Jinsha Site Museum
Discover the 3,000-year-old secrets of the Jinsha Site Museum, a UNESCO-protected treasure in Chengdu revealing the lost civilization of Ancient Shu. Explore over 6,000 artifacts, including golden masks, jade ritual objects, and intricate ivory carvings, while immersing yourself in life-sized sacrificial pit replicas and interactive VR tours. Engage in hands-on craft workshops, from bamboo weaving to bronze casting, and witness iconic treasures like the Golden Sun and Bird Icon. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, the museum offers a journey through China’s pre-Qin heritage with expert-curated galleries and family-friendly activities.
Historical Overview
The Jinsha Site Museum, established in 2007, preserves the ruins of a 3,000-year-old Shu Kingdom settlement discovered in 2001. The site, covering 5 km², features remains of ancient palaces, sacrificial pits, and workshops, offering insights into pre-Qin Dynasty China. Designated a UNESCO-protected site, it showcases over 6,000 artifacts, including gold masks, jade objects, and ivory carvings. Key milestones include its 2007 opening, 2010 designation as a National First-Grade Museum, and 2023 collaborations with global institutions for cultural exchange exhibitions.
Structural Layout
The museum’s U-shaped complex blends modern design with historical context, featuring three main zones:
Exhibition Halls: Two floors dedicated to archaeological finds, organized chronologically.
Cultural Relics Protection Center: Advanced labs for artifact restoration and research.
Sacrificial Pits Replica Zone: Life-sized recreations of excavated pits, showcasing ritual practices.
Major Attractions
Golden Sun and Bird Icon: A 12.5 cm-wide gold foil symbolizing ancient Shu cosmology.
Jade Cong and Bi: Ritual objects from the Liangzhu and Jinsha cultures, reflecting spiritual beliefs.
Ivory Carvings: Over 1,000 ivory tusks, the largest collection from the Bronze Age in China.
Sacrificial Pits Replica: Interactive displays of 6,000+ artifacts, including bronze vessels and jade tools.
Permanent Galleries
Gallery 1: Ancient Shu Civilization: Tools, pottery, and architectural remnants from 1200–700 BCE.
Gallery 2: Golden Treasures: Gold masks, hairpins, and amulets showcasing metallurgical prowess.
Gallery 3: Jade and Stone Art: Ritual objects and decorative pieces from the Liangzhu and Jinsha traditions.
Gallery 4: Ivory and Bone Carvings: Intricate sculptures depicting animals and mythical creatures.
Interactive Experiences
Archaeological Simulation Zone: Hands-on excavation activities for visitors.
Virtual Reality Tours: Immersive 360° explorations of the sacrificial pits.
Craft Workshops: Bamboo weaving, jade carving, and bronze casting demonstrations.
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Tour (1.5 Hours): Golden Sun and Bird Icon → Jade Cong → Sacrificial Pits Replica.
Deep Dive (3 Hours): Galleries 1–4 → VR Tours → Craft Workshops.
Family-Friendly Route (2 Hours): Interactive Zone → Ivory Carvings Gallery → Archaeological Simulation.
Visitor Information
Tickets: ¥70 (adults), ¥35 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m.
Hours: 8:30 AM–6 PM (last entry 5 PM), closed Mondays.
Transport: Subway Line 7 to Jinsha Site Museum Station (Exit B).
Tips: Download the museum’s AR app for guided tours; wear comfortable shoes for 2-hour visits.
