Sichuan Museum (四川博物院) is a comprehensive museum located in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The museum covers an area of 50,000 square meters and has a collection of over 300,000 cultural relics, including pottery, bronze wares, calligraphy, paintings, jade, and ancient coins.
The museum’s exhibitions are divided into several sections, including the prehistoric section, the bronze section, the ceramics section, the calligraphy and painting section, and the folk customs section. These sections showcase the development of Sichuan’s cultural history and provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is the Sanxingdui Bronze Mask, which is a symbol of Sichuan’s prehistoric culture. The museum also has a collection of Tang Dynasty ceramics, which are highly valued for their exquisite craftsmanship.
The museum’s architecture is also a highlight, blending traditional Chinese elements with modern design. Its unique design incorporates elements of the Sichuan-style architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as a grand entrance gate, courtyard-style gardens, and red walls.
In summary, Sichuan Museum is a must-visit attraction for those interested in Chinese culture and history. Its extensive collection of cultural relics and well-designed exhibitions provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Sichuan Museum
- Vlog about Sichuan Museum
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Attractions Near Sichuan Museum
- Other Museums in Chengdu
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.scmuseum.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-65521888 0086-028-65521569 |
Location and Transportation
The Sichuan Museum is situated in the downtown area of Chengdu, near the southern bank of the Maodi River. Its address is No. 251Huanhua South Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. If you are planning to visit the museum, there are several ways to get there.
Bus: Take bus 35, 58, 82, 151, 165, 170, 280, 1024, or 1031, get off at Songxian Brige Stop (送仙桥站), and the Sichuan Museum will be across the road.
Subway: The nearest subway station to Sichuan Museum is Dufu Caotang (杜甫草堂). After getting out of the station, you still need to walk about 800 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Highlights of Sichuan Museum
Sanxingdui Bronze Mask
The Sanxingdui Bronze Mask is one of the most famous cultural relics in China and is housed in the Sichuan Museum in Chengdu. It was discovered in 1986 in Sanxingdui, an archaeological site in Sichuan Province, and is believed to be from the Shu Kingdom during the late Shang Dynasty (12th century BCE). The mask is made of bronze and is almost 1 meter tall, featuring large eyes, protruding ears, and a mysterious smile. It is considered a symbol of the prehistoric culture of Sichuan and is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bronze art, with its intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship.
Tang Dynasty Ceramics
The Sichuan Museum houses a collection of Tang Dynasty ceramics that are highly valued for their exquisite craftsmanship. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) is considered a golden age of Chinese ceramics, and the museum’s collection includes a variety of pottery figurines, tri-color glazed pottery, and celadon ware. The pottery figurines are delicate and vividly depict the daily life and customs of the Tang Dynasty, while the tri-color glazed pottery showcases the colorful glazes that were popular during the period. The celadon ware is known for its elegant simplicity and subtle beauty, featuring a greenish-blue glaze that is characteristic of Tang Dynasty ceramics.
Calligraphy and Painting
The Sichuan Museum has a section dedicated to calligraphy and painting, showcasing masterpieces from famous calligraphers and painters throughout Chinese history. The collection includes works from various dynasties, such as the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming. Visitors can admire the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, which is considered an art form in itself, with its elegant strokes and sophisticated styles. The painting collection features landscapes, portraits, and still life paintings, showcasing the development of Chinese painting throughout history. Visitors can also learn about the techniques used in Chinese painting, such as the use of brush and ink, and the incorporation of poetry and calligraphy into the artwork.
Folk Customs
The Sichuan Museum has a section dedicated to the folk customs of Sichuan Province, showcasing the region’s unique customs, festivals, and traditional clothing. The collection includes costumes and accessories worn by different ethnic groups in Sichuan, such as the Yi, Qiang, and Tibetan. Visitors can also learn about the traditional festivals celebrated in Sichuan, such as the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, and the customs associated with them. The exhibition also features traditional handicrafts and musical instruments, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan Province and providing visitors with a glimpse into the everyday life of the local people.
Vlog about Sichuan Museum
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Bag Storage: The Sichuan Museum offers free storage for bags, including larger ones.
Restrictions on Items: Visitors are not allowed to bring food, drinks, or pets inside. However, there are vending machines available within the museum.
Audio Guides: Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance for 25 yuan, with a 200 yuan deposit. There are also VR guides recommended, but some reviewers noted that the video quality can be laggy, though the audio is acceptable.
Recommended Nearby Restaurants: High-rated restaurants in the vicinity include Shu Shang Yao (蜀上肴), Chuanxi Bazzi (川西坝子), Xianjia Maogen Pengyou Hot Pot (先家毛根朋友老火锅), Zhong Taipo Lao Ma Tihua (钟太婆老妈蹄花), Bing Ge Wandou Mian (Soldier Brother’s Pea Noodles, 兵哥豌豆面), and Zhi Dou Xiang Doufu Nao (Zhi Bean Fragrant Tofu Puding 知豆香豆腐脑).
