Chengdu MuseumChengdu Museum
🏛️ What It Is
The Chengdu Museum, located next to Tianfu Square, is the best place to learn about Chengdu’s history and culture.The museum’s crown jewel, the Qin-Han Stone Rhinoceros, weighs 8.5 metric tons and served as the water-taming mythical beast during Li Bing’s flood control efforts. The permanent exhibition “Flowers Bloom in Jin Guan City” spans from the Pre-Qin period to modern times, comprehensively showcasing Chengdu’s 4,000-year urban history—from the Sun God Bird to Shu brocade, and from the Rap-Singing Figurines to shadow puppetry. The Chinese Shadow Puppetry and Wooden Puppet Exhibition on the 5th floor is vibrantly colored; you can scan the QR code to listen to Sichuan Opera voiceovers.
✨ Why Visit
This free National First-Class Museum is far more fascinating than many paid attractions. The Qin and Han Dynasty stone rhinoceros and the storytelling figurines are true national treasures. The observation deck on the top floor overlooks Tianfu Square and serves as the best starting point for exploring Chengdu.
Tips for Visitors
Book in advance
You can make reservations up to 14 days in advance via the "Chengdu Museum" WeChat official account; tickets are released at 7:00 p.m. every night. Daily visitor capacity is limited to 20,000 people.
The museum’s crown jewels are on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The Qin and Han Dynasty Stone Rhinoceros (2nd floor), the Rapper Figurine (3rd floor), and the Tang Dynasty Openwork Gilded Incense Pouch are the three must-see exhibits.
Common Mistakes
❌ Go on a Monday.
I didn’t realize the museum is closed on Mondays.
Consequence: Wasted a trip. The museum is regularly closed on Mondays; check the latest announcements before heading out.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Free (advance reservation required via the official WeChat account)
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Free
- Student Discount
- ❌ No
- Booking
- ⚠️ Must Book Ahead
- Book in Advance
- Book 7 days in advance
Location
No. 1 Xiaohe Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (next to Tianfu Square)
Opening hours
Open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays
Best Time to Visit
Fewer visitors on weekday mornings. Night sessions are available on Fridays and Saturdays (until 8:30 PM). Closed on Mondays.