestry of personal histories. Selected items are organized into categories to evoke historical reflections and contemporary insights. This exhibition honors the past and appreciates the support from all contributors, inviting visitors to explore the pulse of different eras and witness the remarkable changes over time.
Dyed Plants Display Garden
The Dyed Plants Display Garden is divided into two sections: one for textile dyeing plants and one for food dyeing plants. Covering approximately 1,000 square meters, the garden features 17 plant families with over 1,300 individual plants.
Textile Dyeing Plants: Includes plants like Polygonum tinctorium (indigo), Isatis tinctoria (woad), Myrtus communis (myrtle), Sappanwood, Galla chinensis (gallnut), Jatropha curcas, and Rhus chinensis. Notably, Rhus chinensis produces a paste used as a mordant.
Food Dyeing Plants: Features plants such as Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Lilium (lily), Liquidambar formosana (sweetgum), and Stevia rebaudiana (stevia). Mimosa pudica and Curcuma longa are used for yellow dyes in traditional five-color sticky rice, while Lilium and Sweetgum provide black dyes.
These dyed plants reflect the ethnic groups’ deep connection with nature and their traditional knowledge accumulated over time. They illustrate the practical application of local resources in both textile and food industries.
