The Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu is a perfect destination for a one-day cultural and scenic experience. This expansive museum offers a fascinating blend of history, archaeology, and nature, divided into the Relics Hall, Exhibition Hall, and park area. Visitors can marvel at ancient artifacts like jade, ivory, bronze, and gold, stroll through scenic areas like the Deer Park and Ebony Forest, and snap stunning photos. This guide will help you make the most of your visit with practical tips, highlights, and a recommended route.
Basic Information
Ticket Price: ¥70 (¥35 for children/students)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Transportation: Take Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Site Museum Station (Exit C) and walk 350 meters.
Guided Tours: Available at ¥20/person (minimum group size of 10). Enquire at the South Gate Visitor Center.
Recommended Route: South Gate → Relics Hall → Exhibition Hall → Deer Park → Jade Path → Ebony Forest
Highlights in Jinsha Site Museum
Relics Hall (遗迹馆)
- Location: On the right after entering the South Gate.
- Features: This hall showcases one of China’s best-preserved ancient sacrificial sites. Here, you’ll find a variety of unearthed relics, including gold artifacts, bronze pieces, jade objects, lacquerware, deer antlers, elephant tusks, and wild boar fangs.
Exhibition Hall (陈列馆)
- Structure: Three levels, including two above ground and one below, with five thematic galleries showcasing over 2,000 artifacts.
- Ancient Homeland: Displays the ecological environment of the Chengdu Plain.
- Silhouettes of the Ancient Shu Kingdom: Depicts social life over 3,000 years ago.
- Earth and Heaven: Features gold, jade, stone, and bronze artifacts, along with ivory.
- Treasures of Time: Houses iconic items like the Golden Sun Bird and the Golden Mask.
- Decoding Jinsha: Explores the cultural evolution of the Ancient Shu Kingdom before the Qin dynasty.
- Tips: Don’t miss the 4D cinema on the basement level, where you can watch the immersive film Dream Back to Jinsha.
Deer Park (鹿苑)
- Location: In the central park area, surrounded by bamboo groves.
- Features: Spot and photograph adorable spotted deer in a tranquil setting.
Jade Path (玉石之路)
- Features: A pathway made from large jade stones and smooth pebbles, perfect for children to explore and enjoy.
Ebony Forest (乌木林)
- Features: This popular photo spot, also known as the “Dark Forest,” features over 60 ancient ebony trees that have been carbonized over thousands of years. Their striking appearance makes for incredible photo opportunities.
- Tips: Wear dark-colored clothing for a dramatic effect, and try upward angles to capture the best shots.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan Your Time: The entire visit takes about two hours. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Photography: Choose a sunny day for natural lighting – perfect for the Ebony Forest. Use the first-floor hall for storing luggage and pick up a paper map for guidance.
Shopping & Souvenirs: Creative cultural products are available on the 1st and basement levels of the Exhibition Hall.
Entertainment: Don’t miss the 4D film Dream Back to Jinsha for a unique historical experience.