Sanxingdui MuseumSanxingdui Museum
🏛️ What It Is
The Sanxingdui Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological museums in the world, a revelation that has astonished the world. Artifacts unearthed here—including the Bronze Sacred Tree (3.96 meters tall), the Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes, and the Gold Mask—unveil the mysteries of the ancient Shu civilization, which 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 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 Protruding Eyes transcends any description. An 18-minute high-speed rail ride from Chengdu takes you back 3,000 years to encounter a China you’ve never known.
Tips for Visitors
Secure tickets 5 days in advance; tickets are not sold on-site
The official WeChat account “Sanxingdui Museum” releases tickets every night at 8:00 PM; book 5 days in advance. There is no on-site ticket window. 72 yuan per person; 36 yuan for students.
It takes 18 minutes by high-speed rail to Guanghan
The high-speed rail ride from Chengdu East Station to Guanghan North Station takes 18 minutes (18 yuan); take a taxi from the station for 15 minutes to reach 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 museum opens, head straight to the second floor’s “Heaven, Earth, Man, and the Divine” exhibition hall → the Bronze Sacred Tree → the Long-Eyed Mask → then go down to the first floor.
Shared guided tour: 30 yuan per person
Private guided tour: 400 yuan per session for 1–10 people; about 30 yuan per person when sharing a group. Audio guide: 30 yuan per unit. The free audio tour via the official WeChat account is sufficient.
Common Mistakes
❌ Don’t bother going on Mondays
Many assume it’s closed on Mondays, like most museums.
Consequence: 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.
❌ Showing up without a reservation
Thinking you can buy tickets on-site.
Consequence: There are no on-site ticket windows! 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)
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Same price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Yes
- Booking
- ⚠️ Must Book Ahead
- Book in Advance
- Book 5 days in advance
Location
No. 133, Xian Road, Guanghan City (about 40 kilometers north of Chengdu)
Opening hours
Open 8:30–18:00, closed Mondays
Best Time to Visit
The museum opens at 8:30 a.m.—head straight to the second floor to see the Bronze Sacred Tree—take the best photos while the crowds are still thin. The museum is open on Mondays (closed only on New Year’s Eve throughout the year). Snap up tickets 5 days in advance at 8:00 p.m.