Jinsha Site Museum

Historical Overview

Unearthed in 2001, the Jinsha site rewrote the history of Chengdu, proving its role as a 3,000-year-old political, economic, and cultural hub. The discovery of dense ivory deposits, gold artifacts, and jade relics—unparalleled in scale and craftsmanship—provided critical evidence of the Shu Kingdom’s sophistication. Notably, the site bridges the gap between the earlier Sanxingdui civilization and the historical Shu state, offering insights into their sudden decline. In 2007, the museum opened to the public, preserving these treasures and solidifying Jinsha’s status as a national archaeological site park and first-class museum.

Architectural Layout

The museum’s design harmoniously blends conservation with education:

• Relics Hall: Built directly over the excavation site, this structure protects ancient ritual pits and ritual remains, allowing visitors to witness the archaeological context firsthand.
• Exhibition Hall: A sloped, jade-tablet-inspired building housing five galleries—”Ancient Homeland,” “Royal Capital,” “Eternal Celestial Connections,” “Timeless Treasures,” and “Decoding Jinsha”—which chronicle the civilization’s rise and rituals.
• Cultural Relics Protection and Restoration Center: Utilizes advanced technology to conserve fragile artifacts, including the famed Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament.
• Garden Area: Features the U-Wood Forest, composed of 60+ ancient ebony, and the Jinsha Deer Park, blending nature with cultural symbolism.

Key Exhibits

1. Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament: A 94.2% pure gold masterpiece (12.5 cm diameter) depicting 12 solar rays and four birds, adopted as China’s cultural heritage symbol in 2005.
2. Gold Mask: The largest gold mask of the Shang-Zhou period (19.5 cm long), showcasing advanced goldsmithing techniques linked to Sanxingdui.
3. Ten-Section Jade Cong: A 22.2 cm jade artifact with human-face motifs, linking Jinsha to the Liangzhu culture and ancient trade networks.
4. Ivory Horde: Over 1,000 ivory tusks, the largest such cache globally, reflecting the site’s ritual significance.
5. Bronze Standing Figure: A rare life-sized statue offering clues about Shu’s governance and societal structure.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2 hours):

• Relics Hall → Exhibition Hall → U-Wood Forest → Jinsha Deer Park
• Highlights: Core ritual sites, garden landscapes, and deer interactions.

1. In-Depth Route (3–4 hours):

• Relics Hall → Exhibition Hall → Cultural Relics Protection Center → U-Wood Forest
• Highlights: Conservation techniques, extended artifact displays, and 4D films.

1. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):

• Relics Hall → Exhibition Hall → Garden Area → Jinsha Theater → Special Exhibitions
• Highlights: Live performances, temporary exhibits, and immersive cultural experiences.

Ticket Purchase

• Online Booking: Reserve via the official website or WeChat up to 7 days in advance.
• On-Site Purchase: Limited tickets available daily; arrive early to avoid queues.
• Prices:
  • Adults: ¥70
  • Students/Seniors: ¥35
  • Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

• Metro:
  • Line 7: Exit at Jinsha Site Museum Station (C Exit).
  • Line 2: Exit at Yipintianxia Station (B Exit), then take a short bus/taxi ride.
• Bus: Routes 82, 83, 111, 163, G175, 209, 1029, 1043, or 1123 to “Jinsha Site East Gate” or “Jinsha Site” stops.
• Taxi: Direct to the South Gate (Jinsha Site Road) or North Gate (Jinbo Road).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (9 AM opening) or late afternoon.
• Crowds: Weekdays are quieter; weekends and holidays attract larger groups.
• Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures.
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes (expect 15,000+ steps).
  • Stay hydrated; food and drinks are available inside.
  • Photography allowed (no flash in galleries).
  • Prohibited items: Selfie sticks, drones, and large bags.