Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. As someone who has explored historical sites around the world, I firmly believe that to truly understand a place, you must go beyond its scenery and food—you must dive into its roots. Deep in the heart of southwest China lies Chengdu, home to a remarkable museum that bridges the past and the present: Jinsha Site Museum. Today, I’ll take you into this extraordinary place that left me in awe, as we uncover the brilliance of the ancient Shu civilization.

Summary

Jinsha Site Museum Overview

Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu spans a vast 300,000 square meters, with a total building area of about 40,000 square meters. This national first-class archaeological museum was built to preserve, study, and display the cultural legacy of Jinsha and the ancient Shu civilization. The museum is divided into two main sections: the Relic Hall and the Exhibition Hall. The Relic Hall is one of the most well-preserved and artifact-rich ancient ritual sites ever discovered in China. The museum houses a total of 3,013 artifacts, including 2,180 nationally classified cultural relics.

  • Address: No. 2 Jinsha Yizhi Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM), closed on Mondays (except on public holidays and in January, February, July, and August when it remains open).
  • Suggested Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Best Seasons to Visit: All year round
  • Special Exhibitions: Check the Official Website
  • Ticket Price: 70 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Dome ceiling of Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu

Jinsha Site Museum Map

Guide map of Jinsha Site Museum layout

Why You Should Visit Jinsha Site Museum

Rich Ancient Shu Civilization and Cultural Heritage

The Jinsha Site is considered China’s most significant archaeological discovery of the 21st century. Covering around five square kilometers, its main cultural layer dates from the late Shang dynasty to the Western Zhou period. The museum is divided into the Relic Hall and the Exhibition Hall. The Relic Hall features one of the most complete and long-lasting ancient ritual sites found in China. Meanwhile, the Exhibition Hall’s core exhibit, Into the Jinsha, is composed of five galleries: “Primitive Homeland,” “Glimpse of the Kingdom,” “Endless Heaven and Earth,” “Thousands of Years of Treasures,” and “Understanding Jinsha.” These galleries collectively showcase over 6,000 artifacts, including gold, bronze, jade, stone, and pottery.

Extensive Collection of Rare Artifacts

Among the most notable items are the Sun and Immortal Bird Gold Ornament, the Large Shang-Zhou Golden Mask, and the Ten-Section Jade Cong. The gold ornament, a 12.5 cm-wide openwork gold foil piece, features twelve radiating points and four birds, representing the ancient Shu view of the cosmos. The large golden mask from the Shang and Zhou period has been called a 3,000-year-old 3D hologram for its craftsmanship. In addition to these treasures, the museum also holds an exceptional variety of gold, bronze, and jade items that highlight the uniqueness of Shu culture.

Top Things to Do in Jinsha Site Museum

Main Exhibition Halls

Relic Hall

Once you enter Jinsha Site Museum through the South Gate, you’ll immediately find the Relic Hall on your right. This area marks the heart of the entire archaeological site. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient ritual spaces ever discovered in China, with a remarkably rich collection of ceremonial relics.

The hall is built over the original excavation site and protects a large-scale sacrificial zone. A stunning number of artifacts were unearthed here, including gold ornaments, bronze ritual vessels, jade tools, and lacquered wooden items. Particularly striking is the abundance of deer antlers, elephant tusks, and wild boar tusks. These elements likely played a central role in the religious totemic rituals of the ancient Shu civilization.

Archaeological excavation site in Jinsha Site Museum

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall spans two floors above ground and one below, with five themed galleries displaying more than 2,000 cultural relics. Together, they tell the story of the birth, evolution, and peak of the ancient Shu civilization. Each gallery offers its own unique highlights:

  • Primitive Homeland: Starts with the ecological landscape of the Chengdu Plain, setting the natural stage where the Jinsha people once lived.
  • Glimpse of the Kingdom: Through daily-use objects and tools, this section reconstructs the everyday life of the ancient Shu capital more than 3,000 years ago.
  • Endless Heaven and Earth: Displays the most iconic gold, jade, bronze, stone, and ivory artifacts of Jinsha culture, serving as a window into their refined craftsmanship.
  • Thousands of Years of Treasures: This is where you’ll find the museum’s most prized artifacts, such as the Sun and Immortal Bird Gold Ornament and the large golden mask. The artistic and symbolic value of this gallery makes it an absolute must-see.
  • Understanding Jinsha: Using documents, diagrams, and multimedia, this gallery dives deep into the historical context of Jinsha culture and its evolution prior to the Qin Dynasty.
Gold mask and Sun Bird artifact inside Jinsha Site Museum exhibition

Jinsha Site Museum Ticket Guide

Jinsha Site Museum tickets are divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The content is the same for both, and prices are identical. Simply choose the session that best suits your schedule.

Ticket Prices for Jinsha Site Museum

  • Adults: 70 CNY
  • Children/Students: 35 CNY (for ages 6 to 18, or students with education level up to college/university)
  • Free Admission: For children under 6 years old or shorter than 1.3 meters, and for seniors aged 60 and above

Where to Buy Tickets

Jinsha Site Museum Guide Services

The museum offers three types of tour guidance: WeChat-based audio guides, rented guide devices, and in-person guided tours. The most recommended option is to scan the WeChat QR code for a free audio guide. If the museum is not crowded, you may also consider hiring a live guide for a deeper experience.

  • WeChat Online Audio Guide
    • How to use: See instructions below via the official WeChat account “Jinsha Site Museum”
    • Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian
    • Cost: Free
  • Audio Guide Device Rental
    • Location: Self-service station at the service center
    • Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish
    • Cost: Two models available—20 CNY or 40 CNY per device
  • Live Guided Tour
    • Booking Location: Visitor Center
    • Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean
    • Cost:
      • Chinese: 50 CNY per session (1–3 people), 40 CNY per person (4 or more)
      • Other Languages: 70 CNY per session (1–3 people), 60 CNY per person (4 or more)
Free WeChat audio guide interface at Jinsha Site Museum

The route through Jinsha Site Museum is mostly linear. Enter through the South Gate and follow the suggested path, and you won’t miss any highlights: South Gate → Relic Hall → Exhibition Hall → Deer Garden → Jade Path → Ebony Forest.

There is a restaurant inside the Jinsha Site Museum, but the taste and value for money are just average. If time allows, it’s better to eat outside the museum or near the nearby metro station, where there are more options.

Jinsha Site Museum Cafeteria

Museum cafeteria meal at Jinsha Site Museum
  • Reason to recommend: A convenient stop when you’re tired from walking around the museum. It offers basic meals, though the flavor is just average.
  • Address: At the exit of the basement level of the Exhibition Hall
  • Opening Hours: Same as the museum
  • Average Cost: 35 CNY per person

Zeng Niurou (Jinsha Branch)

Signature spicy beef stew from Zeng Niurou near Jinsha Site Museum
  • Reason to recommend: A Sichuan restaurant specializing in beef dishes. Their signature items include Tomato Oxtail Soup, Jar-Stewed Beef, and Steamed Beef. The taste is quite good.
  • Address: No.17-16 Jinfeng Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00–21:00
  • Average Cost: 50 CNY per person

Since there are no other major attractions near Jinsha Site Museum, staying nearby is not the best option for tourists. It’s more recommended to stay around Chunxi Road or Tianfu Square, which are the most convenient areas for lodging in Chengdu. From Chunxi Road, you can take Metro Line 2 directly to Jinsha Site Museum.

Chunxi Road is a great area for food, shopping, and getting around the city. It’s also ideal for couples, families with kids, and travelers with elderly companions. Direct buses from this area go to most attractions and both Chengdu airports. Tianfu Square is just one metro stop away from Chunxi Road and also a great place to stay.

It’s best to stay near Chunxi Road Metro Station or Tianfu Square Metro Station. From there, it’s easy to reach: Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, Wenshu Monastery, Kuan-Zhai Alley, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, Jianshe Road Food Street, Qingyang Palace, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Yulin Street, Jiuyan Bridge

There are also direct buses to Sanxingdui Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Transportation to both Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is also convenient, with direct shuttle buses available.

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 Jinsha Site Museum from Downtown Chengdu

The most convenient way is by metro. Two metro lines can take you to Jinsha Site Museum. Since the museum is within the urban area, taking a taxi only costs 20 to 30 CNY.

By Metro

If you prefer to take the metro, the nearest station is Jinsha Site Museum Station on Line 7. Exit from Exit C. Alternatively, you can take Line 2 and get off at Yipintianxia Station, then use Exit B. The walk from there is a bit longer but still easy—just 10 to 15 minutes.

By Bus

You can take any of the following routes: 82, 83, 111, 163, G175, 209, 1029, 1043, 1123, and more.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App

Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service to Jinsha Site Museum is very convenient. A trip from Chunxi Road to the museum costs around 20 CNY and takes about 25 minutes.

FAQ

Is Jinsha Site Museum stroller and wheelchair-friendly?

It’s relatively stroller-friendly. However, be aware that the Relic Hall has many steps. While strollers can be manually lifted, wheelchairs might face some difficulty.

Where can I store luggage?

Both the South Gate and North Gate Visitor Centers offer free luggage storage, including for large suitcases.

Essential Chengdu Travel Resources