Qinghai Provincial Museum (青海省博物馆) is the first large, modern comprehensive museum in Qinghai Province. Initially planned in 1957, it was officially established and opened to the public in September 1986. A new museum building was completed and opened on May 1, 2001. The museum features 10 main and side exhibition halls, covering a total exhibition area of 9,146 square meters. It also houses 7 artifact storage rooms, with an area of 2,593 square meters, and holds a collection of 14,932 items, including 2,193 rare pieces.
The museum’s collections are particularly renowned for Neolithic painted pottery and artifacts related to ethnic and religious cultures. These collections span a wide range of fields, including religion, folklore, politics, economy, military history, and daily life. It is an excellent place to explore the history of Qinghai and the cultures of its diverse ethnic groups, with significant exhibitions on Tibetan Buddhism and Islamic culture.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qinghai Provincial Museum
- Vlog about Qinghai Provincial Museum
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 (1st May – 30th October) 9.30 – 16.30; Last admission: 16.00 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0971-6111326 |
Location and Transportation
Qinghai Provincial Museum is located at No. 58 Xiguan Avenue, Chengxi District, Xining City, Qinghai Province, on the east side of Xining Square. To get there, you can take bus 506 and get off at Provincial Museum Stop (省博物馆站).
Highlights of Qinghai Provincial Museum
Historical Artifacts Exhibition
The Historical Artifacts Exhibition at Qinghai Provincial Museum presents the history of Qinghai in a chronological format. Visitors can follow the guided pathway to explore artifacts from different eras, ranging from ancient times to the present. The exhibition is divided into two sections: Prehistoric Civilization and Historical Artifacts. Some of the prized collections include the Qing Dynasty Zasak silver seal and a rare bronze spear, one of the earliest bronze weapons unearthed in China. Additionally, there are many serene pottery pieces from the Majiayao culture, typical of the northwest region, each with its own fascinating story.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition showcases the diverse cultures and customs of Qinghai’s various ethnic groups. Through models, sand tables, and other displays, visitors can experience the richness of Qinghai’s festivals, rituals, and artistic traditions such as song and dance. The museum also houses many Tibetan Buddhist artifacts, including thangkas and mandalas. Among the most valuable treasures is a gilt bronze statue of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) from the Ming Dynasty, which was bestowed by Emperor Yongle. This precious artifact is considered the highlight of the museum’s collection. Exploring this exhibition offers insights into Tibetan Buddhism and can also enhance future visits to religious landmarks.
