Forest of Stone Steles Museum
The Forest of Stone Steles Museum, located in Xi’an, China, is the world’s largest and most renowned collection of ancient Chinese stone carvings and calligraphy. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it houses over 3,000 stone steles dating from the Han to Qing dynasties, including Confucian classics, Buddhist scriptures, and historical inscriptions. The museum serves as a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, sculpture, and literature, preserving works by masters like Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan. Designated a national-level museum in 1961, it offers a profound glimpse into China’s intellectual and artistic heritage.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1087 to protect Confucian steles damaged during the Tang Dynasty’s decline, the museum expanded under Ming and Qing emperors. Key milestones include the 1733 Qing Dynasty renovation, which added pavilions for the “Thirteen Classics,” and the 1937 relocation of the Kaicheng Stone Classics—a Tang-era collection of Confucian texts. During World War II, steles were buried to prevent destruction, later unearthed and restored. Today, the museum stands as a testament to China’s dedication to preserving cultural memory.
Architectural Layout
The museum spans three main exhibition halls and a garden:
- Stele Pavilion 1: Features the “Thirteen Classics” and Tang Dynasty steles.
- Stele Pavilion 2: Showcases Buddhist sculptures and Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing steles.
- Stone Art Gallery: Displays funerary reliefs, tomb maps, and architectural components.
- Stele Forest Garden: A serene outdoor space with Tang Dynasty steles and bamboo groves.
Key structures include the Xianling Pavilion (for the Kaicheng Stone Classics) and the Li Cheng Memorial Hall (dedicated to the Tang Dynasty calligrapher).
Major Attractions
- Kaicheng Stone Classics: A Tang Dynasty collection of 114 Confucian texts carved under Emperor Wenzong.
- Nestorian Stele: A 781 CE Tang-era monument documenting early Christianity in China.
- Stele of the Multitude of Buddhas: A 681 CE Tang work with 2,500 carved Buddha figures.
- Xingjing Stele: An 837 CE Tang stele recording the “Xuanjing Scripture,” a lost Buddhist text.
- Zhu Shiqin’s Calligraphy: A Ming Dynasty stele praised as the “Crown of Regular Script.”
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Main Gate → Stele Pavilion 1 → Xianling Pavilion → Stele Forest Garden.
Highlights: Thirteen Classics, Kaicheng Stone Classics, and Tang Dynasty steles. -
Cultural Route (3 hours):
Main Gate → Stele Pavilion 2 → Stone Art Gallery → Nestorian Stele → Li Cheng Memorial Hall.
Highlights: Buddhist sculptures, funerary art, and cross-cultural inscriptions. -
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Full circuit including all halls, gardens, and temporary exhibitions.
Highlights: In-depth study of calligraphy evolution and Tang-Song art.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official website or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited daily quota.
- Prices: ¥65 (adults), ¥32.5 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m.
- Free Days: International Museum Day (May 18) and China Cultural Heritage Day (June’s second Saturday).
Transportation
- By Subway: Line 2 to “Yongningmen Station” (Exit D), 10-minute walk.
- By Bus: Routes 14, 23, 40, or 208 to “Forest of Stone Steles Stop.”
- By Taxi: Direct to the main gate; fare ≈ ¥12 from Xi’an city center.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:00 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
- Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
- Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild temperatures.
- Essentials:
- Bring a notepad for rubbings (available in the gift shop).
- Photography allowed (no flash in pavilions).
- Prohibited items: Tripods, large backpacks, and food inside galleries.
