Chengdu MuseumChengdu Museum
🏛️ Attraction Overview
The Chengdu Museum, located next to Tianfu Square, is the best gateway to understanding 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 storytelling figurines to shadow puppetry. The “Chinese Shadow Puppets and Wooden Puppets” exhibition on the 5th floor is vibrantly colored; scan the QR code to listen to Sichuan Opera voiceovers.
✨ Why It’s Worth a Visit
A free National First-Class Museum that’s far more fascinating than many paid attractions. The Qin and Han Dynasty stone rhinoceros and the “Rapping Figurine” are true national treasures. The observation deck on the top floor overlooks Tianfu Square and is the best starting point for exploring Chengdu.
Practical Tips
Book in advance
You can make reservations 14 days in advance via the “Chengdu Museum” WeChat official account; tickets are released every night at 7:00 PM. 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 Figurines (3rd floor), and the Tang Dynasty openwork gilded incense pouch are the three must-see exhibits.
Common Mistakes
❌ Go on Monday
I didn’t realize it’s closed on Mondays.
Consequences: Don’t make the trip for nothing. The site is regularly closed on Mondays; check for the latest updates before you go.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Free (Reservations must be made in advance via the official WeChat account)
- Prices for Foreigners
- Free
- Student Discount
- ❌ None
- Book
- ⚠️ Advance reservation required
- Book in Advance
- 7 Days in Advance
Location Information
No. 1, Xiaohe Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu (next to Tianfu Square)
Opening Hours
Open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays
Best Time to Visit
There are fewer visitors on weekday mornings. Night sessions are available on Fridays and Saturdays (until 8:30 PM). Closed on Mondays.