Planning your first visit to the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu? This guide is packed with practical advice to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. From booking activities in advance to navigating guided tours and exploring unique exhibitions, you’ll be well-prepared to dive into the fascinating history of the Ancient Shu civilization. Read on for everything you need to know before your trip.
Plan Ahead
Check Activities in Advance: Before your visit, browse the museum’s WeChat Mini Program to see the latest activities and lectures. These often require reservations.
Visit Jinsha First: If you’re also planning a trip to Sanxingdui Museum, it’s better to visit Jinsha first. Jinsha’s artifacts may seem less impressive if you’ve already seen the grandeur of Sanxingdui.
Getting a Guide
Official Guides: The Visitor Center is located outside the South Gate ticket entrance on the left. Before scanning your ticket, visit the center to book an official guide.
Already Inside?: If you realize you need a guide after entering, don’t worry. Speak to the security guard at the exit to receive a wristband that allows you to exit and re-enter.
Guide Fees: The cost is ¥20 per person, with a ¥100 deposit for the equipment.
Guided Tour Details
Group Size: Tours start with 3–10 people (or 20 people on holidays). Wait times may vary depending on attendance, but you might get lucky and join a group quickly.
Duration: Most tours last about one hour, though larger groups may extend to 1.5 hours. Be sure to leave enough time if you have other plans afterward.
Break Time: Guides take a break from 12:00–13:00, so plan accordingly.
Exhibitions and Highlights
Special Exhibitions: Hall 6 currently hosts the Xinjiang Silk Road Culture Exhibition, which features free public guided tours daily from 10:30–11:10 and 15:00–15:40.
Third Gallery: This gallery feels like a luxury jewelry art space. With its sophisticated layout and exquisite artifacts, it’s a dream for photography enthusiasts.
Other Notes
Independent Guides: You’ll find unofficial guides near the entrance. Whether to choose them is up to you, but their quality isn’t guaranteed.
Evening Activities: During holidays, the museum stays open later and hosts performances. Unfortunately, I missed the evening events, but they’re worth checking out if you can stay.