Visiting Chengdu? Don't miss the Sanxingdui Museum!

A trip to Chengdu wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Sanxingdui Museum. Stepping inside is like embarking on a journey through time. This is the treasure trove of the ancient Shu civilization. The Bronze Great Standing Figure has stood tall for millennia, narrating tales of the past with its majestic presence. Bronze masks with exaggerated features and enigmatic gazes pierce through the mists of time. They are silent witnesses to history, bringing the splendor of the ancient Shu culture to life. Here, you can trace the threads of ancient civilization and experience the cultural shock that spans over 3,000 years. Each artifact whispers, inviting you to unlock the legends sealed by time. 1. Museum Introduction • Museum Layout: The Sanxingdui Museum is divided into the Comprehensive Hall, the Bronze Hall, and the Restoration Hall. The Comprehensive Hall is a semi-circular, sloping, eco-friendly building with an exhibition route of over 800m and an area of 4,000 sq m, housing eight exhibition units. The Bronze Hall is a three-part, spiral-shaped building with an area of 6,500 sq m, featuring one hall and five exhibition areas. The Restoration Hall includes an artifact storage area and restoration rooms for pottery, jade, metal, and ivory. • Museum Collection: The museum displays over 1,000 artifacts, mainly bronze, gold, silver, and pottery. These include nationally protected relics such as the Bronze Sacred Tree, the Bronze Great Standing Figure, the Jade Zhang (cong), and the Gold Scepter, which are not allowed to be exhibited abroad. There are also many unique artifacts such as bronze masks, sun-shaped objects, and bird-legged figurines. Visitor Guide • Advance Preparation: Book tickets five days in advance on the official website or WeChat official account of the Sanxingdui Museum. Tickets are released daily at 8pm. You can also check for tickets released at 5pm for the same evening. • Transportation: From Chengdu, take the intercity train to Guanghan, then transfer to bus No. 13. Alternatively, take a long-distance bus from Zhaojue Temple Bus Station to Guanghan and transfer to bus No. 6. You can also take a direct tourist bus from Chunxi Road. For self-driving, navigate to "Sanxingdui Museum". The museum has a large parking lot. • Visiting Tips: Visit in the morning when there are fewer visitors. During holidays or peak seasons, arrive early to avoid crowds. It is recommended to visit the Comprehensive Hall first, then the Bronze Hall, and finally the Restoration Hall. Rent an audio guide or hire a guide for a better understanding of the artifacts. • Food Recommendations: The museum's restaurant offers local Guanghan specialties such as "Chansi Tu" (shredded rabbit). You can also try other local dishes like Lianshan Twice-cooked Pork and Juntun Guokui (a type of baked flatbread). • Nearby Attractions: After visiting the museum, take a stroll in Fanghu Park in Guanghan city center. Admire the ancient architecture, including the Qing Dynasty city walls, and immerse yourself in the local history and culture.