Unexpected encounters: Exploring museums in Xi'an

In Xi'an, museums of various sizes and themes are scattered throughout the streets, parks, foothills, and even within the Xi'an City Wall. They blend with the modern urban landscape, allowing visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the charm of historical and cultural heritage.

Located in the main urban area near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Xi'an Museum exudes the charm of the Han (206 BC-AD 220) and Tang (618-907) dynasties with its traditional Chinese garden aesthetics. Housing over 110,000 cultural relics, the museum offers a serene setting that complements the nearby pagoda.

At the Shaanxi Archaeological Museum, visitors can touch prehistoric pottery fragments and witness the excavation site of the "first luxury chariot", a bronze chariot with toothed wheels, from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC). The museum not only narrates the history behind the artifacts but also engages the public in archaeology and showcases how technology aids cultural preservation.

Nestled at the foot of the Qinling Mountains is a grand complex of traditional folk houses salvaged and reconstructed by the Guanzhong Folk Art Museum. Dating back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, these houses have been meticulously restored to their original glory, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient residential architecture.

Statistics show Xi'an has 163 museums in over 40 categories, including comprehensive history, natural sciences, folk culture, and science education. Over 95 percent of these museums offer free admission. Xi'an is actively striving to become a city of museums by utilizing this rich museum landscape.