Hello, I’m Michael Zhang. As someone who has traveled across dozens of countries and immersed myself in ancient ruins—from the Temple of Delphi in Greece to Luxor in Egypt—I’ve seen the majesty of human civilizations. Yet among the greatest archaeological wonders I’ve encountered in China, the Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu stands out as truly world-class. In this article, I’ll guide you through this astonishing site with practical travel tips, essential visitor information, and rich historical context. My goal is not just to help you see Sanxingdui, but to truly understand it.

Summary

Sanxingdui Museum Overview

The Sanxingdui Museum, located 40 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, spans over 1,000 mu (approximately 165 acres) and is recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. The museum’s new building is the largest standalone archaeological museum in southwest China. It houses over 1,500 artifacts unearthed from the Sanxingdui Ruins, including iconic items such as the Bronze Sacred Tree, Jade Ge with Raised Edge, Bronze Standing Figure, and Golden Scepter. These exhibits comprehensively showcase both the excavation process and the latest academic findings related to the ancient Shu civilization.

  • Address: No. 133 Xiangxin Road, Guanghan, Deyang City (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hours:
    • Exhibition Hall: 08:30–18:00 (last entry at 17:00), closed on Lunar New Year’s Eve
    • Restoration Hall: 09:00–18:00, closed on Lunar New Year’s Eve
  • Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours
  • Best season to visit: All year round
  • Temporary exhibitions: See official website
  • Ticket price: 72 CNY
  • Combo tickets (Tickets + Souvenir): Trip.com Discounts
Bronze masks on display at Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum Map

The Sanxingdui Museum consists of two main sections: the Exhibition Hall and the Restoration Hall. The Exhibition Hall is the primary visitor area and is spread across two floors with three main zones and seventeen exhibition areas.

  • First Floor:
    • Zone 1 – Pursuing the Century-Long Dream: Featuring kneeling bronze figures with twisted heads, golden bird ornaments, various pottery pieces
    • Zone 2 – Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom: Showcasing the Bronze Standing Figure, Gold Mask, Golden Scepter, and pottery pigs
  • Second Floor:
    • Zone 3 – Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Gods: Displaying the Bronze Sacred Tree, Bronze Masks, turtle-shell grid artifacts, Bronze Sun Emblem, and Mythical Bronze Beasts
Guide map of Sanxingdui Museum for visitors

Why You Should Visit Sanxingdui Museum

A Rich Collection of Priceless Artifacts

These extraordinary artifacts offer a window into an ancient bronze civilization that thrived thousands of years ago. Within the museum, exhibits made of bronze, gold, jade, and even ivory attract thousands of visitors. Standout pieces like the Bronze Human Heads, the Bronze Standing Figure, the Golden Mask, and the Bronze Sacred Tree have become popular highlights, perfect for photos and reflection. These artifacts do more than display the brilliance of the ancient Shu—they create a dialogue that spans across time, deepening cultural appreciation and connection.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Sanxingdui Ruins are marked by three prominent loess mounds that resemble stars, giving the site its name. This unique geographical feature has long held symbolic meaning. In 1986, the discovery of two massive sacrificial pits stunned the world, revealing a trove of treasures that confirmed the Yangtze River region as a major cradle of Chinese civilization—on par with the Yellow River valley. These findings unveiled the distinct identity of the ancient Shu and reinforced the idea of China’s civilization being both diverse and unified.

Top Things to Do in Sanxingdui Museum

Main Exhibitions

Pursuing the Century-Long Dream

The story of Sanxingdui began with a lucky accident. The “Pursuing the Century-Long Dream” exhibition hall takes visitors through the complete journey of Sanxingdui, from the early 20th-century discovery of jade artifacts in farmland to its recognition as a globally significant archaeological site. This section highlights major excavation milestones, key researchers, and technological breakthroughs. It also illustrates the progress of modern Chinese archaeology and international collaboration. For anyone curious about how Sanxingdui was discovered, this is the perfect place to start.

  • Location: Exhibition Hall 1F, Zone 1
Kneeling bronze figure at the Pursuing the Century-Long Dream exhibit

Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom

Stepping into the “Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom” feels like entering the very heart of ancient Shu civilization. This exhibition focuses on the city’s architecture, craftsmanship, and religious rituals. From the structural layout of city walls to the processing of jade artifacts and the mysterious ceremonial scenes, this zone paints a vivid picture of an organized and technologically advanced kingdom. Near the exit, you’ll find three of the museum’s most iconic treasures—the Bronze Standing Figure, Golden Scepter, and Gold-Masked Bronze Human Head—an absolute must-see for all visitors.

  • Location: Exhibition Hall 1F, Zone 2
Bronze mask from the Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom exhibition

Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Gods

If there’s one section of Sanxingdui that delivers both visual and spiritual impact, it’s “Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Gods.” As the most mysterious and mesmerizing part of the museum, it showcases how the ancient Shu people viewed the cosmos, the divine, and humanity’s place in between. National treasure-level artifacts like the Golden Mask and the Bronze Sacred Tree dominate this hall, with the sacred tree positioned near the exit for maximum dramatic effect. For those fascinated by ancient belief systems and mythologies, this gallery is truly unmissable.

  • Location: Exhibition Hall 2F, Zone 3
Bronze Sacred Tree from Heaven Earth Man and the Gods exhibit

Restoration Hall

Curious how these artifacts—lost for over three millennia—were restored to their former glory? The Restoration Hall reveals the behind-the-scenes story of cultural relic preservation. It displays the tools, techniques, and processes involved in archaeological restoration. If you’re lucky, you might even witness real-time conservation work by professionals. This space offers an engaging and educational experience for both kids and adults, combining archaeology with modern science and technology.

  • Location: Restoration Hall
  • Hours: 09:00–18:00; closed on Lunar New Year’s Eve
Artifact restoration lab inside the Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 72 CNY
  • Discounted Tickets: None. No discounts are currently available for international visitors.
  • Free Admission: Seniors aged 60 and above; children under 1.3 meters tall.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Official website, official WeChat account, or third-party travel platforms. Tickets can be reserved up to five days in advance, and new slots are released daily at 8:00 PM. Since tickets are in high demand, it’s advisable to check third-party platforms if official channels are sold out.
  • On-site: You may scan a code to purchase tickets at the entrance. However, do not rely on same-day ticket availability. Due to high demand and the museum’s distance from Chengdu, visiting without a confirmed ticket is not recommended.

Sanxingdui Museum Tour Guide Services

Sanxingdui offers both guided tours and audio guides. However, the live guided tour is strongly recommended. The audio devices can be hard to use and don’t offer as much detail, which may affect your overall experience.

  • Live Tour Duration: 90 minutes
  • Live Tour Hours: 08:30–11:50, 13:00–17:00
  • Pricing:
    • Chinese: 400 CNY (1–10 people), 600 CNY (11–20 people)
    • English: 400 CNY (1–10 people), 600 CNY (11–20 people)
  • Audio Guide
    • Languages: Chinese, English
    • Cost: 30 CNY (Chinese), 50 CNY (English)
Rental counter for English and Chinese audio guide devices
  • Photo Route: Start from 2F “Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Gods” → 1F “Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom” and “Pursuing the Century-Long Dream” → Museum Gift Shop and Post Office → Restoration Hall → Sacrificial Platform → Bronze Hall
  • Crowd-Free Route: For photos without crowds, head straight to the 2F Exhibition Hall at 08:30 sharp when doors open, and explore in reverse order. Visitor flow increases significantly throughout the day.
  • Standard Route: 1F “Pursuing the Century-Long Dream” → 1F “Magnificent Capital of an Ancient Kingdom” → 2F “Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Gods” → Museum Gift Shop and Post Office → Restoration Hall → Sacrificial Platform → Bronze Hall

Sanxingdui Museum Stamp Collection Spots

Sanxingdui Museum has multiple locations where you can collect stamps—perfect for travelers who love souvenirs!

  • Sanxingdui Post Office
    • Located at the museum exit, on the way to the Restoration Hall. Inside the post office, the stamp table features 10 collectible stamps, including special ones themed after cultural relics.
    • Outside the post office, a row of stamp tables offers 30 different stamps. Ten of them are fixed stamps and can be used to mark your Sanxingdui postcards.
  • Basement Level of the Main Exhibition Hall: Head downstairs from the spiral staircase inside the main building. There, you’ll find a stamp table with 17 stamps—it’s a hidden gem that few visitors notice.
Stamp collection souvenir from Sanxingdui Museum

Right next to Sanxingdui Museum, you’ll find a local food plaza with plenty of choices. Small vendors are located inside the underground passageway, along the roadside, and in the food court opposite the museum. The average cost is around 30–50 CNY per person. However, keep in mind that this is a scenic area far from downtown Chengdu, so the food is more about filling your stomach than satisfying gourmet expectations.

It is not recommended to stay near the Sanxingdui Museum. Although the museum is located in Guanghan, the city itself is not a major tourist destination. Local hotels, taxis, and restaurants often fall short in terms of quality and service.

Instead, I recommend staying in downtown Chengdu, particularly around Chunxi Road. This area is ideal for travelers of all types—couples, families with children, and even seniors. It’s a hub for shopping, food, and transportation, with direct buses to most tourist attractions and both airports. Tianfu Square, just one subway stop from Chunxi Road, is also a great option. Hotels near Chunxi Road Station or Tianfu Square Station offer excellent access to top attractions like Wenshu Monastery, Kuan Zhai Alley, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, Chengdu Museum, Construction Road Food Street, Qingyang Palace, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Yulin Street, and Jiuyan Bridge. You’ll also find direct buses to both the Sanxingdui Museum and the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, as well as to Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport.

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 Sanxingdui Museum from Downtown Chengdu

Taking a tourist shuttle bus is the most convenient option. You can catch it from Chunxi Road, which is also where many tourists choose to stay in Chengdu. It’s affordable and hassle-free.

Tourist Shuttle Bus

There’s a direct shuttle from Chunxi Road to the museum entrance. A tour guide is present on the bus to give a brief introduction to Sanxingdui.

  • Departure Point: Outside Exit C of Chunxi Road Metro Station (below the IFS Giant Panda statue) (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cost: 50 CNY round trip, 25 CNY one way
  • Operating Hours:
    • Chunxi Road → Sanxingdui: 07:00–16:00 (frequent departures, leaves when full)
    • Sanxingdui → Chunxi Road: 09:30–18:30
  • Note: Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase.

High-Speed Rail + Taxi

You can take an intercity train from Chengdu to Guanghan North Station. From there, transfer to Sanxingdui Museum by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk.

  • Train: Chengdu East → Guanghan North (18 CNY, 18 minutes)
  • Taxi: ~15 CNY from station to museum; Tuk-tuk: 5 CNY per person
  • Ticket Booking: Chengdu East → Guanghan North
  • Station Names: ChengduDong → Guanghanbei

Ride-Hailing Service

A direct ride-hailing trip from Chengdu to Sanxingdui Museum takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs around 130 CNY.

How to Get to Sanxingdui Museum from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Your best option is high-speed rail plus taxi, as there is no direct route. If you go to downtown Chengdu first and then head to Sanxingdui, the journey could take almost three hours—not ideal for travelers short on time. If you’re staying downtown, go there first.

High-Speed Rail + Taxi

Take the train from Tianfu Airport to Chengdu East (30 CNY, 30 minutes), then transfer to another train to Guanghan North. From there, take a bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk to the east entrance of Sanxingdui Museum. If the connections align, the whole journey takes under 1.5 hours.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

A direct ride from Tianfu Airport to Sanxingdui Museum takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and costs about 225 CNY.

FAQ

Is Sanxingdui Museum stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

During peak seasons, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended due to crowd density. In low seasons, however, the museum’s layout is very accessible and ideal for such equipment.

Where can I store luggage?

Sanxingdui Museum offers free luggage storage, including space for large suitcases. You can store items at two locations: the Tourist Center (to the right of the entrance) and the Exhibition Hall lobby (also to the right, with self-service lockers).

Can I visit the excavation site?

No. The excavation site is not currently open to the public.

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