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Chengdu Museum's clay figurines collection

Chengdu Museum

Overview

The Chengdu Museum, located in the heart of the city next to Tianfu Square, is a comprehensive modern museum showcasing the rich history and culture of Chengdu. With six floors of exhibitions covering everything from natural history to traditional arts, it offers visitors a deep dive into the region's 4,000-year heritage.

Chengdu Museum's clay figurines collection

Essential Information

Admission

  • Free admission with advance reservation
  • Reservations open 14 days in advance at 19:00 daily
  • Book through the official WeChat account or website (http://www.cdmuseum.com/)
  • Maximum 5 people per reservation
  • Valid ID required for entry

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
  • Friday & Saturday: 9:00 - 20:30 (Last entry 19:30)
  • Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)

Getting There

  • Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Tianfu Square Station, Exit West 1
  • Bus: Routes 13, 30, 43, 47, 64, 78 to Xiyujie Station

Exhibition Highlights

Natural History Exhibition (B1)

The basement level houses the Belin Natural History Exhibition, featuring an impressive collection of animal specimens from around the world. This interactive space is particularly engaging for children, with lifelike displays of African lions, giraffes, and deer in their natural habitats.

Ancient Chengdu (2F)

The second floor showcases Chengdu's history from the Pre-Qin period to the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Key exhibits include:

The famous smiling face of Chengdu Museum's clay figurine
  • The Stone Rhinoceros: Weighing 8.5 tons, this massive stone sculpture is the museum's most iconic piece. According to legend, it was created by Li Bing, the engineer of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, to control water spirits.
  • The "Chengdu Smile": A collection of expressive clay figurines that showcase the region's ancient folk art.

Imperial Chengdu (3F)

The third floor covers the Sui to Qing dynasties, displaying:

  • Exquisite porcelain pieces
  • Gold and silver artifacts
  • Terracotta figures reflecting daily life
Sanxingdui-style bronze mask at Chengdu Museum

Modern Chengdu (4F)

Split into two sections:

  • Modern History (1840-1949): Photographs and artifacts documenting Chengdu's modernization
  • Folk Customs: Interactive displays of local culture, including teahouse culture, traditional foods, and dialects

Shadow Puppets and Puppetry (5F)

Home to China's largest collection of shadow puppets and traditional puppets, this floor offers:

  • Displays from different regions of China
  • Interactive demonstrations
  • Regular performances

Rooftop Art Salon (6F)

  • Rotating art exhibitions
  • Café with panoramic views of Tianfu Square
  • Reading area and rest space

Must-See Treasures

  1. Stone Rhinoceros
  • Weight: 8.5 tons
  • Material: Red sandstone
  • Historical significance: Connected to ancient water control systems
  • Location: 2nd floor
  1. Han Dynasty Performance Figurine
  • Height: 56cm
  • Historical significance: Earliest known representation of Chinese musical performance
  • Notable features: Animated expression, drum-playing pose
  1. Tang Dynasty Gold-Plated Incense Holder
  • Craftsmanship: Intricate metalwork with double-axis design
  • Special feature: Maintains balance regardless of movement
  • Historical significance: Represents Tang Dynasty luxury items

Visitor Tips

  1. Photography Guidelines
  • No flash photography
  • Some exhibits restrict photography - look for signs
  • Best photo spots:
    • Museum exterior
    • Central spiral staircase
    • 6th-floor viewing area
  1. Services
  • Audio guides available (40 RMB rental, 200 RMB deposit)
  • Free WiFi throughout
  • Lockers for bags
  • Guided tours available in Chinese
  1. Best Times to Visit
  • Early morning (9:00-10:30) for fewer crowds
  • Friday and Saturday evenings for night views
  • Avoid Chinese holidays for better experience

Nearby Dining

Traditional Snacks

  • Xu Xiaomeng Beef Pancake (酥小蒙牛肉饼)
    • Location: 6 Xiyu Street
    • Specialty: Crispy beef pancakes (6 RMB each)

Local Restaurants

  • Jimaocai Restaurant (鸡毛菜馆)
    • Specialties: Kung Pao Chicken, Stone Pot Prawns
    • Price range: 50-100 RMB per person

Traditional Teahouse

  • Located in nearby People's Park
  • Traditional Sichuan-style tea service
  • Local snacks available

Planning Your Visit

Recommended Route (3-4 hours)

  1. Start at B1 (Natural History)
  2. Take elevator to 6F for overview
  3. Work down floor by floor
  4. End at special exhibitions on 1F

Time Allocation

  • Natural History (45 minutes)
  • Ancient Chengdu (1 hour)
  • Imperial Chengdu (45 minutes)
  • Modern Chengdu (45 minutes)
  • Shadow Puppets (30 minutes)
  • Special Exhibitions (30 minutes)