Xi'an Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles)

The Xi'an Beilin Museum, also known as the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, stands as one of China's most prestigious cultural institutions. As a national first-class museum and AAAAA-rated tourist attraction, it houses an extraordinary collection of stone steles, epitaphs, and sculptures that span nearly two millennia of Chinese history.

Overview

Located at 15 Sanxue Street in Xi'an's Beilin District, the museum preserves over 11,000 cultural relics from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Its collection includes 134 national treasure-level artifacts and 535 first-class cultural relics, making it one of the largest repositories of ancient Chinese stone inscriptions.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

• March 1 - November 30 (Peak Season): 8:00 - 18:30 (Last entry at 17:45)
• December 1 - February 28/29 (Off Season): 8:00 - 18:00 (Last entry at 17:15)

Note: As of January 2024, due to renovation work, only the Confucian Temple area is open to visitors from 9:00 - 17:30 (Last entry at 17:00).

Admission

• Standard ticket: ¥10 (2024 promotional price)
• Free admission available for:
  • Military personnel and veterans with valid ID
  • Disabled visitors
  • Seniors aged 65 and above
  • Children under 6 years old

Getting There

The museum is easily accessible by:

• Metro: Line 2 (Yongningmen Station) or Line 4 (Hepingmen Station)
• Bus: Routes 241, 118, 302, 222, 221 to Wenchang Gate stop

Highlights

The Confucian Temple Complex

The ancient Confucian Temple complex, primarily built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, serves as the museum's architectural centerpiece. Its traditional Chinese design features include:

• An ornate screen wall
• Decorative archways
• The Pan Pool and Bridge
• The Lingxing Gate
• The Ji Gate
• East and West Wings

Notable Collections

Stone Steles

The museum houses several masterpieces of Chinese calligraphy:

1. Cao Quan Stele: A Han Dynasty masterpiece showcasing the development of clerical script.

2. Duobao Pagoda Stele: Written by Yan Zhenqing in 752 CE, this piece exemplifies the classic Kai script style.

3. Nestorian Stele: One of the world's most significant archaeological finds, documenting Christianity's arrival in China during the Tang Dynasty.

Stone Sculptures

1. The Stone Horse of Da Xia: The only surviving stone sculpture from the Da Xia Kingdom (424 CE), carved from yellow granite.

2. Zhaoling Six Steeds: Famous Tang Dynasty relief carvings depicting Emperor Taizong's favorite horses. Four of the original six steeds are displayed here, while two are housed in the University of Pennsylvania Museum.

Visitor Tips

1. Guided Tours

• Audio guides: ¥30 (¥100 deposit required)
• Professional guides: ¥100 per hour (up to 6 people)
• Advance booking recommended during peak season

2. Photography Guidelines

• Flash photography is prohibited
• Some areas may restrict photography
• Please maintain appropriate distance from artifacts

3. Best Time to Visit

• Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
• Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit
• Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather

Nearby Attractions

Dining

• Zhu Xiuying Hulutou (葫芦头) - Famous for traditional Xi'an soups
• Qin Yu Rou Jia Mo - Authentic Xi'an hamburgers
• Zhang Ji Rou Jia Mo on Ziwu Road - Local favorite for meat sandwiches

Accommodation

Several options are available near the museum:

• Budget: Home Inn Neo
• Mid-range: Orange Crystal Hotel
• Luxury: Grand Hyatt Xi'an

Transportation

From Major Hubs

• From Xi'an Railway Station: Take Tourist Bus 6 or Wu Long Special Line
• From Xi'an North Railway Station: Take Metro Line 2
• From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport: Take Airport Shuttle Bus to Bell Tower, then Metro Line 2

The Xi'an Beilin Museum offers visitors a unique journey through Chinese history, art, and culture. Its extensive collection of stone steles and sculptures provides invaluable insights into ancient Chinese civilization, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Chinese history and calligraphy.