Jinsha Site Museum (金沙遗址博物馆) is a historical site and museum located in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in China. The museum was built in 2005, after the discovery of an important archaeological site in the city, which dates back more than 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. It is believed to have been the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom, existing from the 12th to the 7th century BC.
The museum covers an area of around 30,000 square meters and houses more than 5,000 cultural relics, including pottery, jade, bronze, gold, and other precious artifacts that were unearthed from the Jinsha Site. These collections provide a glimpse into the ancient civilization that existed in the region and reflect the unique cultural heritage of the area.
The museum has several exhibition halls, including the Exhibition Hall of Relics, Exhibition Hall of Sacrificial Pits, Exhibition Hall of the Living Quarter, and the Exhibition Hall of Gold Artifacts. Visitors can also witness the ongoing excavation and preservation work carried out at the site.
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum also offers various cultural and educational programs, such as lectures, workshops, and interactive activities that allow visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the Shu Kingdom.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jinsha Site Museum
- Vlog about Jinsha Site Museum
- Map and Recommended Route
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Other Museums in Chengdu
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.jinshasitemuseum.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 70 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 Closed on Mondays, except for National Holidays, January, February, July, and August |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-87303522 |
Location and Transportation
The Jinsha Site Museum is located in the western suburbs of Chengdu. Its address is No. 2, Jinsha Site Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. To get there, visitors can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 33, 82, 83, 111, 163, 211, 1029, or 1043 and get off at Jinsha Site Museum East Gate Stop (金沙遗址东门站).
Subway: The nearest subway station to the museum is called Jinsha Site Museum (金沙博物馆站). After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 100 meters to reach the entrance.
Highlights of Jinsha Site Museum
The Gold Foil of Sun and Immortal Bird
The Gold Foil of Sun and Immortal Bird is the most famous exhibit at the Jinsha Site Museum. The collection consists of four exquisitely crafted figurines made of gold foil and embossed with intricate designs of sun and bird patterns. These figurines date back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties and are believed to have been used in religious ceremonies. The delicate and intricate details of the figurines, as well as their historical significance, make them a highlight of the museum. Visitors can see these masterpieces up close in the exhibition hall and learn about the cultural and religious significance of these precious artifacts.
The Exhibition Hall of Living Quarters
The Exhibition Hall of Living Quarters at the Jinsha Site Museum showcases the day-to-day life of the ancient inhabitants of the Shu Kingdom, who lived in the area over 3,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the recreated living spaces, including kitchens, bedrooms, and workshops, to gain an understanding of the domestic and industrial practices of the time. The exhibition also features a range of artifacts, such as pottery, bone and jade tools, and animal bones, which offer insights into the ancient people’s lifestyles, diet, and beliefs.
The Exhibition Hall of Gold Artifacts
The Exhibition Hall of Gold Artifacts at the Jinsha Site Museum showcases over 400 pieces of gold objects, including ornaments, jewelry, and decorative items, all of which date back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. The exhibit features some of the most exquisite and intricately crafted gold objects found in the Jinsha Site archaeological excavation. Visitors can admire the delicate craftsmanship and unique designs of the artifacts, which demonstrate the advanced metalworking techniques and artistic styles of the time.
The Exhibition Hall of Sacrificial Pits
The Exhibition Hall of Sacrificial Pits showcases the sacrificial pits unearthed during the archaeological excavation of the Jinsha Site, which contains a wealth of information about the ancient Shu Kingdom’s religious beliefs and practices. Visitors can explore the excavated pits and see the sacrificial offerings, including pottery, jade, bronze, and animal bones. It provides insights into the Shu Kingdom’s rituals and ceremonies, including the practice of human and animal sacrifices.
Vlog about Jinsha Site Museum
Map and Recommended Route
Route to Visit Jinsha Site Museum
- Enter through the South Gate: The South Gate is the main entrance and is located next to the Visitor Center.
- Golden Mask Exhibit: Upon entering, walk straight ahead to view the Golden Mask.
- Sun God Bird Sculpture: To your left, you will see the Sun God Bird sculpture, a symbol of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
- Ruins Area: On your right, explore the Ruins Area, which consists of three stages covering a 600-year timeline.
- Exhibition Hall:
- Take the elevator to the second floor.
- First Exhibition Hall: Ancient Homeland.
- Second Exhibition Hall: Shadows of the Royal Capital.
- Descend the stairs to the Third Exhibition Hall: Eternal Heaven and Earth.
- Fourth Exhibition Hall: Treasures of the Ages.
- Go down to the Fifth Exhibition Hall: Interpretation of Jinsha.
- Return Journey: After finishing the exhibitions, retrace your steps back to the Sun God Bird sculpture.
- Deer Park: Behind the sculpture, visit the Deer Park.
- Wooden Forest: Finally, to the left of the Golden Mask, check out the Wooden Forest before exiting through the South Gate.
Alternative Entrance:
- East Gate: This side entrance leads directly to the Ruins Hall, making it a convenient option to start your visit.
- North Gate: This entrance is not recommended due to inconvenient transportation.
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Comparison with Sanxingdui: While the artifacts at Jinsha Site Museum may not be as impressive as those at Sanxingdui, the museum is less crowded. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere, and its convenient location in the city with easy access via Line 7 makes it a viable option.
Museum Information: The informational plaques describing the exhibits at Jinsha are criticized for being excessively simple and lacking useful information. Renting an audio guide is recommended for a more meaningful visit, as without it, the experience may be akin to a superficial observation.
Entrance Strategy: It is advised to enter from the north gate to avoid long queues that may form at the south gate. The north entrance not only has fewer people but also offers a chance to immediately see two major highlights upon entering.
Timing: Visiting in the afternoon may be preferable as it tends to be less crowded compared to the mornings, which can be dominated by tour groups.
Security Check: Visitors should be aware of the security check at the entrance, and items like lighters are prohibited inside the museum.
