Why go
The galleries run from prehistoric stone tools through Shang bronzes and Qin weaponry to a spectacular array of Tang gold, ceramics and tomb treasures. It is the single best place to understand why Xi'an was the centre of the world for a thousand years.
The Tang dynasty rooms are the crown jewels: solid-gold bowls and incense burners, tri-colour glazed horses and camels, and breathtaking murals from Tang tombs.
- The Tang gold — bowls, plaques and horses in solid precious metal
- Tang tomb murals and frescoes that are simply stunning
- One of China's most visited museums — book ahead or queue early
- Walking distance from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The unmissable rooms
Go straight for the Tang galleries — the gold is extraordinary, and the tri-colour sancai ceramics are the museum's signature. The Han gallery is strong too: jade, bronze mirrors and the famous gilded bronze rhinoceros. The Qin room gives useful context before you visit the Terracotta Army, which is essentially a branch office of the same story.
Practical advice
This is one of China's most-booked museums; the free tickets vanish quickly, so reserve the moment the window opens (often 7 days ahead). The paid special exhibition tickets are a reliable backup and often show the best treasures. Combine with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda across the street, then dinner at a biangbiang noodle shop.
Getting there
- Metro Line 2 to Xiaozhai, then 15 minutes on foot; it sits near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- City
- Xi'an — 13-dynasty capital
- Star collection
- Tang gold and tomb murals
- Entry
- Free tickets, timed and competitive
