The Jinsha Site, covering an area of approximately 5 square kilometers, was the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom and a significant center of civilization in the upper Yangtze River region from the 12th to the 7th century BCE (around 3200 to 2700 years ago). This archaeological site has yielded an astonishing array of artifacts, including the densest collection of ivory and the most abundant gold and jade items from the same period found anywhere in the world. The discovery of the Jinsha Site has provided crucial evidence for understanding the mystery behind the decline of the Sanxingdui civilization and has pushed back the timeline of Chengdu’s urban history to 3000 years ago.
The Jinsha Site Museum is a specialized museum built on the site itself, covering over 300,000 square meters. Its architectural style is simple yet elegant, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding archaeological environment. The museum includes a Relics Hall, where important discoveries from the Jinsha Site are showcased, and an Exhibition Hall that displays various artifacts, offering insights into the culture and life of the ancient Shu Kingdom. Additionally, there is a Cultural Relics Conservation and Restoration Center focused on the preservation of artifacts, as well as a Visitor Center that provides information and assistance to guests. The garden area enhances the natural beauty of the site, creating a peaceful environment for visitors.
Travel Information about Jinsha Site Museum
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥70
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays (except in January, February, July, August, statutory holidays, and major festive events).
How to Get There
Location: No. 2 Jinsha Site Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu.
By Metro: Take Line 7 of the Chengdu Metro and get off at Jinsha Museum Station.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural Value: ★★★★
- Distinctiveness: ★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★
- Romance: ★★
Useful Tips
- The Jinsha Site Museum features both a southern and northern entrance, each equipped with parking lots for motor vehicles. Additionally, the southern, eastern, and northern entrances have designated areas for non-motorized vehicles.
- Given the museum’s extensive collection, it is highly recommended to hire a guide for a more informative experience. It’s advisable not to rely on group tours for insights, as these guides often speak softly with the use of headsets, making it difficult for those without them to hear clearly.
- On the basement level of the exhibition hall, there is a gift shop that showcases and sells a variety of souvenirs unique to the Jinsha Site, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this rich cultural heritage.
Highlights of Jinsha Site Museum
Relics Hall
The Relics Hall at the Jinsha Site Museum is an architectural structure established on the excavation site of the Jinsha ruins, covering an area of 7,588 square meters. This hall showcases one of the longest-continuing and best-preserved ancient sites in China, noted for its abundant collection of ritual artifacts.
The southeastern area of the site features a sacred worship area, distributed along the southern bank of an ancient riverbed, covering approximately 15,000 square meters. Here, over 6,000 valuable relics, including gold, bronze, jade, and ivory artifacts, have been unearthed.
Located in the northeastern part of the site is a large architectural complex consisting of eight residential foundations, believed to be a significant temple or palace structure. It measures 90 meters in length and over 50 meters in width, comprising a gatehouse, side rooms, a forecourt, and main halls. Currently, only remnants of walls and foundations can be seen. Surrounding this large building are residential areas, consisting of more than 70 houses spread across over ten neighborhoods, along with remains of wells, waste pits, and pottery kilns used for daily living.
To the north of the Relics Hall lies a unique forest of ancient wooden remains, reconstructed by archaeologists based on excavated ebony artifacts. This striking display features 65 upright pieces of ebony standing amidst sandy terrain, creating a remarkable and captivating scene. The ancient wood displays various shapes; some stand tall and straight like swords, while others curve and twist in intricate forms. This forest offers visitors a tangible connection to the lush ecological environment of ancient Sichuan and serves as a testament to the climatic changes that have occurred over the millennia in the region.
Exhibition Hall
The Exhibition Hall, located to the north of the Relics Hall, consists of four floors with five exhibition halls dedicated to showcasing the life, production, and exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient Shu people during the Jinsha period. This space features a diverse array of artifacts, including gold, jade, bronze, stone, ivory, and pottery.
Among the gold artifacts, the most renowned is the Golden Sun Bird ornament. This piece has a circular structure with an incredibly thin body. Its inner layer is adorned with twelve rays that resemble rotating teeth, while the outer layer features four flying birds, their heads and feet connecting as they encircle a rotating sun. The central sun emits twelve rays, symbolizing the ancient people’s profound reverence for the sun and birds. This piece stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of ancient Shu gold craftsmanship.
The exhibition also includes over forty ivory artifacts, which were significant offerings to the deities of heaven and earth. Some pieces are arranged in a single direction, while others are shaped like cakes or cylinders, reflecting a strong religious significance and particular symbolic meanings. The pottery on display comprises exquisite pieces such as pointed-bottom bowls, pointed-bottom cups, high-handle beans, and ring-footed jars, showcasing the exceptional skills of the ancient Shu people in pottery making.
Garden Area
The Garden Area of the Jinsha Site Museum features cultural landscapes, including the Uwood Forest and the Jade Stone Path. On the west side of the main road within the museum, visitors can find the Sun Bird Square, which showcases a commemorative sculpture recognized as the “Chinese Cultural Heritage Logo.”
On August 16, 2005, the design of the Golden Sun Bird ornament, unearthed from the Jinsha Site, was announced as a symbol of China’s cultural heritage. To honor this recognition, a permanent commemorative sculpture was established on December 18, 2005.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the garden area is equipped with a range of comprehensive service facilities, including a parking lot, a visitor reception center, and resting areas, covering a total construction area of approximately 7,000 square meters. This blend of cultural significance and visitor amenities makes the garden area a serene and informative space for exploration.
Golden Sun Bird
The Golden Sun Bird ornament is a remarkable circular artifact characterized by its extremely thin body and intricate openwork design. The inner layer features twelve radiating, tooth-like rays, while the outer layer displays four birds whose heads and feet interconnect, circling around a central sun. This central sun emits twelve rays, symbolizing the ancient people’s profound reverence for both the sun and birds. This piece is often referred to as “Four Birds Surrounding the Sun,” representing the pinnacle of ancient Shu gold craftsmanship.
The four birds flying around the sun reflect the ancestors’ aspirations for a better life, embodying themes of freedom, beauty, unity, and upward progress. The circular formation conveys a sense of protection. The numbers twelve and four, associated with the rays and the birds, hold significant meaning in Chinese culture, as seen in concepts like the twelve months, twelve zodiac signs, and the four seasons and directions. This illustrates the early people’s deep understanding of natural laws.
Today, the Sun Bird symbol is widely recognized and used throughout Chengdu, including prominent locations like Tianfu Square and Kuanzhai Alley, embodying the rich cultural heritage of the Jinsha Site.
Visitor Guide for Jinsha Site Museum
Accommodation Options
When visiting the Jinsha Site, there are several hotel options nearby for accommodation.
One option is the Runbang International Hotel (成都润邦国际酒店), located on Shuhan Road, renowned as a “heaven of food and entertainment” along Chengdu’s “Golden Tourism Corridor.” It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Chengdu, a 10-minute drive from Chengdu North Railway Station, and approximately 30 minutes from Shuangliu International Airport. The hotel features modern facilities, high-quality materials, and superior hardware.
Another choice is the Art Hotel (成都艺家风格酒店), situated at 530 Shuhan Road. This hotel blends artistic style with modern urban living, showcasing a unique decor that combines Eastern and Western artistic themes. With its perfect fusion of European and Chinese styles, it serves as a delightful stop for travelers.
Food Options
At the Jinsha Site, there are dining facilities that offer a variety of culinary options, including Chinese cuisine, Western dishes, and various Chengdu snacks. Visitors can also enjoy a tea garden in Xishan, providing a relaxing space for tea tasting.
One notable dining option is the Jinsha Café, located on the lower level of the Jinsha Site Museum. This café covers an area of over 1,000 square meters and can accommodate two to three hundred diners simultaneously. Its unique location, along with stylish and distinctive dishes, creates a romantic and elegant dining environment. The café perfectly blends tradition and modernity, offering a refined dining experience that caters to a wide range of tastes.
Festivals and Activities
During the Spring Festival, the Jinsha Sun Festival is held at Jinsha Site Park. This festival features spectacular fireworks displays and a variety of traditional foods from different regions, making it a vibrant and exciting event.
The museum also hosts Jinsha Forum, a large-scale public cultural lecture series. The forum focuses on topics such as “Exploring Chengdu, Discussing the World, Understanding the Past, and Reflecting on Life.” These lectures are held regularly at the Jinsha Theater in the museum from March to October, with one lecture every week, usually on Saturday afternoons.