Lanzhou | Gansu Provincial Museum: The Ultimate Guide

Your treasure-hunting guide to the Gansu Provincial Museum, featuring a 2-hour essential itinerary and must-see exhibits. Save this now! 🌟Recommended Itinerary: (2-Hour Highlights) ➡️Second Floor: Silk Road Civilization Exhibition (Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow, Blue Lotus Glass Cup) ➡️Third Floor: Painted Pottery Exhibition (Human-faced Pottery Figurine, Human-headed Painted Pottery Bottle), Gansu Buddhist Art Exhibition ➡️First Floor: Gift Shop 🌸Must-See Exhibits: 1️⃣ Bronze Galloping Horse (also known as Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow) 📍Location: 2F - Silk Road Civilization Exhibition Hall A national treasure and a must-see at the Gansu Provincial Museum! This magnificent steed has stood poised on a swallow for millennia. When unearthed, the horse's head and back showed traces of paint in red, white, and black, indicating it was once vibrantly colored. ❤️Tip: The authentic artifact is displayed from May 1 to October 15 annually; a replica is shown during other times. 2️⃣ Yuan Dynasty - Glass Lotus-shaped Cup and Saucer 📍Location: 2F - Silk Road Civilization Exhibition Hall A blue lotus under the night sky! Prepare to be amazed! This is undoubtedly the most beautiful piece in the Gansu Provincial Museum. The translucent blue cup and saucer, crafted from blue glass, resemble a blooming blue lotus. The saucer is shaped like an eight-petal lotus, while the cup has seven petals. 3️⃣ Wei and Jin Dynasties - Brick Painting of a Courier 📍Location: 2F - Silk Road Civilization Exhibition Hall China's earliest known "delivery guy"! This 1,600-year-old painting depicts a courier galloping on horseback, holding a qi, a pass used at checkpoints and post stations. Notice he has no mouth, symbolizing the courier's discretion. In ancient times, deliveries primarily involved official decrees and military intelligence, requiring absolute confidentiality. 4️⃣ Neolithic Age - Human-headed Painted Pottery Bottle 📍Location: 3F - Gansu Painted Pottery Exhibition The ancient "girl with bangs." Dating back 7,000–5,000 years, this bottle features a sculpted human head as its opening. With long hair flowing down the sides and back and a fringe of short hair across the forehead, this ancient maiden exudes a timeless natural charm. 📣Guided Tours: 1️⃣In-person: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, advance booking required at the service desk. 2️⃣Electronic: Audio guides available for rent at the 1st-floor lobby for CNY 20, including headphones. 3️⃣VIP: Contact the 1st-floor service desk in advance; prices are higher. 🎫Tickets: Free ⏰Reservations: Book 3 days in advance via the "Gansu Provincial Museum" official WeChat account. ⌚️Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm) 📍Address: No. 3 Xijin West Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou 🚕Transportation: Subway Line 1, Xizhan Shizi Station