Founded in 1983 and officially opened to the public in September 1988, Guyuan Museum (固原博物馆) is a comprehensive provincial museum focused primarily on the collection of ethnic historical artifacts. The museum features a unique Tang-style architecture, resembling a four-cornered pagoda, and covers an area of 28,000 square meters.
Inside, there are four permanent exhibition halls showcasing an extensive collection of over 24,000 cultural relics. Notably, the museum houses 123 first-class artifacts, 2,008 second-class items, and 3,816 third-class pieces. Among its most prized possessions are three national treasures: a gilded silver bottle from the Northern Zhou dynasty, a studded glass bowl, and a lacquered coffin painting from the Northern Wei dynasty. These exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage and history.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0954-2032564 0086-0954-7282331 |
Location and Transportation
Guyuan Museum is located at 133 Xicheng Road, Yuanzhou District, Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. To get there, you can take Bus 2, 3, 6, or 9 and get off at 5th Primary School Stop (第五小学站).
Exhibitions in Guyuan Museum
Millennia of Guyuan – A Silk Road Epic
The “Millennia of Guyuan – A Silk Road Epic” exhibition offers a comprehensive history of Guyuan, showcasing 2,280 precious artifacts unearthed locally. Through innovative display techniques, it highlights the rich and vibrant history and culture of Guyuan, spanning from the Neolithic period to the present. The exhibition begins with a focus on prehistoric cultural relics, featuring stone tools, pottery, and bone implements discovered at notable archaeological sites in Longde and Haiyuan Counties. It then transitions to Guyuan’s significant role in northern China’s bronze culture during the pre-Qin period, displaying a substantial collection of bronzeware linked to nomadic tribes.
As visitors progress, they learn about Guyuan’s prominence as a vital hub in Northwest China during the Qin and Han dynasties. The exhibition further illustrates Guyuan’s status as an important international city on the Silk Road from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Sui and Tang periods, showcasing artifacts that reflect the integration of Central Asian and Western cultures. Finally, the exhibition portrays the transformation of Guyuan from a commercial and military town into a fortified stronghold during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. A special focus on Buddhist culture highlights significant relics from Guyuan since the Sixteen Kingdoms period, encapsulating the region’s rich historical tapestry.
The Invisible General – Han Liancheng
The “Invisible General – Han Liancheng” exhibition is divided into four thematic sections, each offering insights into Han Liancheng’s life and legacy. It begins with his early military career, detailing his quest for justice and dedication to his principles. The narrative then shifts to his remarkable tactical achievements, emphasizing his ability to infiltrate enemy camps and secure significant victories.
The exhibition further explores Han Liancheng’s commitment to integrity over personal ambition, showcasing his steadfast beliefs throughout his life. It concludes with a reflection on his lasting impact and deep family bonds. Featuring 117 items, including appointment letters from prominent leaders like Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Liu Shaoqi, along with military supplies, historical documents, and personal memorabilia, the exhibition brings Han Liancheng’s story to life. Through a blend of artifacts, images, and narrative texts, it vividly recounts his dedication to faith and the pursuit of a brighter future.
Ancient Tomb Museum
The Ancient Tomb Museum is located in a charming ancient-style building that resembles an “E” shape, comprising a long corridor and a square pavilion. Covering an area of 1,755 square meters, the museum measures 46 meters in length and 34 meters in width. It features life-sized reconstructions of nine local burial sites dating from the Western Zhou to the Yuan dynasty. This immersive experience allows visitors to engage with burial customs from different historical periods and understand the variations in burial structures and forms throughout the ages.
Stone Carving Museum
Adjacent to the main exhibition hall, the Stone Carving Museum is housed in a corridor-style ancient building, spanning 1,480 square meters with dimensions of 38 meters by 24 meters. The museum showcases a collection of nearly one hundred stone inscriptions, including significant artifacts such as the “Record of City Repairs” from the Song dynasty, the “Road Construction Stele” by Wu Dacheng from the Qing dynasty, the “Stele of Dong Fuxiang’s Hometown,” and the “Exemption of Grain Purchase Stele.” This exhibition serves as a comprehensive display of historical records, scholarly value, and the art of calligraphy, highlighting the rich cultural heritage encapsulated in these stone carvings.
