Niche but Wonderful Xi'an Travel: Recommended Qin and Han Dynasty Themed Museums
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If you're interested in the history of the Qin and Han dynasties, then Xianyang Museum is the place to be! While not as large as the Shaanxi History Museum or the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Museum, it specializes in relics from the Qin and Han dynasties. Its unique collection and regional characteristics allow you to avoid the crowds at Xi'an's popular venues, appreciate the details of the relics up close, and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Qin and Han dynasties. You won't be disappointed. Here are its core features:
1. Unique Western Han Dynasty Painted Terracotta Army
The museum houses over 3,000 painted terracotta figurines from the Western Han Dynasty, unearthed from the accompanying burial pits of Emperor Liu Bang's Changling Mausoleum. Smaller than the Qin Terracotta Army, these figurines boast better-preserved colors, vividly showcasing the military organization of the Han Dynasty. They include infantry, cavalry, and honor guard figurines, allowing for a direct comparison of the military styles of the Qin and Han dynasties.
2. Bronze Ware from the Warring States, Qin, and Han Dynasties
Key Qin State Inscribed Artifacts: Such as the "Anyi Xia Guan Bell" (a Warring States period bronze ware from the State of Wei, later acquired by the Qin State, bearing Qin State measurement inscriptions), which provides physical evidence for studying the measurement systems of the Warring States period.
Daily Utensils Exhibition Area: Han Dynasty bronze mirrors, incense burners, lamps, and other items.
3. Han Dynasty Jade and Stone Carving Art
Jade Exhibition: Han Dynasty jade bi discs, jade cong tubes, jade sword ornaments, etc., among which the "Guwen Qing Jade Bi" is a representative piece of Han Dynasty ritual jade.
Eastern Han Stone Beasts: Stone tigers, stone sheep, and other Han Dynasty stone carvings displayed in the museum courtyard, with simple and vigorous shapes, are rare examples of early tomb stone carvings.
4. Architectural Beauty Based on the Ming Dynasty Confucian Temple
The museum itself is a complex of ancient Ming Dynasty Confucian Temple buildings, with red pillars, gray tiles, and towering ancient cypresses. When visiting, you can enjoy the harmonious blend of cultural relics and ancient architecture.
5. Thematic Exhibition on the Regional Culture of the Qin Capital, Xianyang
Xianyang Stone Inscription Exhibition: Showcases epitaphs from the Northern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty unearthed in the Xianyang area.
Model of the Qin Capital Xianyang: A sand table model restores the layout of the Qin capital, Xianyang, offering a visual understanding of this vanished imperial capital.
Recommended Visiting Highlights
Must-See Relics: The Western Han Dynasty painted terracotta army formation, the Anyi Xia Guan Bell, and the Han Dynasty jade exhibition hall.
Photo Spots: The square in front of the Dacheng Hall of the Confucian Temple and beside the Han Dynasty stone beasts in the courtyard.
Fun Fact: Some of the terracotta figurines in the museum remain in their unearthed postures (such as fallen cavalry figurines), offering a glimpse into the original archaeological site.
Tips:
1. Admission is free, but online reservations are required (tickets are exchanged with ID cards). There are fewer visitors, providing a comfortable experience suitable for quiet contemplation. The visit takes about 1-2 hours.
2. Conveniently located in the center of Xianyang City (Zhongshan Street), it can be combined with visits to Xianyang's Gudulang Bridge and Qingwei Tower. The nearby Fuyuan Alley offers a variety of delicious and unique local cuisine.
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