Sanxingdui MuseumSanxingdui Museum
🏛️ Attraction Overview
The Sanxingdui Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological museums in the world, its discovery shocking the world. Artifacts unearthed here—including the Bronze Sacred Tree (3.96 meters tall), the Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes, and the Gold Mask—reveal the mysterious ancient Shu civilization that vanished 3,000 years ago.The new wing, which opened in 2023, is five times larger than the original and displays nearly 600 newly unearthed artifacts. The Sanxingdui civilization differs drastically in style from the Central Plains civilization—its protruding eyes, giant ears, and exaggerated mask designs have led many to speculate that it might be an “alien civilization.”
✨ Why It’s Worth a Visit
This is Sanxingdui—the Chinese artifacts that look least like typical Chinese artifacts you’ve ever seen. The visual impact of the bronze sacred tree and the masks with vertical eyes defies description. An 18-minute high-speed rail ride from Chengdu takes you back 3,000 years to a China you’ve never known.
Practical Tips
Secure tickets 5 days in advance; no tickets sold on-site
The “Sanxingdui Museum” WeChat official account releases tickets every night at 8:00 PM; reservations must be made 5 days in advance. There is no on-site ticket window. Admission is 72 yuan per person; 36 yuan for students.
18-minute high-speed rail ride to Guanghan
Chengdu East Station → Guanghan North Station: 18-minute high-speed rail ride (18 yuan); take a taxi for 15 minutes from the station to the museum. This is much faster than the direct bus.
Head straight to the second floor to see the Sacred Tree as soon as the museum opens
Go against the flow of visitors: As soon as the doors open, head straight to the “Heaven, Earth, Man, and Gods” exhibition hall on the second floor → the Bronze Sacred Tree → the Zongmu Mask → then head back down to the first floor.
Shared guided tour: 30 yuan per person
Guided tour for 1–10 people: 400 yuan per session; group tour: about 30 yuan per person. Audio guide: 30 yuan per unit. The free audio tour via the official WeChat account is also sufficient.
Common Mistakes
❌ Went on Monday for nothing
I assumed it would be closed on Mondays, like most museums.
Consequences: Sanxingdui is closed only one day a year—New Year’s Eve—and is open as usual on Mondays! However, this misconception has led many people to avoid visiting on Mondays.
❌ I went there without a reservation
I thought I could buy tickets on-site.
Consequences: There’s no on-site ticket window! Without a reservation, you absolutely won’t get in—and you’ll have driven dozens of kilometers for nothing.
Ticket Information
- Price
- 72 yuan (36 yuan for students)
- Prices for Foreigners
- Same Price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Available
- Book
- ⚠️ Advance reservation required
- Book in Advance
- 5 Days in Advance
Location Information
No. 133, Xi’an Road, Guanghan City (about 40 kilometers north of Chengdu)
Opening Hours
Open 8:30–18:00, closed Mondays
Best Time to Visit
When the museum opens at 8:30, head straight to the second floor to see the Bronze Sacred Tree—it’s the best time to take photos while the crowds are thin. The museum is open on Mondays (closed only on New Year’s Eve). Snag tickets 5 days in advance at 8:00 PM.