Chengdu Museum: A Journey Through Sichuan's Timeless Heritage

The Chengdu Museum (成都博物馆) is a world-class cultural destination that beautifully showcases the rich history, art, and folk culture of Chengdu and the wider Sichuan region. It’s not just a museum—it's a time-travel experience through 3,000 years of Chinese civilization. 🏛️ Overview 📍 Location: Next to Tianfu Square, downtown Chengdu 🕰️ Opened: The new building was completed in 2015, replacing the original museum founded in 1958 🆓 Admission: Free, but you need to bring a valid ID or passport to enter Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM). Closed on Mondays (except on public holidays). 🏯 Architecture The museum’s modern design reflects Chengdu's ancient-modern fusion: - Glass and bronze exterior, shaped like traditional Chinese stacking boxes. - Interior: Minimalist, spacious, and immersive, with wide exhibition halls and interactive features. 🧭 Facilities and Tips 🧒 Kid-friendly: Lots of interactive exhibits, models, and family-friendly displays. 📷 Photography: Allowed in most areas, unless marked otherwise. ☕ Cafe & Gift Shop: Relax with Chengdu-style tea or buy local crafts and souvenirs. 📚 Language: Most exhibits include English translations. 🌟 Why Visit? It’s Chengdu’s cultural heart—perfect for understanding the city before exploring places like Kuanzhaixiangzi or Wuhou Shrine. A great rainy-day option or a peaceful break from busy streets. Combines ancient history, local flavor, and interactive design in one of China’s best regional museums. 🏛️ Chengdu Museum Floor Guide 🅱️ Basement Level (B1): Man and Nature Exhibition: Man and Nature: Donations from Kenneth E. Behring Highlights: - Over 300 animal specimens showcasing global biodiversity. - Explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. - Chengdu Museum's first permanent nature-themed exhibition. 1️⃣ First Floor (1F): Entrance & Special Exhibitions Features: - Main entrance lobby and visitor services. - Hosts rotating special exhibitions in the Special Exhibition Hall. - Past exhibitions have included international art displays and cultural showcases. 2️⃣ Second Floor (2F): Ancient Chengdu – Pre-Qin to Southern and Northern Dynasties Exhibitions: - Chengdu in Pre-Qin Times: Showcasing artifacts from the Baodun culture, Sanxingdui, and Jinsha sites. - Chengdu from Qin to the Southern and Northern Dynasties: Highlights Chengdu's role as a political and cultural center. Highlights: - Over 240 artifacts, including bronze heads and burial items. - Interactive displays and models illustrating ancient Shu civilization. 3️⃣ Third Floor (3F): Chengdu from Sui to Qing Dynasties Exhibitions: - Chengdu from Sui to Yuan Dynasties: Chronicles the city's development during these periods. - Chengdu in Ming and Qing Dynasties: Focuses on architectural advancements and cultural prosperity. Highlights: - Over 600 artifacts, including porcelain, gold, silver, and copper wares. - Displays on Chengdu's water transportation system and mercantile culture. 4️⃣ Fourth Floor (4F): Modern Chengdu & Folk Customs Exhibitions: - History and Culture Display of Chengdu/Recent Historical Period: Covers Chengdu's role in significant 20th-century events. - History and Culture Display of Chengdu/Folk Customs: Showcases traditional lifestyles and cultural practices. Highlights: - Exhibits on the Railway Protection Movement and Anti-Japanese War. - Displays of traditional Sichuanese customs, including tea culture and local festivals. 5️⃣ Fifth Floor (5F): Puppetry and Shadow Plays Exhibitions: - Chinese Shadow Play: Explores the history and artistry of shadow puppetry. - Puppetry of China: Features various forms of puppetry from different regions. Highlights: - Over 200 exhibits, including marionettes, rod puppets, and glove puppets. - Interactive displays and performances illustrating traditional storytelling methods. How to get here: 🚇 By Metro Lines: Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Tianfu Square Station (天府广场站). Exit: Use Exit C. 🚌 By Bus Routes: Buses 13, 30A, 30, 43, 47, 51, 64, or G97. Stop: Disembark at Xiyu Street Stop (西御街站), which is directly in front of the museum