Sanxingdui Museum: Ancient Shu Civilization

Introduction

Sanxingdui Museum, located about 40 kilometers north of Chengdu, is one of China’s most important archaeological museums. It showcases artifacts from the ancient Shu civilization, which flourished in the Sichuan Basin over 3,000 years ago.

History

The Sanxingdui ruins were discovered in the 1920s, but the most significant discoveries were made in the 1980s when two large sacrificial pits were unearthed. These pits contained thousands of bronze, gold, and jade artifacts, including the famous bronze masks and standing figures.

Main Attractions

• Bronze Gallery: Exhibition halls showcasing the famous bronze masks, standing figures, and other bronze artifacts.
• Gold Gallery: Displays of gold artifacts including the famous golden mask and golden staff.
• Jade Gallery: Beautiful jade artifacts including jade cong and jade bi discs.
• Archaeological Site: The original excavation site where visitors can see the sacrificial pits.
• Temporary Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions on various topics related to ancient Chinese civilization.

Practical Information

• Location: Guanghan City, Chengdu, Sichuan
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (April-October), 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (November-March)
• Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 72
• Transportation: Take a bus from Chengdu to Sanxingdui (about 1 hour).

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
• Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for rent.
• Allow Time: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the museum.

Last Updated: July 2026

Note: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to change. Please verify current information before visiting.