Every city has its own soul, and museums are often the most direct window into it. Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a traveler who has explored all five continents and visited over a hundred cities. If you’re like me and enjoy experiencing the depth and warmth of a city through its history and civilization, then Chengdu Museum is absolutely worth spending an entire morning or afternoon exploring. This article will serve as the most valuable guide before your visit to Chengdu Museum. Whether you are a culture enthusiast or an independent traveler, you’ll find both practical information and travel inspiration here.

Summary

Chengdu Museum Overview

Chengdu Museum is the largest comprehensive city museum in Southwest China and a National First-Class Museum. It is the first of its kind in Sichuan and the only nationally designated museum in Chengdu. Covering an area of approximately 17 mu, the museum has a total construction area of about 65,000 square meters and an exhibition space of around 20,000 square meters. With a history of 65 years, the museum houses 218,289 items/sets in its collection, including 1,399 pieces/sets of precious cultural relics. It welcomes over one million visitors annually.

  • Address: No.1, Xiaohe Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hour: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30), Friday and Saturday 9:00–20:30 (last admission at 20:00), closed on Monday (except public holidays).
  • Recommended visit duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Best seasons to visit: All year
  • Ticket Prices: Free, but reservation is required
Chengdu Museum exterior architecture

Chengdu Museum Map

  • Basement Level: Behring Natural Exhibition (interactive animal exhibit, great for families)
  • 1st Floor: Special Exhibitions (updated seasonally, check the official website for announcements)
  • 2nd Floor: Pre-Qin to Northern and Southern Dynasties (must-see: Singing Figurines, Stone Rhino)
  • 3rd Floor: Sui–Tang to Ming–Qing Dynasties (porcelain, Shu brocade loom)
  • 4th Floor: Folk Culture and Modern Chengdu (reconstructed old Chengdu streets)
  • 5th Floor: Shadow Puppetry and Marionettes (world’s largest shadow puppet museum)
  • 6th Floor: Sky Art Salon (observation deck with panoramic view of Tianfu Square)
Chengdu Museum floor directory

Why You Should Visit Chengdu Museum

Diverse and High-Quality Exhibitions

Chengdu Museum brings together the brilliance of human civilization, showcasing a rich timeline from ancient to modern history and culture. The Ancient Sichuan Hall, in particular, highlights the glory and mystery of the ancient Shu civilization through an impressive collection of artifacts, attracting large numbers of visitors. In addition, the museum features the Zhang Daqian Art Gallery and the Shadow Puppetry and Marionette Exhibition Hall, which display the artistic legacy of Zhang Daqian and the charm of traditional Chinese theatrical arts.

Excellent Location and Accessibility

It’s located right near Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road, making it a convenient stop along your route. With easy access via the metro, Chengdu Museum is one of those attractions you simply won’t miss when visiting Chengdu.

Top Things to Do in Chengdu Museum

Main Exhibitions

Chengdu Historical and Cultural Exhibition (Ancient Era)

This core permanent exhibition hall of Chengdu Museum presents the city’s historical development from prehistoric times to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Through a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, illustrations, and immersive reconstructions, visitors can clearly trace Chengdu’s evolution in politics, economy, and culture. From the Jinsha Culture to the Shu Han Kingdom, from Tang Dynasty prosperity to Song-Yuan transformations—this is the perfect entry point for understanding why Chengdu is known as a city whose urban site has never changed for thousands of years.

Ancient artifacts from Chengdu Museum

Chengdu Historical and Cultural Exhibition (Folk Life)

This section explores the spiritual world of Chengdu’s people through folk customs, including traditional festivals, local beliefs, craftsmanship, and life rituals like weddings and funerals. With life-size recreations and authentic objects, visitors are transported back to the alleyways and courtyards of old Chengdu. Highly recommended for families traveling with elderly members or children, offering an intimate glimpse into the everyday soul of the city.

Chengdu folk culture exhibition

Chinese Shadow Puppet Exhibition

Shadow puppetry, a treasured part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, is showcased in this gallery. The exhibit features traditional shadow puppets from different regions across the country, each with unique styles and exquisite craftsmanship. Accompanied by lighting displays and multimedia, visitors can fully experience the elegance and spirit of this ancient art form. If you’re a fan of Chinese opera or traditional handcrafts, this exhibit is worth lingering over.

Chinese shadow puppetry display at Chengdu Museum

Chinese Puppet Exhibition

Puppet theater in China has a long and colorful history, serving not only as folk entertainment but also as a carrier of deep cultural symbolism. This exhibition displays various types of puppets, including glove puppets, rod puppets, and marionettes. It introduces their different manipulation techniques, visual designs, and theatrical traditions. Sichuan’s local puppet styles are especially captivating and offer a rich introduction to traditional stage aesthetics.

Traditional Chinese puppets on display at Chengdu Museum

Behring Donation Exhibition

This key gallery is the result of a collaboration between Chengdu Museum and American philanthropist Kenneth E. Behring. It features a donation of natural specimens and cultural artifacts, including wildlife taxidermy, ecological dioramas, and objects from Asian ethnic groups. Combining educational and cultural elements, it’s an excellent area for family visitors and nature enthusiasts alike.

Natural wildlife exhibit from Behring donation

Chengdu Museum Ticket Guide

Admission to Chengdu Museum is free, but reservations are required. On-site visitors must still make a reservation using valid ID, so if you don’t have an advance booking, it’s not recommended to try reserving on the spot.

How to Get Tickets

  • Online: Use the official WeChat account “成都博物馆” to make a reservation. Below is the official QR code for booking. The system opens ticket slots for the 14th day ahead every evening at 19:00. Avoid weekends and peak seasons to secure availability.
  • On-site: Use your ID and scan the QR code to reserve at the entrance.
QR code for Chengdu Museum official WeChat

Chengdu Museum Audio Guide

The official WeChat account of Chengdu Museum offers free audio guide services. While it may not match the immersive experience of a live guide, it’s a convenient and cost-effective alternative—don’t forget to use it!

Multilingual audio guide interface at Chengdu Museum

The suggested visit route is from the basement level up to the sixth floor. A recommended flow is: 2F → 3F → 4F → 5F → 6F (mainly for souvenir stamps) → 1F → B1. Since B1 is most popular with kids, you can skip it if time is limited. Floors 2, 3, and 4 are the highlights and should be prioritized.

Apart from the designated hydration area, food is not allowed inside the museum. However, on the 5th floor, there’s a café where you can enjoy coffee and light meals.

Chengdu Museum Café

Sichuan pepper iced Americano at Chengdu Museum café
  • Recommended: Try the locally inspired “green Sichuan pepper iced Americano.” Other options include pasta, pizza, and rice dishes. If you’re short on time to eat outside, this is a fast and satisfying option.
  • Location: 5th floor of the museum
  • Hours: Same as museum opening hours
  • Average cost: 40 CNY

If you want to stay close to Chengdu Museum, the Chunxi Road / Tianfu Square area is highly recommended. Among all accommodation options in Chengdu, staying near Chunxi Road offers the best overall convenience. It’s a hub for food, shopping, airport access, and local sightseeing. Many buses connect directly to major attractions and both airports, making it suitable for couples, families with children, and travelers with seniors. Tianfu Square is just one metro stop away from Chunxi Road and also a great place to stay nearby. We recommend booking accommodation near Chunxi Road Station or Tianfu Square Station, which are close to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wenshu Monastery, Kuanzhai Alley, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, Jianshe Road Food Street, Qingyang Palace, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Yulin Street, and Jiuyan Bridge. There are also direct buses to Sanxingdui Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Traveling to and from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (with direct shuttle buses) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is also very convenient.

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Lin’en International Hotel

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Lin’en International Hotel
  • Location: 10-minute walk from Taisheng South Road Metro Station, 16-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 348 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service, family rooms, triple rooms, quadruple rooms

The hotel’s location is very convenient, with Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, and Wangfujing all just a short distance away. It’s great for dining, shopping, and strolling. The Panda Post Office is right outside the door, making it perfect for families.

The hotel rooms are clean and well-equipped. The breakfast variety is wide, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is exquisite. There’s also an adorable giant panda in the restaurant. Plus, there’s a gym on the upper floor with a nice view.

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Mercure Hotel

Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Mercure Hotel
  • Location: 10-minute walk from Taisheng South Road Metro Station, 13-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 459 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service, family rooms

This hotel is located in the city center, just a 10-minute walk from Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, making it perfect for shopping. It’s also close to various attractions, with easy access by metro or taxi.

The rooms are clean and tidy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views. The snacks in the room are free, and the facilities are fully equipped for your comfort. The hotel also offers a self-service laundry room on the 29th floor, along with luggage storage services.

ISEYA Shinya – Sky Suites Hotel (Taikoo Li Flagship Store)

ISEYA Shinya - Sky Suites Hotel (Taikoo Li Flagship Store)
  • Location: 3-minute walk from Chunxi Road Metro Station, 13-minute walk from Dongmen Bridge Metro Station
  • Price Range: 738 RMB
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Robot room service, family rooms, triple rooms, quadruple rooms

Located on Chunxi Road, this hotel is conveniently close to Metro Line 2. It’s just a short walk to Taikoo Li and Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, making shopping and dining easy and vibrant.

The hotel rooms are duplex-style, offering high-quality amenities like King Koil mattresses. Both floors have TVs and projectors, and they also provide Harman Kardon speakers. The cleanliness and maintenance are top-notch.

How to Get to Chengdu Museum from Downtown Chengdu

The best way to get to Chengdu Museum is by metro or on foot, as most visitors come from nearby spots like Kuanzhai Alley or Chunxi Road. The metro system is fast and convenient.

Metro

Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at Tianfu Square Station. Use Exit West 1 and walk 30 meters to reach the museum.

Bus

Take Bus No. 13, 30, 43, 47, 64, or 78 and get off at Xiyu Street Station.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

Chengdu Museum is located in the city center. A taxi or ride-hailing car will usually take about 15 minutes and cost around 20 CNY.

FAQ

Is Chengdu Museum stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, absolutely. Every floor is accessible by elevator. You can also inquire at the front desk on the first floor for stroller and wheelchair rentals. There is a family reading area on the 6th floor as well.

Where can I store luggage?

Free luggage storage is available at the museum entrance, including for large suitcases. Note that lockers are cleared by 6:30 PM daily, so you must collect your belongings before that time.

Essential Chengdu Travel Resources