Xi’an Beilin Museum

Freshly renovated in 2025, the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆) is one of China’s oldest and most respected museums. Famous for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles (engraved tablets) and traditional calligraphy, the museum covers 40,000 square meters and houses more than 2,000 cultural relics.

Originally established during the Song Dynasty, the museum began as part of a Confucian Temple. Over the centuries, it has grown into a major cultural and historical site, offering a deep dive into Chinese art, religion, and education through stone inscriptions and sculpture.

🏛️ Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

• Forest of Stone Steles (碑林):
  This is the heart of the museum, featuring over 3,000 engraved stones, including Confucian classics, historical texts, and iconic examples of Chinese calligraphy.

• Notable Treasures:

  • Kaicheng Stone Classics (开成石经) – 12 Confucian texts carved in AD 837.

  • The Nestorian Stele (大秦景教流行中国碑) – A rare Tang Dynasty (AD 781) monument recording the presence of Christianity in ancient China.

  • Calligraphy by Masters – Works from famous calligraphers like Wang Xizhi, Yan Zhenqing, and Liu Gongquan.

• Stone Sculpture Gallery:
  Features exquisite Buddhist statues and reliefs dating from the Han to Tang dynasties.

🧭 Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: No. 15, Sanxue Street, Beilin District, Xi’an (inside the old city wall, near the South Gate)

🕘 Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
Note: Hours may vary on public holidays

🎟️ Ticket Price: Adults: ¥50, Students & Seniors: ¥25 (with valid ID), Children under 1.2m: Free

🌐 Website: www.beilin-museum.com/index

⌛ Suggested Visit Time: 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the steles, galleries, and sculpture garden at a relaxed pace

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Great for: History buffs, art lovers, and anyone interested in ancient Chinese culture and writing.

Whether you’re passionate about history or simply curious about China’s rich heritage, the Xi’an Beilin Museum is a must-see destination during your visit to Xi’an!