Hidden beneath a thousand-year-old pagoda, the Xi'an Museum is more than meets the eye (Part 2)

Most visitors focus on the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, but the true historical weight of Jianfu Temple, including the pagoda, is more fully revealed in the exhibitions within the Xi'an Museum. Don't underestimate this free museum. It houses a collection of 130,000 artifacts, including over 14,000 classified as national-level relics (level three and above), many dating back to the Zhou and Tang dynasties. Area One of the main exhibition displays some of the museum's most prized treasures, such as the glazed pottery watchtower, the tri-color courtyard model, the gilded bronze door knocker, the dragon-patterned hollow brick, and the pottery water pipes. The pottery water pipes were unearthed from the Warring States Period Qin Shanglinyuan ruins near the A Fang Palace ruins. Area Two, "Millennium Ancient Capital," traces the history of Chang'an (Xi'an) from the Zhou to the Qing dynasties. Area Three, "Imperial Capital Panorama," showcases the city's historical prosperity through artifacts. The special exhibition "Stately Treasure" highlights Xi'an's significant role in Chinese Buddhist history through various Buddhist statues from different dynasties. The Xi'an Museum successfully integrates historical sites with garden landscapes. The grounds are shaded by lush trees, surrounded by water, with fragrant cherry blossoms in spring and golden ginkgo leaves in autumn. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands majestically, complemented by nearly ten ancient trees over 800 years old. The open-air exhibition of stone statues and hitching posts adds a touch of local flavor, creating a serene and leisurely atmosphere distinct from other attractions like the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. If you're looking for a less crowded place to visit in Xi'an during peak season and holidays, the Xi'an Museum is an excellent choice. Free reservations are required, and entry is by real-name registration, so booking in advance is essential. Tickets can generally be reserved two weeks in advance. Remember that the museum is closed every Tuesday (except for national holidays).